For Hometown News
The NASCAR Foundation hosted its second annual poker event, "High Speed Hold 'Em On The Halifax" on Feb. 20.
The evening brought together NASCAR personalities and local community leaders for a fun-filled night of charity Pro-Am high stakes. The NASCAR Foundation's annual $150,000 donation to benefit the Speediatrics children' care unit at Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach also was presented.
The NASCAR Foundation Chairwoman Betty Jane France was joined by co-chairs, Brett Dill, president of MG on the Halifax ownership group and Glenn Ritchey, former Daytona Beach mayor and president and CEO of Jon Hall Automotive Group. Greg "Fossil Man" Raymer, winner of the 2004 World Series of Poker Main Event and Heartland Poker Tour 2012 Player of the Year served as honorary tournament director.
Founded by Ms. France in 1999, Speediatrics is a NASCAR-themed pediatrics unit and is the only one of its kind in Central Florida that cares for more than 2,000 children each year, including about 300 of those receiving care in the Pediatric ICU at Halifax Health.
"Halifax Health is honored to once again be the recipient of the NASCAR Foundation's generous contribution towards our Speediatrics Unit," said Jeff Feasel, President and CEO of Halifax Health. "We have always valued our partnership with Betty Jane France, the France family and NASCAR and this support allows us to continue to provide the best possible health services to our children in an environment that is fun and comforting to these young patients and their families."
In its second year, the event has attracted a growing number of community partners who share in their support of the foundation's community giving. High Speed Hold 'Em 2013 sponsors included Halifax Health, SW Grill, Hendrick Daytona Honda and venue host MG on the Halifax, the 18-acre, luxury waterfront community and clubhouse.