RANDLEMAN — Victory Junction Gang Camp kicked off its “Keeping the Dream Alive” campaign Monday by announcing that Dale Earnhardt Jr. will join the elite list of Victory Junction Founders when he donates $1 million to build and maintain The Dale Jr. Corral and Amphitheatre at the Randleman camp for children with serious illnesses.
Founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty in honor of their son Adam, Victory Junction began with Adam Petty’s passion for helping children and that passion drove him to think of new ways to directly change the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses. During a Nationwide Series practice session in 2000, Adam was killed.
“There are many reasons why we wanted to get involved with Victory Junction and build this amphitheatre, and it starts with the tremendous impact the camp has on these kids," Earnhardt said. "It’s incredible how one week changes lives. Just as important to me is my friendship with Kyle and Pattie Petty, and the memory of my buddy, Adam Petty.
"Adam and I met each other at an early age, and from that point on our lives and careers were virtually parallel," he added. "He was as genuine as they get and a great friend. If I can play a small part in helping Kyle and Pattie keep his dream alive, it doesn’t require a second thought.”
On March 27, during The Dale Jr. Foundation Physical Disabilities Weekend at Victory Junction, Earnhardt will join the Victory Junction family as a Founder and will break ground on a one-of-a-kind project, The Dale Jr. Corral and Amphitheatre. Eighty eight members of The JR Nation Crew, The Official Fan Club of Dale Jr., will be randomly selected to be special guests for this private ground breaking ceremony.
To become a part of the JR Nation Crew fan club and be eligible to attend, go to www.dalejr.com/jrnation.
This unique, interactive and accessible outdoor amphitheatre will provide campers the opportunity to sing a song, act in a play, tell a joke, play an instrument, watch a movie or even get their face pictured on an old, western “Wanted” poster along with the infamous outlaw “Junior.”
“Pattie and I are extremely humbled by Junior’s kindness and generosity," Kyle Petty said. "We’ve known Junior since he was a kid and it means the world to us that he is honoring our son, Adam, by helping change the lives of these kids. Adam is definitely smiling.”
