"TIS THE SEASON FOR GIVING…

"Many people talk about the lack of community today, especially this time of the year when the spirit of giving seems to be ever more commercial," said Vicki Faivre, president of CARA Charities. "But when I look back on this year, and how much our racing family freely gives of itself, it gives one hope and encouragement. The monetary amounts are impressive, but they only tell part of the story. We average a major event a month and the time and effort our members put in to make these happen along with the support of our sponsors is incredible. You can't put a price tag on those donated hours."

Children's health and safety issues were a main focus this year as they have been since the inception of the charity in 1981. In partnership with the Bridgestone/Firestone Trust, CARA has donated over $875,000 to more than two dozen hospitals throughout America for infant safety seats for families unable to afford them.

Some of the activities during the 2006 race season included Raceway Rendezvous, the Indianapolis 500 Fashion Show, the Cleveland Grand Prix Track Walk, Concourse de Elegance at Chicagoland, and the Taste of Champ Car at Road America. Organizations that received the charitable proceeds from these actives include the Shirley Bettenhussen Children's Fund at Methodist Hospital, IRL Kids, the Hole in the Wall Gang, IRL and Champ Car Ministries, Paul Dana Memorial Fund, CARA Charities Benevolent Fund, Elkhart Lake Fire Department and First Responders, Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation, Cristiano Da Matta Recovery Fund, Rich Vogler High School Scholarship Fund, and the Lamb's Fold Women's Center of Joliet.

To paraphrase Frank Capra, it has been a Wonderful Year and a remarkable twenty five years. They would not have been possible without the champion support given by so many people and corporations. Thank you one and all.

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