“It was really, really moving to be there and just listen to the family members’ stories. It’s amazing to hear these stories and realize the depth of support that the foundation provides for these families.”
– Gina from Fetha Styx
At the “AAA 400” NASCAR Spring Cup Series race, Fetha Styx showed its continuing support for the men and women serving us as police and firemen. Fetha Styx already donates $10 per rod sale from the “True Hero” series to either the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation or the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Last week, Gina represented Fetha Styx at Dover International Speedway where we partnered with NASCAR and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) to raise money for NFFF and their commitment to honor our fallen fire heroes as well as provide assistance to their families and coworkers.
Families of fallen firefighters pre-race.
NFFF sponsors an annual national tribute to all firefighters who died in the line of duty during the previous year. The weekend features special programs for survivors and coworkers along with public ceremonies — and all expenses for immediate survivors of firefighters honored are covered by the foundation. In addition, NFFF has a crisis team ready in every state to provide instantaneous assistance in the unfortunate case a firefighter falls. For more information on all that NFFF does, visit their site.
Gina emphasizes how impressed Fetha Styx is with NFFF. She says, “The amount of support that the foundation provides is absolutely phenomenal.”
The "big check."
Fetha Styx will tell you that the weekend was very successful — and the numbers from this year’s event are staggering. Attendance more than quadrupled from last year’s 500 to over 2,000. Tickets and merchandise sales from the weekend raised a hearty $98,000 to bring the total amount raised from the two races to $125,900. This financial contribution is invaluable to NFFF’s programs, and a heartfelt acknowledgment from the public of how much the men and women who serve us are appreciated.
Kevin Harvick, driver of #29 Shell Pennzoil (left), and Mark Rossi, VP of Sales and Marketing for Dover Speedway (right), during pre-race Q&A.
Fetha Styx helped ensure the event’s success by stepping in as a corporate sponsor. Not only does the event raise money for NFFF, but also it provides those in attendance the opportunity to view a special pre-race, access the NFFF hospitality area, and a trackside tour of the track. The race, though, wasn’t the only center of attraction. Fetha Styx was pleased to show more people the “True Hero” series rods. Unsurprisingly, Gina reports that “The rod line-up had a remarkable reception from all the firefighters that were there.”
On top of a serious cause and talking rods, the “AAA 400″ was a great time. Trailer Choir performed the National Anthem before the race, and were a definite highlight — one of the best performances of the National Anthem that we’ve ever heard!
 Gina with Big Benny of Trailer Choir. |
 Bink with Crystal of Trailer Choir. |
Video of Trailer Choir’s performance of the National Anthem: httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tBmiVnQijc
However, there’s no denying where the true gratification from the event comes from. For Fetha Styx, the most memorable aspect of the event was, “realizing how much money we [all] just raised, and what that money is going to do for the families NFFF supports.”
Please stay tuned for future updates on Fetha Styx’ contributions to Amerca’s police and firemen.
A few more pictures:
For information on purchasing a Fetha Styx “True Hero” rod, please call 425.376.0200.
Dover Speedway event article.
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
About National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
The United States Congress created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to lead a nationwide effort to remember America’s fallen firefighters. Since 2, the tax-exempt, nonprofit Foundation has developed and expanded programs to honor our fallen fire heroes and assist their families and coworkers. The Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, located in Emmitsburg, Maryland. It is registered as a corporation in the State of Maryland. The Foundation receives funding through private donations from caring individuals, organizations, corporations, and foundations.’