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NASCAR'S RICK CRAWFORD SUPPORTS BUBEL-AIKEN
« on: November 17, 2003, 03:45:01 PM »
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The Bubel/Aiken Foundation and Circle Bar Racing Show Support for Children with Special Needs
By Jeff Opalach
Homestead, FL - NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series veteran Rick Crawford and the Circle Bar Racing team will proudly display their support this weekend at the Homestead-Miami Speedway of The Bubel/Aiken Foundation founded by American Idol star Clay Aiken. The team joins The Foundation's campaign to raise awareness for children with developmental disabilities by carrying The Bubel/Aiken logo on the no. 14 Circle Bar Ford F-150.
Long before he became an internationally recognized musical artist, Clay Aiken's life ambition was to work with individuals with disabilities. While on staff at the YMCA, Clay had to watch children with special needs be turned away because trained staff wasn't available to integrate the children into programs with typical children or because the child to staff ratio was too high to effectively adapt. Although Aiken is presently occupied with the music industry, he remains passionate about assisting youth with special needs to live full lives in the real world.
"The Bubel/Aiken Foundation envisions a world where young people with developmental disabilities are totally immersed in all life has to offer. We will build our legacy by breaking down the barriers that prevent families from obtaining the services and financial assistance they need while serving as a watchdog to make sure the public continues to keep those barriers down," says Aiken.
The relationship between Circle Bar Racing and The Bubel/Aiken Foundation began through Foundation volunteer Penny Rogers, wife of Circle Bar employee Gerald Rogers. Circle Bar Racing began running the Foundation's logo in Phoenix two weeks ago and will continue through the season ending Ford 200.
"One of our employees and his wife support the great causes of the Bubel/Aiken Foundation and we wanted to show our support," said Crawford. NASCAR is the fastest growing sport in America and Clay Aiken is one of the fastest growing artists. By running this decal we can generate awareness for The Bubel/Aiken Foundation and help raise awareness for children with special needs.
"Rick Crawford and his team understand the importance of using their visibility to help change attitudes that unfairly stereotype children with disabilities. Our partnership with the Circle Bar Racing Team will help us redirect attention toward the abilities these children possess and how, each day, our lives are enriched by their full participation," adds Fran Skinner-Lewis, Executive Director of the Foundation.
Green Flag coverage of the season ending NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Ford 200 from the Homestead-Miami Speedway begins Friday, November 14th at 3:00 pm on the Speed Channel and MRN radio affiliates.
RICK CRAWFORD
