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Driver Puts Charity In Winner's Circle

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By MEGAN HUSSEY

Tribune correspondent

Published: November 27, 2008

ZEPHYRHILLS - The term "toy drive" will take on whole new meaning Nov. 28, when NASCAR driver and Zephyrhills native David Reutimann hosts an annual charity event that this year will benefit Toys for Tots of Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills.

The fourth annual David Reutimann Charity Cookout will take place at 6 p.m. Friday at the Silverado Golf & Country Club. The entry fee is normally $20 for this annual event, but this year - in lieu of cash - a toy worth $20 or more or a group of toys amounting to $20 will be accepted.

"He will also be accepting the $20 cash, which will go to the 10 other charities that he gives to each year," said Anna Fulk, captain of East Pasco Toys for Tots. "He will also be adding the Projects of Pasco to his charity list, which is the free school supply program that I do the week before school starts."

This award-winning, third-generation racecar driver, according to www.davidreutimann .com, has scored a number of first-place, Top 5 and Top 10 finishes. He has driven on behalf of companies such as UPS, Domino's Pizza and Burger King, and participated in races such as the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, the NASCAR Busch Series, and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. According to Fulk, it's important to Reutimann to support a charitable cause based in his home community.

"David decided he wanted to give back to his community after all these years. He donates thousands of dollars to 10 different charities and this year he decided to find something in the surrounding area," said Fulk.

Reutimann found his charity of choice with the help of cousin Shawn Reutimann, who works at Buddy Foster Chevrolet in Zephyrhills with Fulk's son, Stephen Walls.

"Shawn is the one that takes care of David's charities," Fulk said. "Shawn asked my son if he knew of anything in Wesley Chapel or Zephyrhills and of course my son spoke of me with Toys for Tots and Projects of Pasco."

Reutimann's concern for children in need motivated his choice.

"After Shawn spoke to David it was decided by David that this was just the thing," Fulk said. "For years one of his biggest charities is All Children's Hospital, he believes in children so strongly and wants to help as many as he can."

The charity cookout will feature barbecue dinners, children's activities, performances by live bands, and an auction of professional sports memorabilia autographed by the drivers and other athletes who donated the items. And Reutimann will be on hand to host the event.

"Guests will have dinner with David, take pictures with him or get autographs, plus his No. 99 NASCAR and the NASCAR Sprint Cup from Toyota will be seen there," Fulk said.

Aside from the fun of the evening, guests will be supporting a good cause, Fulk said.

"All of the toys will be split between Zephyrhills and Wesley Chapel, all of the money will go to David and Shawn for David's charities," she said. "Next year for the 2008-2009 school year they will put Projects of Pasco on their charity list and we will benefit at that time."
Fulk is grateful for Reutimann's support.

"What a wonderful world that God has made and brought all of us together," Fulk said. "I just kind of came along at the right time or should I say my son and Shawn working together came about at the right time. God works wonders."
DAVID REUTIMANN CHARITY COOKOUT

SOME BACKGROUND: On Friday, NASCAR race driver David Reutimann will host the Fourth Annual David Reutimann Charity Cookout, a 6 p.m. event to benefit Toys for Tots of Wesley Chapel that will take place at the Silverado Golf and Country Club, 36841 Clubhouse Drive, Zephyrhills.

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS: Guests will have the option of donating $20 worth of toys, a single toy worth $20, or $20 in cash. Toy donations will go to Toys for Tots of Zephyrhills and Wesley Chapel; all cash will be given to the numerous other charities Reutimann supports, including Projects of Pasco school supply drive. Children under 12 will be admitted free of charge.

A LITTLE HISTORY: Reutimann, a Zephyrhills native who lives in North Carolina, hosts a charity event each year on behalf of numerous charities. Learn more about him at www.davidreutimann.com.

GET INVOLVED: This charity cookout will take place 6 p.m. For information, call (813) 788-1225 or 1-800-853-GOLF (4653); tickets will be available at the door. For information about Toys for Tots Pasco, visit www.toysfortotspasco.org.

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