Indycar: Scott Dixon Wants Support in Challenge for Charity

16 July 2013

Indycar’s Scott Dixon Calling on Kiwis to Support Him in Challenge against Alex Tagliani for Charity

While IndyCar driver Scott Dixon may be dominating on the track, the CanTeen ambassador is calling on his Kiwi fans to help him take pole position in the Power of 2 celebrity challenge.

Following a winning weekend in Toronto and his third successive victory, Dixon is hoping to replicate his success off the track by taking the lead against rival racer Alex Tagliani as they compete to raise the most money for their respective causes. The pair are now on the home stretch, with donations for the Power of 2 celebrity challenge closing midnight this Friday (NZ time).

Dixon is raising funds in support of youth cancer charity CanTeen New Zealand and Teens Living with Cancer (US), while Tagliani is supporting Anaphylaxis Canada.

While their focus is set on raising much-needed funds for each of the associated charities, both will be quietly hoping to avoid having to complete the dare that has been laid down for the loser. Should Dixon fail to take the checkered flag, he will have to wear a sheep costume while riding a tricycle at the Indiana State Fair in August, while Tagliani would need to don a beaver costume, representative of his native Canada, if he cannot retain his lead.

Both drivers have been active on social media, interacting with fans and encouraging their support and have participated in a promotional event at Toronto Indy over the weekend where they showcased the costumes and tricycle.

CanTeen is encouraging Kiwis to go to www.power-of-2.org to donate to Dixon in support of young New Zealanders living with cancer before this Friday, 19 July. There’s also something in it for the fans; every time you give or share the campaign of Scott Dixon’s, you will earn an entry into a draw for a signed Dixon racing helmet and a personal phone or Skype call with him.

Dixon has been a strong supporter and Ambassador for CanTeen because he feels the 13 to 24 age group often gets overlooked.

“Often people immediately think of either helping children or adults, but young people are going through a lot at this stage in their lives. It’s one of the most difficult stages of your life – even without the added difficulties of dealing with cancer.

“It’s cool to be a part of CanTeen as you can really make a big impact on young people. It has been a very rewarding relationship for me over the years, and this initiative will only increase the exposure we are trying to create for them.”

CanTeen Marketing Manager Kimberley Waters says the Power of 2 celebrity challenge is a fantastic event for supporting worthy charities.

“The last challenge raised around US$30,000 dollars for the winning charity, which is a phenomenal boost for organisations whose work relies so heavily on charitable contributions. The funds raised by Scott will contribute towards the array of support services and care we provide our members,” she said.

The fundraising initiative is dedicated to unlocking celebrity power for social good, but with the added catch of an embarrassing public stunt for the loser needless to say, neither driver wants to finish second.

Kiwis can donate until midnight on Friday 19 July.

The Challenge: Celebrities go beyond the usual gala events and use social media to make a meaningful social impact and get their fans involved. In addition, the bet will make things very interesting. Fans can donate to Scott and Alex at www.power-of-2.org as many times as they like until midnight, Friday 19 July, to decide the champion.

The Bet: All of the charities will end up winners, but the celebrity loser will have to cash in with a very public dare. Dixon and Tagliani, good friends away from the track, call Indianapolis home. So the loser will get into costume and ride around the grounds of the Indiana State Fair in August on a tricycle! Should Scott lose he’ll be making that journey in a sheep costume, while Alex would don a beaver costume, representative of Canada. Needless to say, neither driver wants to finish second.

The Prize: There is also something in it for the fans. A chance to win a signed Dixon or Tagliani racing helmet and phone/Skype call with them! Every time you give or share the campaign of your favourite driver, you will earn an entry into a draw for the helmet and a personal call.

About Power of 2:
Two celebrities go head-to-head to see who can raise the most money for the charity that they are passionate about. The request to their fans is to give and get two friends to do the same and see who comes out on top. To up the ante (and the fun) there is a wager on the deal between the two celebrities.

For more information, visit www.power-of-2.org/

About CanTeen New Zealand
CanTeen New Zealand is a national peer support organisation for young people aged 13 to 24 living with cancer as a patient, sibling or bereaved sibling. Members are able to share their experiences with other young people who know what it is like to deal with cancer. Funds raised through CanTeen’s annual Bandanna Challenge contribute towards providing peer counseling workshops, development and leadership programmes, recreational activities and much more.

For more information, visit www.canteen.org.nz

ENDS

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