WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (March 3, 2020) – The Watkins Glen International R.A.C.E. Foundation made a sizeable impact on the community in 2019, contributing a grand total of $297,370 in area donations to local youth non-profit groups through grants, donations, and in-kind donations throughout the season.
"The Racing and Community Enrichment Foundation was founded on the principle of doing good and giving back to the region,”Watkins Glen International President Michael Printup. “We are proud to live in this community, and it’s great to see these funds going to such deserving programs.”
In August, $5,500 was donated to The Teacher's Desk in honor of Buffalo Bills superfan Pancho Billa, Posthumous Grand Marshal for the Puerto Rican and Hispanic Day Parade of Western New York. The Watkins Glen International staff also participated in the inaugural Leader of the Pack Challenge at the Food Bank of the Southern Tier along with 14 local businesses and received the Community Impact Award, donating $8,500 to the organization in 2019.
The Foundation rounded out the 2019 season by contributing more than $60,000 to local non-profits organizations, including $7,000 to Painted Post Central School District for the annual lunch fund and$5,000 to Buffalo Mayor Brown’s Fund for Advancement, purchasing clothes and dress shoes for
veterans going to job interviews.
“We are grateful for the support we receive from our corporate partners like Watkins Glen International, who are committed to improving the quality of life for residents in the communities they call home,” President and CEO of the Food Bank of the Southern Tier, Natasha Thompson said. “WGI has supported our BackPack Program for several years, they’ve volunteered in our warehouse and sponsored our events. They have helped make our work possible as we work together to build and sustain hunger-free communities throughout the Southern Tier.”
The 2020 Watkins Glen International season kicks off April 4-5 with Opening Weekend at The Glen, an event highlighted by the opportunity for fans to take their car on course for three paced laps, with proceeds benefitting the Watkins Glen International R.A.C.E. Foundation.
The mission of R.A.C.E. is to meet the needs of local underserved populations with a focus on youth-oriented support. The foundation uses a backing of a close-knit community to foster meaningful fundraising efforts, while leaning on support from the international racing family. More information on the foundation is available at www.TheGlen.com/RACE.