KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) – Racing fans and community members alike gathered in Kalamazoo on Wednesday for a good cause.
Fresh off a career-best eighth-place finish in the NASCAR Cup Series on Sunday, Carson Hocevar returned home to help continue relief efforts after the tornado May EF2 in Portage.
zeigler automotive group, Hocevar Sponsor in the Cup Series, hosted the fundraising event at its motorsports showroom in Kalamazoo, which featured autographs, memorabilia auctions and a question-and-answer session. By the end of the night, the event had raised more than $30,000, according to a Zeigler spokesperson.
For CEO Aaron Zeigler, planning began shortly after the tornado hit.
‘I thought we were going to die’: Tornado destroys homes, businesses in Portage area
“When we saw the devastation the tornado had on our hometown, I thought we had to do something,” Zeigler said. “As I’m thinking about that, Carson Hocevar calls me and says, ‘Hey, I’m watching this on TV, what can I do to help?’
Proceeds from the event will go to the Kalamazoo Community Foundation and United Way to aid in recovery, a cause not lost on Hocevar.
“Being able to give back and do things like this and hopefully put money toward a really good cause, you know, big families that need help right now, is really important right now,” Hocevar said. “We are grateful to the Zeigler team and everyone else who can do this.”
NASCAR radio host Jeff Striegle expects nothing less from the local driver-sponsor duo.
Families forced to leave their homes after Portage tornado
“I think when we all saw the storms pass and recognized the devastation that was left, I immediately thought about these two and what they could do,” Striegle said. “And now, seeing them make this a reality to raise funds to give back to the community is no surprise.”
For those in attendance, it was gratifying to see Hocevar step up to help his hometown.
“For him to just come back – a very busy schedule, but still take time to come back and support the community,” assistant Mike Corfman explained.
Zeigler said this event highlights the company’s support of Hocevar’s NASCAR career.
“Carson, in addition to being an incredible driver, is also a great human being,” Zeigler said.
Those who missed the event but still want to participate can donate to the Kalamazoo Community Foundation either The united way.
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