AMERICAN IDOL STAR MELINDA DOOLITTLE BACKS MILES TO END MALARIA
DANBURY, CT, Friday, September 18, 2009: Former
American Idol star Melinda Doolittle is the latest celebrity to get
behind Patron Highcroft Racing's Miles to End Malaria campaign.
The program which aims to help eliminate malaria deaths in Africa has
already raised nearly $50,000 over the season.
For every mile the team completes in the American Le Mans Series, the
team, Tequila Patron and race fans pledging contributions via the
www.milestoendmalaria.org website continue to grow.
The third place finisher in American Idol season six, Doolittle will
attend Petit Le Mans as a guest of the team and will sing the National
Anthem prior to the start of the race at Road Atlanta.
American Le Mans Series and Petit Le Mans founder, Dr Donald Panoz is
also supporting the campaign - joining the race team and Tequila Patron
in all pledging $5 for every race mile the #9 Acura completes in the 2009
season.
"I am so excited to be heading down to Road Atlanta next weekend to cheer
on the Patron Highcroft team at my first American Le Mans Series race,"
Doolittle said.
"I'm absolutely blown away by the team's efforts to fight malaria with
the Miles To End Malaria program with Malaria No More."
"I have been a huge fan and supporter of
Malaria No More's work ever since first learning about them while I was
on American Idol.
"It's amazing how Patron Highcroft Racing has brought the same dedication
that keeps them winning on the track to the effort to end malaria in
Africa by raising awareness and funds for mosquito nets throughout the
season.
"Of course, it would be great to see Patron Highcroft Racing continue
their winning streak next weekend at Road Atlanta, but I'm even more
excited to know that we're on the same team against malaria. I know that
together, we can and will win that race."
Melinda is no stranger to helping the fight to end malaria. In June 2007,
Doolittle visited Zambia with Laura Bush and Malaria No More to
distribute life-saving bed nets and raise awareness.
Doolittle's debut album "Coming Back to You" was released in February
this year.
Race fans can join Melinda Dootlittle and the Patron Highcroft Racing
team in their fight to end malaria deaths by pledging their support at www.milestoendmalaria.org
-credit: phr
