Gordon's work with charity draws an honor

[Schwartz Fan]

Gordon's work with charity draws an honor
MIKE HARRIS
The Associated Press
Friday, Apr. 11, 2008

Jeff Gordon is a hero to a lot of people, and it has to do with more than just being a racing star.

The four-time Cup champion was honored Friday by the Make-A-Wish Foundation for making more than 200 wishes come true for children with life-threatening conditions since he became involved with the organization in 1995.

The latest to have his wish to meet Gordon fulfilled is a 15-year-old named Joshua, of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., who was at the Phoenix track Friday and will watch the race from a suite.

“I can’t believe I met Jeff Gordon,” he said, looking at the driver sitting next to him and flashing a smile. “He’s such an awesome race car driver.”

While he has fulfilled many wishes, Gordon said that the number doesn’t matter. He works with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to grant kids’ heartfelt wishes nearly every weekend during the race season because of the profound effect these kids have on his life.

“It’s humbling to know that these kids choose to spend time with me,” Gordon said. “They face tremendous challenges every day because of their conditions, and the strength and determination they show is really inspiring to me. It’s just heartwarming to see their smiles and know they are enjoying themselves at a difficult time in their lives.”

Both the Jeff Gordon Foundation and the NASCAR Foundation lend financial support to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Gordon's work with charity draws an honor