Red Cross NASCAR Partners Rally to Support Relief Efforts

WASHINGTON (Map) - Visit redcrossracing.com

WASHINGTON, July 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- 3M Company and Lowe's Companies Inc. are supporting American Red Cross disaster relief efforts throughout the Central United States by providing the Red Cross with visibility at this weekend's NASCAR race in Chicago.

3M and NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Greg Biffle reminded racing fans in Sonoma, New Hampshire and Daytona to support Red Cross disaster relief efforts through on-track visibility. This weekend, both 3M and Lowe's will help carry the Red Cross message of disaster relief.

NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers Greg Biffle and Jimmie Johnson are displaying the Red Cross logo on the TV panels of the #16 3M Ford Fusion and on the deck lid of the #48 Lowe's Impala SS. Biffle and Johnson are also members of the Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet.

In further support, Lowe's and two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson are activating "Racing for Relief" at the Chicago and Indianapolis races to generate funds for the Central U.S. floods and tornadoes, which enables the Red Cross to provide food, clean-up supplies, counseling and other assistance to individuals and families in affected communities.

Lowe's will donate $48 to support Red Cross relief efforts throughout the Central U.S. for each lap Johnson completes in Chicago and Indianapolis. In addition, if Johnson wins either race, Lowe's will donate $4,800 per victory.

"The American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund has been largely depleted, yet the Red Cross continues to provide relief efforts for the victims of the recent flooding and tornadoes," said Jeffrey Towers, Chief Development Officer at the American Red Cross. "We are only able to provide lifesaving services to people affected by disaster through the public's generous support and from vital corporate partners like 3M and Lowe's. We are grateful for their combined support at this weekend's race."

"Lowe's has been Racing for Relief since 1999 to benefit the American Red Cross as it assists victims of natural disasters," said Larry D. Stone, chairman of Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation. "Lowe's has employees and customers in these flood-ravaged communities and we are pleased that we can work with Team Lowe's Racing and Jimmie Johnson to raise much-needed funds and awareness of the need for help."

In an additional effort to help the victims of the severe storms and flooding, the Greg Biffle Foundation (http://www.gregbifflefoundation.com) will be holding an online auction beginning on Thursday, July 17th with all proceeds to benefit pets affected by the flooding. Many of these animals are in need of rescue, emergency medical care, food, clean water and shelter.

"The Greg Biffle Foundation is pleased to partner with 3M, Lowe's and the Red Cross to make a difference in the lives of those impacted by the recent flooding," said Greg Biffle. "We hope the proceeds from our on-line auction will allow pets who have been affected by the flooding to receive the care they need and be reunited with their family members."

Additionally, Bob MacDonald, Senior Vice President of Marketing for 3M, indicated the 3M Foundation is offering a special employee match program for the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army relief efforts to help those affected by the floods.

The Red Cross will also be present at the Chicago race with an exhibit featuring Red Cross Racing. This program, launched in Talladega on April 24 in conjunction with an American Red Cross paint scheme on the #16 3M Ford Fusion, encourages loyal NASCAR fans to become dedicated Red Cross blood donors. This program continues to build momentum as more than 9,000 race fans have registered and reported almost 3,000 blood donations, including one from Greg Biffle himself. Biffle is also a member of the Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet.

Individuals who are interested in joining Red Cross Racing should sign up online at redcrossracing.com where they will accrue points for blood donation activities that can be exchanged for such items as caps, t-shirts, jackets and limited edition die-cast cars. Registrants are automatically entered for a chance to win an all-expense-paid trip for two to the Phoenix race on November 9, 2008 where the Red Cross paint scheme will again be featured on the #16 3M Ford Fusion.. The prize package includes airfare, hotel, two race tickets and pit and garage tours.

Eligible donors are encouraged to visit redcrossracing.com to schedule a blood donation appointment in the days and weeks ahead to ensure an adequate supply of blood is available when needed. Anyone 17 years of age or older, weighing 110 pounds or more and feeling in good health may be eligible to give blood. Some states allow 16 year olds to donate blood with parental consent.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization -- not a government agency -- and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at www.redcrosschat.org.

About Lowe's

Lowe's is a proud supporter of the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity International, United Way of America, and the Home Safety Council, in addition to numerous non-profit organizations and programs that help communities across the country. In 2007, Lowe's and the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation together contributed more than $27.5 million to support community and education projects in the United States and Canada. Lowe's also encourages volunteerism through the Lowe's Heroes program, a company-wide employee volunteer initiative. Lowe's is a FORTUNE(R) 50 company with fiscal year 2007 sales of $48.3 billion and has more than 1,550 stores in the United States and Canada. For more information, visit Lowes.com/community.

About 3M

A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M's core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms -- often in combination -- to a wide array of customer needs. With $24 billion in sales, 3M employs 75,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com.

About Roush Fenway Racing

Roush Fenway Racing is NASCAR's largest team operating 13 motorsports teams. Five in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with drivers Matt Kenseth, Jamie McMurray, Greg Biffle, Carl Edwards and David Ragan; four in the Nationwide Series with Kenseth, Biffle, Edwards, McMurray, Ragan, Erik Darnell and Colin Braun; and three in the Craftsman Truck Series with Darnell, Braun, Kvapil, John Wes Townley and Bobby East; and one in the ARCA RE/MAX Series with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. For more information on any of the Roush Fenway Racing teams, log onto www.RoushFenway.com. For sponsorship inquiries please contact Robin Johnson at 704.720.4645.

About the Greg Biffle Foundation

The Greg Biffle Foundation was founded in 2005 by Greg and Nicole Biffle to create awareness and serve as an advocate to improve the well-being of animals by engaging the power and passion of the motor sports industry. Financial support for the foundation comes from a variety of sources including individual contributions, NASCAR Pets Calendars, and the sale of various racing and other sports memorabilia. Since its creation, The Greg Biffle Foundation has awarded grants to humane societies and animal shelters from coast to coast. To find out more, please visit www.gregbifflefoundation.com.