Smile Train was the biggest winner as Tony Pedregon and his wife Andrea’s special auction Saturday at Summit Motorsports Park raised an impressive $21,400 to help treat children suffering from cleft lip and palate.
Attracted by hard-to-get souvenir items and the chance to mingle with some of NHRA’s top drivers, about 200 generous fans bid for such prized possessions as NHRA drivers’ starting line shirts, autographed driving gloves from NASCAR’s Jimmie Johnson, a Taylor Swift autographed and framed CD, plus many other objects.
“We are very fortunate to be involved in a sport where other drivers and team owners, and especially the fans, are able to pull together for a great cause,” said Tony Pedregon. “They are the ones we want to thank for such a successful event. It will have a major impact on many children’s lives.
Two of the items that created the most interest were a Simpson driver’s helmet adorned with pro drivers’ signatures and advertising space on the rear wing of Pedregon’s Funny Car.
“The amount we raised will cover 85 surgeries for children suffering from cleft lip and palate,” said Andrea Pedregon, the event organizer.
“The donated items made for great bidding wars which, in turn, created unbeatable entertainment. I am proud to present Smile Train with such a generous fundraising donation. I’m grateful for the overwhelming support we received.”
