GASTONIA, N.C. – The Charlotte Checkers Race Night presented by WIX Filters on Jan. 24 raised nearly $19,000 for area non-profit organizations through jersey auctions, mystery puck sales and fundraising ticket sales.
Proceeds from the auction of race-themed jerseys worn by the Checkers will benefit Rescue Ranch, a non-profit animal welfare organization formed by NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Ryan Newman and his wife Krissie, Hospitality House of Charlotte and the Isabella Santos Foundation.
“Each year, Checkers Race Night coincides with the start of the new NASCAR season, and this year’s event also coincides with the kick-off of WIX’s 75th anniversary,” said Mike Harvey, brand manager for WIX Filters, a member of the Affinia Group family of brands. “More than 600 WIX employees and their families joined the sold-out crowd and experienced the best of both sports.”
In addition to Newman, who drives the No. 31 for Richard Childress Racing, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers Joey Logano and Clint Bowyer headlined the Checkers’ eighth annual Race Night and participated in a pre-game autograph session for fans. Newman also participated in the puck drop with Harvey and Jeff Blocher, vice president of sales for WIX.
The first 2,500 fans through the door received a Checkers cowbell, courtesy of ImageMark, and the first 5,000 fans received Bojangles’ gift cards worth $1 to $100. In addition, a video featuring WIX employees and the company’s 75th anniversary was shown during the game.
The Checkers won the game 9-3 over the Oklahoma City Barons at Time Warner Cable Arena.
