GT3 Challenge charity news 2010-12-10

THE PATRÓN GT3 CHALLENGE BY YOKOHAMA SUPPORTS THE AUSTIN HATCHER FOUNDATION

BRASELTON, GA (December 10, 2010) -- The Patrón GT3 Challenge by Yokohama has named the Austin Hatcher Foundation its official charity for 2011.

"We are really looking forward to working with the Austin Hatcher Foundation," said Series Manager Mike Simons. "It's a chance for our drivers to have a positive impact on kids dealing with pediatric cancer and to raise money and awareness about this devastating disease."

The announcement comes just in time to support the American Le Mans Series Presented by Tequila Patrón's 25 Days of Giving campaign. The campaign encourages fans to donate to the "Fuel for Families" or "Food for Families" programs, which have been established to help offset the cost of treatment for children who are currently enrolled in Hatch's House of Hope, which provides families with essential tools to live quality and meaningful lives as cancer survivors. Other donation packages will provide art and music therapy classes and family counseling sessions which will help families cope with this life-changing disease. The goal of the campaign is to raise $10,000 during the month of December donations can be made at www.hatcherfoundation.org/give/

During the season, drivers from the Patrón GT3 Challenge by Yokohama will visit pediatric wards in various race markets nationwide to directly interact and support the children with pediatric cancer and their families.

The Austin Hatcher Foundation celebrates the life of Austin Hatcher Osborn, who was diagnosed with malignant brain tumors when he was only seven weeks old. The Foundation supports research towards the diagnoses, treatment and development of a cure for pediatric cancer and to provide support and hope to children and families undergoing treatment as well as to those who have lost children due to cancer.

The Patrón GT3 Challenge by Yokohama features semi-professional drivers racing head to head in the largest single-make series in North America. Powered by one of the world's most successful race cars, the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car, the multi-class structure of the series teaches drivers essential skills for an eventual career in the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón.

-source: imsa