The eBay auction of more than 500 sports and entertainment memorabilia and other unique items, along with three complementary private auctions, has raised $637,967.49 for the Wilson Children's Fund.
All proceeds will be directed to the family of Justin Wilson, who succumbed Aug. 24 to a head injury sustained in a race the previous day. He is survived by his wife, Julia, and two young daughters.
“It’s hard to know exactly the right words to use in a situation like this when ‘thank you’ doesn’t seem quite adequate,” Wilson's brother Stefan said. “It’s obviously been a difficult few months for all of Justin’s family, friends, and his fans. Everyone’s support throughout has been incredible. There were so many unique and extraordinary items that were donated. I feel so grateful and a bit guilty at times that people were giving up items that were clearly precious keepsakes to raise money for Justin’s wife Julia and his daughters Jane and Jess."
More than $700,000 has been raised for the Wilson Children's Fund through the auction, additional fundraisers and donations.
"I am very proud of the effort that everyone put in for the Justin Wilson memorial auction," said Verizon IndyCar Series driver Graham Rahal, who orchestrated the auction in conjunction with Auction Cause and eBay and also donated items for bid. "It is always amazing that in the toughest of times an entire world of racing, and sports in general, can come together and create something so special as this.
"I know that for Julia and the girls no amount of money will ever reduce the pain they feel, but I hope through this we can create some stability in their lives to help them towards a brighter future. Justin was a special man to all of us, and he will forever be missed."
Wilson tribute T-shirts and other merchandise still is available at the INDYCAR store by clicking HERE. Contributions can be made directly to the fund by clicking HERE or by mail to: Wilson Children’s Fund, c/o Forum Credit Union, PO Box 50738, Indianapolis, IN 46250-0738.
The National Motorsports Press Association recently awarded its third quarter Spirit Award in honor of Wilson. The award recognizes character and achievement in the face of adversity, sportsmanship and contributions to motorsports.
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Tony Kanaan, who recently competed in the Ironman 70.3 Miami triathlon, and Carlos Munoz are scheduled to participate Nov. 15 in the Gran Fondo Miami bike ride that benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Both are Miami residents. ... Marco Andretti will be a guest of Phoenix International Raceway and meet with fans Nov. 15 before the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. The racetrack will host the Phoenix Grand Prix -- the first Verizon IndyCar Series race on the 1-mile tri-oval since 2005 -- on April 2, 2016. GET TICKETS