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Give Back to the Community by Enjoying a Night at the Races Admission at Hawkeye Downs is $1 Minimum Donation with All Proceeds Directed to Children’s Miracle Network to benefit the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (May 9, 2011) - On Friday, May 13th, community members are invited to enjoy a night at Hawkeye Downs Speedway knowing their entry fee will go to a great cause.  Admission is typically $10 for adults but with Van Meter Inc’s annual race sponsorship the admission price is waived.  In return, race fans are encouraged to give a monetary donation with 100 percent of the proceeds directed to Children’s Miracle Network to benefit the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital.  

The event will feature a celebrity Legend Car Pride Race between Tim Dwight of the Atlanta Falcons and Iowa Hawkeyes; Eddie Berlin of the Tennessee Titans, Chicago Bears and UNI Panthers; CBS2 Sports Director, Jared Aarons; and Van Meter executive Mike Gassmann. After the pride race, Van Meter will raffle off footballs autographed by Dwight and Berlin. 

This event has become an annual tradition sponsored by the employees of Van Meter.  

“We choose a different local charity each year to support. Our goal is to help raise awareness and financial support for the cause,” said event coordinator, Kendra Fish. “Two years ago we raised $5000 to assist Cedar Rapids flood recovery efforts and last year we collected over $6000 for Aiming for a Cure Foundation. We see this as an opportunity for us to entertain our employees, customers, and members of the community at the raceway, all while achieving one of our core principles in giving back to the community.”  

Van Meter is a 100% employee-owned distributor based out of Cedar Rapids. The company sells electrical, automation, power transmission, datacomm, lighting and utility supplies and services throughout its twelve locations across Iowa.  To learn more about Van Meter, visit www.vanmeterindustrial.com or call 1-800-247-1410. 

The gates at Hawkeye Downs Speedway open at 6 PM and races start 7:30 PM.  Admission will be a monetary donation at the gate for adults 18 years and older – 17 or younger enter for free.  Hawkeye Downs is located at 4400 6^th Street SW in Cedar Rapids.