KANSAS CITY, Mo. (May 21, 2010) – Today representatives from The NASCAR Foundation and Sprint, Inc., dedicated a brand new state-of-the-art playground at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City in memory of former Sprint executive Tom Murphy.

The playground is one of five community service projects across the country being hosted by The NASCAR Foundation to help celebrate NASCAR Day. Murphy was a Sprint Executive, NASCAR Foundation Board Member and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City Board Member who passed away last year.
Hundreds of volunteers lent a hand over the course of the five-day build including dozens of Sprint employees who knew and worked with Murphy. Murphy’s wife Jenny and their three sons were on-hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony.

“I am so grateful to The NASCAR Foundation and Sprint for sponsoring this playground project in Tom’s honor,” said Jenny. “It is a tremendous gift – not only to our family, but also to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City and the families who stay here. There were amazing volunteers who came out every day, even in the rain, to help build it and my boys and I are thrilled that Tom’s energetic spirit will always be remembered in this special place.”

Last month, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series drivers Todd Bodine, Matt Crafton and Johnny Sauter visited the site to deliver supplies for the playground and meet with families staying at the house.

The playground was made possible through a generous gift by Sprint, Inc. and The NASCAR Foundation. Local construction company, Turner Construction, donated all of its services to make the build possible and The Home Depot, Musco Lighting, K’Nex, Embassy, Kansas Speedway, Fordyce Concrete Company, Hallmark and Fun Sand donated gift cards, lighting, toys, services and supplies for the build.

Annually, the Ronald McDonald House and Family Room provide lodging to nearly 6,000 families and supports over 41,000 visits from family and friends of in-patients at Children's Mercy Hospital. The playground will provide a place for children and their families to come, relax and rejuvenate their spirits.

“The playground is an incredible gift that will bring hope and a playful space for thousands of families who stay with us each year to enjoy during unpredictable and terrifying times,” said Holly Buckendahl, executive director for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City. “We appreciate the generosity of The NASCAR Foundation, Sprint, Turner Construction Company, Kansas Speedway, and the hundreds of volunteers and other business partners who made this project possible.”

The build is one of five keystone events taking place today for NASCAR Day aimed at helping children live happier, healthier lives. The “Big Five” projects include: renovation and race theme decoration of a portion of the Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service in Atlanta, Ga; partnering with Bank of America for a racing-themed educational initiative at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla.; working with Sprint, Inc. for a playground build at the Kansas City Ronald McDonald House in Kansas City, Mo.; A Place for Hope project outside Charlotte, N.C., and racing-themed celebration with Auto Club Speedway for Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital.

NASCAR Day is an annual charitable celebration of the NASCAR spirit that enables fans and corporate partners to join together to make a difference in the lives of children. Since it began in 2004, NASCAR Day has raised nearly $8 million for charity.

There is still time to donate $5 and get your NASCAR Day pin! For more information please visit the website at WWW.NASCAR.COM/NASCARDay.