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Beginnings
Jeff Gordon began to show an interest in children's cancer research when he learned that his legendary crew chief Ray Evernham's son had been diagnosed with leukemia. Jeff made his first career start later that year at Atlanta Motor Speedway. -
Make-A-Wish
In 1995, Jeff dominated and won his first championship at the age of twenty-four to become the youngest champion in history. He used this new fame and success to bring his charitable efforts to Make-A-Wish. Being the most talented driver ever to race, he is idolized by millions of fans and he has granted the wishes of hundreds of children. This was the beginning of his and his foundation's involvement with Make-A-Wish. -
Founding
In 1999, then three-time Winston Cup Champion Jeff Gordon founded the Jeff Gordon Children's Foundation to assist children with cancer. He also won the Daytona 500 that year. Enter [Link text]http://www.jeffgordonchildrensfoundation.org) -
Early Stages
Jeff Gordon lost his rival and sometimes friend Dale Earnhardt after he slammed the wall at 180 mph on the final lap of the 2001 Daytona 500. Jeff went on to dominate and bring home the championship. With the massive winnings from his success, he continued to use his charity to give to all cancer patients and fund cancer research. -
Promotion
In 2003, the Jeff Gordon Foundation partnered with Action Pitstop die-cast to construct a Cookie-Monster die-cast #24 car with his foundation's name on it in order to promote his Foundation. Little was known about his foundation until this die-cast was released. The car never saw the track due to the sponsorship of Dupont. -
Holiday Promotion
In 2006, Jeff Gordon didn't have the best season on the track, but his foundation began a tradition of holiday schemes which were sold to raise money for the foundation. On top of that, he won two races. -
Speedracer
In 2009, the Foundation raised money by partnering with Disney to produce die-casts with a Speedracer scheme. The children's die-casts would always raise a lot of money. -
Race scheme
In 2010, Jeff Gordon ran a special scheme during a race. The season was one to forget for the 24 team, as they were constantly robbed of wins, suffered engine failure, and Jeff was wrecked by Kurt Busch at Bristol late in the season, which cost him the title. This scheme promoted his foundation even more. -
Drive to End Hunger
In 2011, AARP Drive to End Hunger teamed with Jeff Gordon and his Foundation to replace DuPont as the primary sponsor for the 24, with DuPont being relegated to a secondary with limited primary races. Drive to End Hunger helps distribute food and water to the homeless and less privileged and the Jeff Gordon Children's Foundation and AARP still work together. In his second race with AARP, Jeff won at Phoenix after passing Kyle Busch to snap a sixty-six race winless streak. -
Retirement and current involvement
In 2015, Jeff sadly retired from driving the 24 car. AS the greatest ever to drive a stock car, he maintains a huge marketing piece and he still works with Drive to End Hunger and he is a commentator for NASCAR on Fox and visits children in hospitals as he travels with NASCAR.
