LISLE, IL
Eckrich and Richard Petty Motorsports honored Samuel Sawyer, an 11 year old with spina bifida, and his family with an unexpected gift at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“The King” Richard Petty and Aric Almirola, current driver of the No. 42 Eckrich Ford, surprised Samuel with a custom-made power wheelchair designed like the No. 43 paint scheme that Almirola will race this weekend, according to a press release. The chair was specifically manufactured to allow Samuel to achieve his dream to play power soccer.
Additionally, Eckrich announced it will pay the cost needed for Samuel to attend Victory Junction, a children’s camp founded by the Petty family, this summer. Kroger also surprised the family with free groceries for one entire year at Kroger courtesy of Eckrich.
"Wow, I can't believe it," said Samuel after receiving his new wheelchair. "It was really cool to have Mr. Petty and Mr. Almirola give this new wheelchair to me. I love going to the camp and playing soccer so this is just really awesome. I just keep saying, 'Wow' because I still can't believe it."
"Victory Junction is such a special place full of special kids like Samuel," said Almirola. "And to have Eckrich help fulfill a dream for him and to give back to our military families is really heartwarming to be a part of. It's very emotional to see the look on Samuel's face when he saw the new wheelchair and can go to Victory Junction and be treated like any other child. It's a great thing that we do with Eckrich and 'Operation Inspiration' to honor the whole family. It's also great that they are receiving groceries for a year at Kroger. That will go a long way. I'm honored to be a part of it."
The new wheelchair, groceries and trip to Victory Junction are part of Eckrich’s continued “Operation Inspiration” campaign, which supports and honors military families. Samuel’s father served in the Navy for over 25 years.
"Today was truly an inspiring day for all us on the Eckrich team," said Charles Gitkin, Vice President, Marketing, Innovation and R&D for the John Morrell Food Group. "To see the excitement of Samuel and his family really defines what our campaign is all about. We are thankful for the partnership with Richard Petty Motorsports and Operation Homefront in making this day happen for the Sawyer family."
Richard Petty Motorsports, Almirola and the No. 43 Eckrich Ford will race Sunday afternoon while the Sawyer family heads to North Carolina to visit Victory Junction.
