Salvation Army ALMS Grid Kids

In an effort to help support the development of today's youth, the American Le Mans Series has teamed up with The Salvation Army, the official charity of the Series, to form a national Grid Kids program.

Described as providing a "once-in-a lifetime event for some" by Major Joe Posillico, the Golden State Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army, a key facet of the program involves giving children who participate in activities at The Salvation Army centers VIP treatment at American Le Mans Series events. In addition to an autograph session and visits with Series drivers, Grid Kids participants are also given an up close look at some of the Series race cars.

Among the American Le Mans Series drivers who participated in The Salvation Army Grid Kids program in 2005 was Petersen/White Lightning driver Patrick Long. "It's obviously a great opportunity for the teams to interact with the youth and what is undeniably our future," said Long. "It wasn't long ago that I was the same age as these kids and so excited about meeting race car drivers."

Serving America's youth for 125 years, The Salvation Army community centers provide young people with religious and character building programs such as Sunday school, troop programs, music classes, athletics, arts and crafts, camping and family services.

Through the services it provides, The Salvation Army's outreach covers more than 100 countries and 30 million people a year. Within the United States, The Salvation Army is a member agency of local affiliates of the United Way of America.

"We are extremely pleased to take our involvement with The Salvation Army to the next level," said American Le Mans Series President and CEO Scott Atherton. "It is an entity that is renowned around the world as one of the pre-eminent organizations that is constantly reaching out to help and support others. We at the American Le Mans Series recognize our role in doing the same, and through the Grid Kids program, hope to make a difference in young people's lives."

Most of you will know of the joint effort between the Petersen White Lightning team and Porsche Motorsport Artist Paul Holroyd that helped produce the limited signed and numbered print titled "Team Work", for you that do not you can purchase the print on the American Lemans Series web site shop or at porschesport.com. The print is priced at £165.00 in the US or £100.00 in the UK a small price to pay to help the kids and your chance to own a piece of art that will be very collectible in years to come.

You can also make a donation by clicking on the Salvation Army logo at the top of the page