3rd ANNUAL NJMP RUN-RIDE-WALK for Cancer Event Date Set

Fundraiser Will Support the SJHF and LAF Cancer Programs

Millville, NJ (March 8, 2010) -

Officials from the New Jersey Motorsports Park announced today that the park will again host the annual Barbara Cook Run-Ride-Walk for Cancer on Saturday, September 11th, 2010 at the Thunderbolt Raceway. The 3rd annual event, which benefits the South Jersey Healthcare and Lance Armstrong Foundations, honors the spirit and character of Barbara Cook who passed away in 2008 following a brief but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

“We are pleased to once again host the Barbara Cook Run Ride Walk event this coming September,” stated Joe Savaro, principal of New Jersey Motorsports Park. “Last year we were able to donate over $46,000 to the two cancer foundations. We also take pride that last year’s effort was ranked the 3rd largest one-day cancer fundraiser in the State of New Jersey, and we are honored to again pay tribute to the memory of Barbara Cook.”

Carolyn Heckman, Executive Director for the South Jersey Healthcare (SJH) Foundation, agreed with Savaro. "Barbara Cook’s legacy of service and her spirit continues to inspire others to support the fight against cancer. Her name associated with this event will help boost South Jersey Healthcare’s current expansion of cancer programs and services for the communities we serve."

Heckman's colleague, Luanne Allen, SJH Auxiliary board member and SJH
Foundation board member said, “The committee makes a point to make the

event reflect Barbara Cook’s positive life. It is important to us to make sure we produce an event worthy of Barbara’s positive character."

Norm Walker, the Lance Armstrong Foundation representative who first

approached New Jersey Motorsports Park about hosting the event in 2008, said he was excited to make the third year even bigger and better. “We learned a lot from last year’s event and are hopeful the New Jersey Motorsports Park event will grow to become one of the largest cancer awareness and fundraising events in the tri-state area.”

"The Run-Ride-Walk Committee has already been working hard to make this event an even bigger success than last year’s. We have added a few new events that we expect will draw thousands of new participants. It should be a lot of fun, and all for a great cause.”

Bruce Willson, SJH Fitness Connection Director and Run-Ride-Walk running events coordinator announced the committee has added a new running event – The New Jersey Mud Run for Cancer, which is roughly a 5K course with obstacles and lots of mud for the participants to go through. “Mud runs are becoming a new trend across the country with those who participate loving the experience. This should be a lot of fun to hold and a great fundraiser,” noted Willson.

Other new events planned this year include a BMX demonstration, and Team ProMotion will offer “2 UP” rides, which, for a donation, allows those willing to put on professional gear and hop on the back of a high performance motorcycle operated by a professional driver around Thunderbolt Raceway. This will be a ride that those who do it will not soon forget.

This year’s benefit will again feature bicycle rides of 62-miles (Metric Century) 31-miles, and an 8-mile fun ride for family riders, plus 5K and 10K run races and a fun walk.

Dennis Gunn, co-founder of Paramount Cycling Club, and Run-Ride-Walk for Cancer Partner, explained, "We received a lot of positive feedback from last year’s participants on the great riding conditions of the longer 31 and 62-mile routes. The South Jersey roads we use for this event make for a wonderful ride.”

The full day of events also includes a post-event barbeque fundraiser, exhibits, raffles and auctions for those who want to support the event but do not wish to run, ride or walk. Also, the final CCS Championship race of the season will take place on Lightning Raceway and the New Jersey Sprint Race will take place at the F1 NJ Karting facility. Participants can watch both events during the day as part of their entrance fee.

The 5K, 10K fun walk and ride events will begin at 8 AM, the New Jersey Mud Run of the benefit will be held later in the day. Details on fees and registration can be accessed on the new Web site: www.bcrrw.org

About Barbara Cook…

Barbara Cook died of pancreatic cancer in 2008 after a courageous fight. She was well known for her philanthropy, fitness resolve, community involvement, county and local board contributions, effervescent personality and beaming smile.

She was, along with her husband, Marty, a co-owner of Quality Lincoln-Mercury-Hyundai, a valued New Jersey Motorsports Park Corporate Sponsor. Barbara was a prominent and astute businesswoman. She was a member of the South Jersey Healthcare Auxiliary Board of Directors, Cumberland County Economic Development Board, Vineland/Millville Urban Enterprise Zone, and the TD Bank Advisory Board, to name just a few. A strong supporter of the American Red Cross, she also founded the “Princess Tea” that helped fund the South Jersey Healthcare Auxiliary.

Barbara Cook was also very proud of her involvement with the County’s School Counts program. She was on the original committee that set up this organization in the area, and very instrumental in coordinating the area’s car dealerships to donate $5 for every car they sold towards this worthy cause.

Barbara’s “Energizer Bunny” attitude toward life positively impacted anyone with whom she came into contact. The Run-Ride-Walk for Cancer is privileged to honor her spirit and drive.