The ECHO Chain Saw Carving Team kept their promise of "Keeping the Dream Alive" for Victory Junction by raising $19,500 with their amazing sculptures at the Pocono Raceway June 4-6 in Long Pond, PA.
Victory Junction is a special camp for children with serious medical conditions, founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty and now a NASCAR community project. It costs $2,500 to send one child to the week long camp.
The Dream Team began their exhibition by sculpting 10 "quick carves" and 4 smaller sized masterpieces on Friday. The quick carves were offered as 'chances to win', with the winning tickets pulled on Sunday. The team spent Saturday into Sunday completing their masterpieces, which were judged Sunday and then immediately auctioned prior to the start of the Pocono 500. Team member Jason Emmons won 1st place, People's Choice and the highest auction bid, which is the first time one piece captured all three categories.
The ECHO exhibit at the Pocono Raceway was a hub of activity. Kyle Petty stopped by to thank the carvers, as well as Mike Helton, NASCAR President. TNT sent over on-air personalities Adam Alexander and Matt Yocum. Alexander accepted a quick carving lesson from team member Bob King. King also carved a NASCAR/TNT logo for the station at their request. And Dustin Staton, a prior Victory Junction camper, attended the auction and pulled the 'chances to win' tickets.