Racing for Life group raising money for Scleroderma Foundation

Jim Filanc’s year-long effort to raise money and awareness for the Scleroderma Foundation is about to reach its crescendo with the Score Baja 1000 off-road race Nov. 15-18, but several events leading up to the big race have already benefited the Foundation.

During the drawing for slots of the Score Baja 1000, Jim’s Racing for Life team raised awareness of the cause by raffling a restored Husqvarna 250 at the Lake Elsinore casino in California where more than 1,000 race fans and drivers were in attendance. Fletcher Diehl and Mary Ness from the San Diego Chapter helped to sell raffle tickets and explain scleroderma. Jim was busy pushing the teal Scleroderma Foundation wrist bands, and being interviewed on Digital 1 TV.

As a result of raffle ticket sales at the drawing event and the 11 stops Jim and his team made along the United States this year, more than $5,000 has been raised to be split between the Scleroderma Foundation and the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

Filanc and the Nitro Tire Racing for Life team undertook the cause in memory of Jim’s sister Julia Lynn, who died last October from scleroderma and lung cancer. In December, at a season-ending banquet, people will have the chance to bid on the Julia Lynn, the Baja 1000 motorcycle named in her honor.

Money is also being raised through pledges on behalf of the Racing for Life team. Individuals or organizations can make pledges of any amount to support the team at the Score Baja 1000. Recently, Jim secured written pledges of nearly $3,000 at one event alone.

If you wish to make a pledge, you may access the following Web site, www.racingforlife.org and click on donate.