IPS: IRL: Firestone benefit concert at Indy announced

FIRESTONE RACING "EVENING OF GIVING" BENEFIT CONCERT AND CHARITY AUCTION READY TO REV IT UP ONCE AGAIN FOR TRIO OF CHILDREN'S CHARITIES

2nd Annual Event Features Live and Silent Auctions, Driver Appearances, Carl Storie Band

INDIANAPOLIS (April 20, 2007) -- The newest must-attend May social and charitable event in Indianapolis is set again to drop the green flag on the month's festivities surrounding the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race. The second annual "Firestone Racing Evening of Giving Benefit Concert and Charity Auction" returns to The Music Mill on the city's north side, on the evening of Tuesday, May 8.

Presented by WTTS 92.3 FM, the "Firestone Racing Evening of Giving Benefit Concert and Charity Auction" features live and silent auctions of racing items benefiting three important local children's charities, appearances and autograph sessions involving IndyCar Series, Indy Pro Series and U.S. Auto Club drivers and celebrities, food, drink and fun. The entertainment highlight of the evening features a concert by the legendary Carl Storie Band.

The "Evening of Giving," also sponsored by NUVO, and the Music Mill runs from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at The Music Mill, 3720 East 82nd Street, just east of Keystone at the Crossing. The autograph session at 7:30 p.m. is scheduled to include current and past racing stars. The live auction, beginning at 8 p.m., includes the chance to be an honorary crewmember for the day with an Indy Pro Series team at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and a ride in the IRL two-seater car. Proceeds from the "Evening of Giving" benefit Indiana Children's Wish Fund, Racing for Corey and IRL Kids.

Admission is $60 per person (must be 21 years or older to attend). VIP tables for 12 are $720 and VIP tables for 10 are $600. Donations are tax deductible, but space is limited. For reservations, call (317) 356-7279.

Racing for Corey was founded in 1999 in memory of a 9-year-old Indiana Children's Wish child Corey Hanchar. Corey was grante d a wish from Indiana Children's Wish Fund and received a red quarter-midget car. With the help of KECO Coatings and Indy-car driver Tyce Carlson, Corey's wish came true. Now his inspiration continues through various Racing for Corey events. www.racingforcorey.com

Indiana Children's Wish Fund, established in 1984, grants wishes to Indiana children, ages 2-19, who suffer from a life-threatening illness. Wishes include: trips to Disney, shopping sprees, home computers, meeting celebrities and much more! To date, the Wish Fund has granted nearly 1,700 wishes for Indiana children. www.indianachildrenswishfund.org

Founded in 1988, IRL Kids' on-site childcare program has become a significant part of the racing community. Provided to all participants of the Indy Racing League, through IRL Kids, families have the opportunity to stay together while traveling the IRL circuit. IRL Kids is an activity-based program that provides a safe environment set up just for kids, with activities, lunch, snacks, toys and fun! IRL Kids will care for more than 250 children this year.

Firestone, part of Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT), is the Official Tire and exclusive supplier to both the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race and the Indy Racing League. Based in Nashville, Tenn., BFNT is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc., whose parent company, Bridgestone Corporation, is the world's largest tire and rubber company. BFNT develops, manufactures and markets Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton and associate and private brand tires. The company is focused on wholesale and original equipment markets, supplying passenger, light truck, commercial vehicle, off-road, agricultural and other tires to its customers in North America. www.firestonetire.com.

-credit: firestone