Lionel Racing, the official Die-cast of NASCAR and agency of the Racing Collectables Club of America, raised more than $26,000 for Nationwide Children’s Hospital during its annual RCCA member’s event May 21 in Concord, N.C.
Nationwide partnered with Lionel Racing to provide RCCA members an opportunity to purchase a limited amount of tickets to participate in a meet and greet with NASCAR’s Dale Earnhardt, Jr. which included a Q&A session. Lionel Racing also auctioned a pair of rare Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Die-cast cars and Earnhardt Jr. collectables were on display during two silent auctions.
Proceeds from the purchase of tickets and auctions all benefited Nationwide Children’s.
As part of the day, Lionel Racing also announced their donation of 430 Lionel Trains and cars valued at more than $20,000 to the hospital’s Family and Volunteer Services for distribution for patient family’s entertainment.
“We are so grateful to the Lionel team for their tremendous generosity,” Jim Digan, president of Nationwide Children’s Hospital Foundation, said. “By partnering with Nationwide and Dale Earnhardt, Jr., they raised funds that will go directly to support lifesaving pediatric research and care at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Additionally, the donation of these beautiful train sets will brighten the day for many children when they need it most.”
“Nationwide Children’s Hospital has an impact on the lives of children and their families which is truly tremendous,” said Howard Hitchcock, President of Lionel. “We are honored to be just a small part of their mission to help children in need, and we are grateful for partners like Nationwide and Dale Earnhardt Jr. who helped us do that.”