The Austin Hatcher Foundation has benefited from its continued support from Ford Racing Mustang Challenge and BFGoodrich Tires. During the 2009 year end celebration, Ford Mustang Racing Challenge Series Director Lynda Randall presented the Foundation with a check for $30,000 with an additional $10,000 donation coming from one of the series participants.

The money was raised through the combined efforts of the series, its drivers, BFGoodrich Tires and Hurst Performance. Along with their donations from winnings, drivers participated throughout the season in the Foundatio's diversionary therapy events designed to give families dealing with the effects of pediatric cancer a chance to escape the world of hospitals and doctors and create lasting memories together.

The drivers not only spent time with families at the track, but also visited local children's hospitals in cities during the race season. More 100 children and adults were served.

BFGoodrich Tires donated a one-of-a-kind tire for a silent auction to benefit the Austin Hatcher Foundation during the 45th Anniversary Celebration of the Ford Mustang at Barber Motorsports Park.

The "Mustang Tire," a piece of motorsports history, bears a tread of
15 horses that represent the mustang logo. During Ford Mustang Racing Challenge's 2009 season awards banquet, the Austin Hatcher Foundation hosted the first BFGoodrich/Ford Racing Mustang Challenge/Husrt Performance Pinewood Derby, where close to 50 pinewood derby cars custom-built to resemble the famous "pony" car were entered in the race.

"BFGoodrich Tires and Ford Mustang Racing Challenge's sustained support of the Foundation and its mission has helped create lasting memories and provide much needed support for many families across the country," said Jim Osborn, co-founder of the Austin Hatcher Foundation. "We are truly fortunate to have the support of these world class organizations."

The Austin Hatcher Foundation for a carefree childhood was formed in 2006 after Amy Jo and Jim Osborn lost their infant son Hatch to a rare form of pediatric cancer. The foundation's mission is to support research towards the diagnosis, treatment and development of a cure for pediatric cancer, and to provide support and hope to children and families undergoing treatment as well as those who have lost children due to cancer. The foundation has developed a landmark group of programs and services essential to help cancer stricken children and their families function within their community.

Hatch's House of Hope is a unique concept designed to keep the family unit whole when dealing with pediatric cancer. Specifically, these services include IEP neurocognitive testing, educational programming to help effected children overcome their cognitive and learning deficits, emotional counseling for the cancer affected child, their siblings and parents, and marital and financial counseling to ensure a safe environment to maximize the family growth as a whole. Erlanger Medical Mall is the site of the first Hatch's House of Hope, which opened its doors Sept. 18.

For more information, visit www.hatcherfoundation.org.