RICHMOND, Va. -- Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. announced on Friday that it has teamed with U.S. Army No. 01 Chevrolet driver Joe Nemechek in its continuing support of Operation Gratitude, a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization that prepares and sends care packages to U.S. troops deployed overseas.
To help kick off the Patriotic Drive, an initiative for which Checkers®/Rally's® joined forces with Operation Gratitude and America Supports You, the double drive-thru chain will donate $100,000 to Operation Gratitude if Nemechek wins Saturday night's Nextel Cup race at Richmond International Raceway.
Nemechek, who will serve as a spokesperson for the Patriotic Drive, won the Richmond race in May, 2003.
"Checkers/Rally's is excited to kick-off the Patriotic Drive with the opportunity to donate $100,000 to Operation Gratitude if Joe Nemechek wins at Richmond," said Keith E. Sirois, president and CEO of Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. "This is a fun way to create excitement supporting this important initiative. And, as driver of the U.S. Army Chevrolet, Joe Nemechek plays a significant role in honoring and recognizing the courageous men and women who have dedicated themselves to serving our country.
"Both NASCAR and Joe are American institutions, and we couldn't think of a better way to launch this initiative in support of the troops than by standing behind Joe at one of the most anticipated NASCAR races of the year."
"I am thrilled to be racing in support of such a worthy cause as Operation Gratitude," Nemechek said. "Hopefully, fate will be on my side and I can bring home the $100,000 check. That would be a great way to show our troops overseas how much we appreciate and respect them for all that they do."
If Nemechek takes first place at Richmond, he will personally award Operation Gratitude with a $100,000 check from Checkers/Rally's during the post-race ceremonies.
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"We are extremely grateful to Checkers/Rally's and Joe Nemechek for supporting Operation Gratitude," said Carolyn Blashek, founder of Operation Gratitude. "Because of Checkers/Rally's continued support, and the recognition Joe Nemechek brings to our organization, thousands of military men and women around the world will receive a care package and our well wishes this Fourth of July."
The Patriotic Drive will take place from May 8 to June 14. Gifts for military care packages can be donated at participating Checkers/Rally's locations nationwide. All items collected will be used by Operation Gratitude to prepare and send individual care packages to military men and women deployed overseas.
The items most requested by the troops include: mini battery-operated fans; bandana cool ties; CDs and DVDs; high-tech gear such as computer flash drives, hand-held video games and disposable cameras; small snack foods; and personal letters of support.
"Checkers/Rally's is proud to be team members with Operation Gratitude and America Supports You, and we thank them for their tireless efforts in support of our troops," Sirois said. "We'd also like to thank DHL for signing on as the official shipping partner for the Patriotic Drive. We sincerely appreciate DHL's generous participation and logistical support."