Ford Racing Mustang Challenge for the Miller Cup officials announced a partnership with the Austin Hatcher Foundation, founded by Jim and Amy Jo Osborn, of Ooltewah, which will be the official charity of Mustang Challenge starting with the 2009 race season.
Mustang Challenge will raise awareness of this worthy case throughout the year and will also utilize the race meetings as a new avenue to create fundraising opportunities for the Foundation.
The Austin Hatcher Foundation's mission is to support research towards the diagnoses, treatment and development of a cure for pediatric cancer and to provide support and hope to children and families undergoing treatment as well as to those who have lost children due to cancer.
The Austin Hatcher Foundation also champions bold research, new treatments, and the vision for a cure.
"Mustang Challenge is proud to partner with such a worthy cause," said Mustang Challenge series director Lynda Randall. "Jim and Amy Jo (Osborn) are incredible people who have turned their loss into something amazing that is helping so many children and their families. Our Mustang Challenge staff, teams, and drivers are all looking forward to being a part of their success in the future."
Jim and Amy Jo Osborn started the Austin Hatcher Foundation after the loss of their son, Austin Hatcher, to a childhood cancer, the number one disease killer of children.
"We are grateful everyday for the support that the Austin Hatcher Foundation receives from individuals, companies, and organizations like the Mustang Challenge," said Amy Jo Osborn. "Raising awareness and developing the resources for research are key priorities, and we are looking forward to doing both through this partnership, as well as brightening some days with visits to the race track for some of our young survivors!"
Please visit www.hatcherfoundation.org to find out what you can do to help.
The 2008 season will be featured in the reality show "Why We Race - The Mustang Challenge." The show will follow every twist and turn through the season and will be aired on Discovery's HD Theater for three consecutive Sundays starting Dec. 7 at 8 p.m.