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Gordon gives $1-million for children's hospital
Associated Press
Published May 28, 2005
CONCORD, N.C. - Jeff Gordon donated $1-million Friday for a children's hospital at Northeast Medical Center that will be named in his honor.
The estimated $9.4-million hospital will be more than 26,000 square feet and have a 24-bed pediatric unit and five beds in a pediatric intensive care unit. It is expected to open in December 2006.
"Children and families are really the heart and soul of our future," Gordon said. "We want to be out there ensuring they have the same opportunities as all of those who have good health do."
Gordon, a four-time Cup champion, has made children's charities a priority of the Jeff Gordon Foundation. Besides the work he does every weekend for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Gordon holds annual fund-raisers for the Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis.
"Indianapolis and Concord are two places that have been so good to Jeff and they were logical places for him to give back to," said John Bickford, Gordon's stepfather and business manager.
Gordon's desire to support children's charities stems from the early part of his career when then-crew chief Ray Evernham's 1-year-old son was diagnosed with leukemia.
"Being around Ray and understanding what he was going through with Ray J. just opened my eyes to this," Gordon said. "I was very young when I got started in racing and I was healthy and able to take advantage of my opportunities. All I want is to see other boys and girls have the ability to take advantage of their opportunities."
[Last modified May 28, 2005, 00:50:04]
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