In an effort to help support the development of today's youth, the American Le Mans
Series has teamed up with The Salvation Army, the official charity of the Series,
to form a national Grid Kids program.
Described as providing a "once-in-a lifetime event for some" by Major Joe Posillico,
the Golden State Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army, a key facet of the
program involves giving children who participate in activities at The Salvation
Army centers VIP treatment at American Le Mans Series events. In addition to an
autograph session and visits with Series drivers, Grid Kids participants are also
given an up close look at some of the Series race cars.
Among the American Le Mans Series drivers who participated in The Salvation Army
Grid Kids program in 2005 was Petersen/White Lightning driver Patrick Long. "It's
obviously a great opportunity for the teams to interact with the youth and what
is undeniably our future," said Long. "It wasn't long ago that I was the same age
as these kids and so excited about meeting race car drivers."
Serving America's youth for 125 years, The Salvation Army community centers provide
young people with religious and character building programs such as Sunday school,
troop programs, music classes, athletics, arts and crafts, camping and family services.
Through the services it provides, The Salvation Army's outreach covers more than
100 countries and 30 million people a year. Within the United States, The Salvation
Army is a member agency of local affiliates of the United Way of America.
"We are extremely pleased to take our involvement with The Salvation Army to the
next level," said American Le Mans Series President and CEO Scott Atherton. "It
is an entity that is renowned around the world as one of the pre-eminent organizations
that is constantly reaching out to help and support others. We at the American Le
Mans Series recognize our role in doing the same, and through the Grid Kids program,
hope to make a difference in young people's lives."
To learn more about the Salvation Army or to make a donation, please click here.
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