Donate Life Virginia to honor first responders with NASCAR driver Joey Gase ahead of 9/11 Anniversary

CONTACT: Lara Malbon, Executive Director                                                                                          MEDIA ADVISORY 
804-382-9759                                                                                                                                                          September 10, 2021
laram@donatelifevirginia.org                                                                                                                                           
DonateLifeVirginia.org 

(HENRICO, VA) - Donate Life Virginia and NASCAR driver Joey Gase will host a Handprints of Honor event paying tribute to first responders ahead of the 20th anniversary of 9/11.  The Donate Life Virginia #15 car will feature painted handprints from Henrico County firefighters and police officers on the car's hood. The car also has the 9/11 20th Anniversary logo and hashtag #NeverForget as we remember those lost on September 11, 2001. 

In addition to featuring handprints from heroes, Donate Life Virginia will honor other first responders, veterans and members of the military who were organ, eye and tissue donors or recipients by featuring their pictures on the #15 car. 

Gase tragically lost his mother to a sudden brain aneurysm when he was 18 years old. Faced with a difficult decision, he and his family decided to donate his mother's organs. Gase developed a passion for educating others on the need of organ, eye and tissue donation and honoring all of those affected by it. His car regularly features the face of his mother and other donors, making his one of the most unique cars in NASCAR.                                                                                                                                        

The Donate Life Virginia #15 car will race in the Federated Auto Parts 400 Salute to First Responders at Richmond Raceway on Saturday, September 11. 

Media are invited to attend. This event is not open to the public. 
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WHAT:  Handprints of Honor with NASCAR driver Joey Gase and the Donate Life Virginia #15 car 

WHEN:  Friday, September 10, 2021 1-2 p.m. 
                    Arrive no later than 1:15 p.m. to get video of first responders adding handprints to car 

WHERE:  Henrico Fire Station 7
                     2701 E Laburnum Ave, Richmond, VA 23223

WHO: Interviews with NASCAR driver Joey Gase, Donate Life Virginia’s Executive Director Lara Malbon and first responders who added their handprints to the Donate Life Virginia #15 car 

Donate Life Virginia manages the state’s registry for organ, eye and tissue donation. One person can save eight lives and heal 75 others by registering to become a donor. Right now, 2,400 Virginians are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. It’s easy to register. You can do it the next time you are at the Virginia DMV or online at DonateLifeVirginia.org.  

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