Contact:  Amy Kempfer
(704) 455-4396
--For Immediate Release

Speedway Children’s Charities’ Gala Black-Tie Ball to Honor R.J. Reynolds

CONCORD, N.C. - (April 9, 2003) – R.J. Reynolds Co. will be honored during Speedway Children’s Charities 23rd annual Charity Ball Friday, May 23, at the Charlotte Merchandise Mart.  The event, held in conjunction with the May 25 Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, will be a tribute to R.J. Reynolds’ tireless efforts to increase awareness of racing, particularly in the Charlotte area.

Sponsored by UAW-GM motorsports, the gala affair is annually Charlotte’s largest black-tie benefit as well as one of the most successful fundraisers for the Charlotte Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities.

“The evening will be filled with much more than stories and statistics.  We’re really looking forward to paying tribute to this company and all the exposure it has given the racing industry,” said retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Tom Sadler, executive director of the Charities.

The evening begins with a reception and silent auction that will include vacation packages, sporting event tickets, rare racing memorabilia and numerous other items.  Television Personality John Roberts, host of “NASCAR This Morning” and “NASCAR Victory Lane,” will emcee the festivities.  Several guests will participate in the evening’s special production, including H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler, president and general manager of Lowe’s Motor Speedway, and various past winners of The Winston.  Following a mini-live auction led by Larry Hedrick, guests will be entertained by Black and Blue, a local variety band.

Individual tickets are $250 or a table of 10 can be purchased starting at $2,000.  Tickets and additional information can be obtained by calling (704) 455-4396.

Founded by Speedway Motorsports Chairman O. Bruton Smith, Speedway Children’s Charities is a non-profit foundation dedicated to helping children in need of medical, educational and social services.  Through donations, sponsorships and fund-raising events such as the May 23 ball, the organization distributes funds through a grant process to qualified non-profit organizations with a priority of improving the quality of life for children.