FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts: Brent Rinehart, The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte [email protected], 704‐619‐5328

2018 NASCAR HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE RAY EVERNHAM TO SPEAK AT ANNUAL SALVATION ARMY BOYS & GIRLS CLUB “STEAK & BURGER” DINNER

Event on Tuesday, Oct. 24 at the Charlotte Convention Center will raise support & awareness for the local Clubs

CHARLOTTE, NC (Oct. 24, 2017) – Ray Evernham, longtime crew chief for and part of the 2018 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee class, will speak at the annual Steak & Burger Dinner to benefit The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Charlotte. The event, which includes an opportunity for supporters to dine with members of the Clubs, raises awareness and financial resources for the eight local Clubs in Mecklenburg and Union counties.

“Our annual Steak & Burger dinner is when we really get to showcase what the Clubs are all about,” said Marty Clary, executive director of The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Charlotte. “I know our Club members are looking forward to an inspirational message from Ray about what it takes to succeed. And, that’s what we are all about – providing kids with a safe place and all the tools they need to be a productive citizen in our community, regardless of the career path they choose.”

The event takes place on Tuesday, Oct. 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the Richardson Ballroom at the Charlotte Convention Center. Longtime Boys & Girls Clubs supporter (and former Club member) Larry Sprinkle from WCNC will serve as the emcee for the evening. Club members will provide entertainment.

This year marks the 27th year of the “Steak & Burger” dinner in Charlotte. Its name is derived from the menu served – the adults in attendance eat the burgers, the kids eat the steak. The Charlotte International Auto Show is the event’s presenting sponsor. Hendrick Automotive Group is sponsoring a special VIP reception prior to the event at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

About Ray Evernham Crew chief Ray Evernham guided Jeff Gordon and the No. 24 team to three championships in four seasons (1995, ’97, ’98), and a series-leading 47 wins in the 1990s. Among their triumphs were two Daytona 500s (1997, ’99) and two Brickyard 400s (1994, ’98). Matching Evernham’s mechanical prowess was his innovation on pit road. Under his direction, the “Rainbow Warriors” revolutionized the art of the . In 2001, Evernham tried his hand at ownership, leading the return of to NASCAR. His drivers won 13 times, including NASCAR Hall of Famer ’s triumph in the 2002 Brickyard 400. Today, Evernham hosts “AmeriCARna” on Velocity and works as an consultant for and color analyst on NBCSN.

About The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Charlotte The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs was founded locally in 1935 on North Poplar Street. Today, eight clubs serve nearly 2,500 school-aged children, including more than 1,700 members, in Mecklenburg and Union counties. Programs include academics, recreation, the arts, character and leadership, and health and life skills. The clubs are located in diverse neighborhoods from Charlotte Housing Authority sites to the nation’s only club in a homeless shelter. The Boys & Girls Clubs is a division of The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte. For more information, visit www.bgccharlotte.org.

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Media Note: Please contact Brent Rinehart at [email protected] if you plan to cover the event. For those unable to attend, photos will be made available following the event.