Often when you least expect it, something good happens! One day in early September, Bob Schwiesow visited www.TonyStewart.com to buy some #14 apparel. While on the site, he noted that Tony’s foundation raising funds through a raffle to win the new 2010 Camaro. Bob purchased a ticket and considered it nothing more than a donation for a great cause. He never gave a second thought to actually winning that “Victory Red” muscle car! That is, until he received notice on the evening of October 5 that his ticket had been randomly selected by Charity Splits’ computerized system. And, with a phone call from Joni Thompson, Executive Director of Tony’s foundation, the adventure began!
Bob, retired from the military, has a daughter now serving as a nurse stationed in Russia & caring for soldiers injured in Afghanistan. He returned to his hometown of Ashland, Wisconsin and has worked for 21 years as a HUD maintenance supervisor. With a population of just over 8,500 – the people of Ashland will often see Bob proudly driving his red Camaro. That is, once the spring thaw arrives!
On Tuesday, October 27, Bob and his younger daughter, Nicole, were flown to the Kannapolis, NC headquarters of Stewart-Haas Racing from their home in Ashland, Wisconsin. Courtesy of the Charlotte Omni, Bob & Nicole were treated to the comforts of a 4-diamond hotel. Tony was expected to arrive at SHR around 11:00 am to present the keys and the car to Bob. Beforehand, Kirby Boone, Vice President of Marketing & Sponsorships led a small contingent on a complete behind-the-scenes tour of SHR. There were a few areas where no photography was allowed but for most of the tour, Bob was able to snap pictures to take home & share with family & friends. Everyone on the tour agreed the facility was not only state-of-the-art but spotless enough to eat off the floor!
Tony arrived with a warm greeting and, as importantly, the keys! Once Bob tested the key – yep, that engine turned over & purred -- Tony & Bob spent a good amount of time kicking the tires and checking under the hood. An inspection of the Camaro’s trunk revealed a one-year’s supply of donated Armor All products to keep that red beauty shiny. Of course, Bob said it would be “garaged” until late March or April because none of that northern Wisconsin snow was going to fall on his new Camaro! Tony autographed a handful of items for Bob & Nicole and then the three toured the main area of SHR & talked racing.
Patrick West and Ryan West, principals of Charity Splits, traveled to SHR to present Tony with a check payable for $121,750 – the net proceeds from the raffle ticket sales. Charity Splits, based in Joliet, IL, conducted the raffle on behalf of TSF including management of three Early Bird drawings held in June & July. In total, 39 donors won prizes valued at or in excess of their $50 raffle ticket.
Before Tony left for a sponsorship appearance with Old Spice, he took time to tape audio/video for the foundation in support of a couple of upcoming programs. Bob & Nicole got a “front row seat” to watch Tony & his unique talents for making “commercials” appear easy & fun! With Tony off to the next place on his hectic schedule, SHR treated Bob & Nicole to lunch along with Tony’s mom (Pam), his sister (Natalie) and his niece & nephew.
TSF thanks each & every person who purchased a raffle ticket in support of Tony & the work of his foundation. TSF is gearing up for 2010 with a second raffle opportunity – details will be announced in mid-January but we promise it will have some “special Smoke”.
