Posted: July 1, 2008, 5 a.m. EDT
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Andrew Prendeville raced in the Jeld-Wen 100 to raise money for animal victims of Iowa’s floods. Photo by Andy Sallee/Courtesy Racing Laps for Best Friends |
IndyCar driver Andrew Prendeville “fund-races” for Best Friends Animal Society at every race of the Firestone Indy Lights season, but last week, he pledged the funds from the Jeld-Wen 100 to support the rescue efforts underway to help animals affected by recent floods in Iowa. Prendeville raised more than $15,000 through the race, with all funds going to help the Best Friends’ rescue team in Iowa.
Prendeville has participated in the Racing Laps for Best Friends promotion for one and a half racing seasons. The promotion encourages animal lovers and race fans to pledge a nominal amount for each lap Prendeville completes in a single race or throughout the season. People can also donate a one-time amount.
When Prendeville announced that proceeds from the Jeld-Wen 100 race — held June 21 in Newton, Iowa — would go to help flood victims, more than $2,500 was pledged before the race even started. Prendeville completed all 115 laps of the race, raising a grand total of $15,284.
So far this year, the Racing Laps promotion has raised more than $51,000 for Best Friends Animal Society. Prendeville races the No. 5 Best Friends car for the Anderson Racing team, which is affiliated with Rahal Letterman Racing.