Austin Hatcher Foundation Named Official Charity of Petit Le Mans

The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer is set to participate as an official Proud Charity for the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) and the Official Charity of Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta during the esteemed Motul Petit Le Mans on Oct. 10-12 in Braselton, Georgia, .

The Motul Petit Le Mans is a 10-hour endurance race and ranks among the premier sports car events in North America, marking the grand finale of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season. This year’s event promises a weekend filled with excitement, fundraising, and an unforgettable VIP experience for families affected by pediatric cancer, according to officials.

The foundation will benefit from a variety of initiatives, from silent auctions at the official IMSA merchandise tent to live-painting auctions in a variety of manufacturer corrals and hospitality events. 

On Friday, esteemed motionsports artist Bill Patterson will be painting in the Corvette Corral and BMW Corral. Patterson will be in the Porscheplatz, Michelin Tower and Cadillac Corral on Saturday.

Bidders can support the Foundation either on-site or remotely by clicking here.

New for 2024, Michelin is launching the “Drive Together: Because Families Matter” campaign, with a commitment of a $5,000 donation. Michelin is calling on teams, owners, drivers and fans to join their efforts by matching donations of any amount to help raise additional funds in support of the cause. You can Drive Forward with the Foundation here.

The foundation will provide its innovative Diversionary Therapy visit from 3-4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8, at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) at Scottish Rite Hospital. Diversionary Therapy visits by foundation staff members offer interactive, specialized activities for young patients and their family members, the organization notes.

Joining the Austin Hatcher Foundation staff at CHOA will be Bryan Sellers, Madison Snow and Neil Verhagen, drivers from the Paul Miller Racing team. The visit is one of many the foundation has made this year to children’s medical facilities across the country, typically in markets where IMSA events are held.

As part of the foundation’s Diversionary Therapy program, more than 200 pediatric cancer patients, survivors and their families will be hosted at the trackside Chalet on the Front Stretch on Saturday. Guests will experience the Petit Le Mans race, take photos with race cars and drivers, enjoy lunch from Stonewall BBQ and participate in specialized activities organized by the foundation.

The initiative is designed to provide interactive, therapeutic experiences that bring moments of joy and respite to young patients and their families.

“At the Austin Hatcher Foundation, our mission extends beyond the medical treatment of cancer. We treat the devastation inflicted as a result of this horrible disease,” said Amy Jo Osborn, CEO and co-founder of the foundation. “Our focus is on restoring hope, redefining the future and creating new horizons by offering evidence-based solutions tailored to every stage of a family’s cancer journey. This crucial work would not be possible without the support of our dedicated partners. The Motul Petit Le Mans weekend has become a cherished tradition for our organization, and Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta has been a steadfast supporter since our inception. We are immensely grateful to Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, as well as to our other motorsports partners, including the Paul Miller Racing team, Cadillac, Corvette, BMW, Porsche, Michelin, and motorsports artist Bill Patterson.”