NASCAR's Kyle Petty Autographs Gretsch Guitar for Charity Auction

by Rick Landers.

Modern Guitars spoke with Fred Gretsch, President and CEO of The Gretsch Company, and NASCAR champ Kyle Petty to ask them a few questions about the 14th Anniversary Chick-fil-A Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America and the Gretsch Company's donated new Gretsch 6120 Nashville model guitar that Kyle autographed. The 6120 Nashville will be on the auction block at eBay starting July 10, 2008.

The Ride will cover 3,000 road miles, starting from Traverse City, Michigan and ending in Savannah, Georgia. More than 250 motorcyclists are expected to participate, including Kyle and some of his NASCAR celebrity friends.

Proceeds from the Ride and the autographed guitar auction will benefit Petty's Victory Junction Gang Camp and other charities for critically ill children that he has promoted since 1995.

The Victory Junction Gang Camp is a not-for-profit organization founded by Kyle and his wife, Pattie, in honor of their son Adam. The camp opens up opportunities that enrich the lives of children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses by creating camping experiences that are memorable, exciting, fun, empowering, physically safe and medically sound. The camp is located on 84 acres in Randleman, NC and the Petty's recently announced the opening of a second Victory Junction Gang Camp in Wyandotte County, Kansas.

Rick Landers: Fred, how did the Gretsch Company get involved with Kyle’s charity ride?

Fred Gretsch: We have a mutual ad agency in Atlanta that was working the Gretsch 125th Anniversary of Gretsch and events like the band competition. They were also doing the publicity for Kyle’s charity ride. They talked to both sides about doing something together and we both said, “Great!”

Rick: Did you know Kyle’s a guitar player and songwriter?

Fred: Sure did! And we happen to be NASCAR fans. Personally, I’ve been attending them since 1968. So, the Petty name is like the Elvis Presley name or the George Harrison name in the music business. Kyle’s a third generation racer and I’m a fourth generation instrument builder, so we both understand the meaning of the phrase, “family business.” And we both share the concept that continuity counts with your passions in life.

Rick: So, you and Kyle have a few common interests.

Fred: Yes. And there’s another thread connection Kyle and I have that might be of interest to your readers. The first time I got on a Harley was in 1957 at the Gretsch factory in Brooklyn. One of the workers there had one and took me for a ride. And a little known fact is that I’ve been a Harley owner since 1961.

Rick: Will there be a Gretsch welcoming committee in Savannah when the riders show up?

Fred: There certainly will be. Personally, I’m out on the rode doing 125th Anniversary Shows with guitar dealers. On that date, I’ll be in Kansas, but Dinah Gretsch, who's our Executive Vice President for Fred Gretsch Enterprises, will be here in town and plans on greeting the riders warmly.

Rick: Kyle, since it's inception, your ride has gathered up over $10.5 million to support children with life-threatening illnesses. Back in 1995, could you ever have imagined the impact your ride would have on childrens' lives?

Kyle Petty: I could have never imagined what we have created. The Ride really started with just a handful of us that got pledges to ride across country and wanted to donate to children’s hospitals in different cities.

We were thinking, “Wow! Riding motorcycles and donating money to charity, it does not get any better than this!” After Adam’s accident, it took the spirit of this Ride to a whole other level. The Ride started out as just a few rider, and now it has a waiting list. It is amazing how much support we have gotten, not only from the communities, but the past and present riders as well.

Rick: Any particular child that always comes to mind that impressed upon you how critical the ride is to these young people?

Kyle: Man, that is a hard question. There are so many children that stick out. I can’t just single out one. When the camp was built, some of our riders got to see the stages of construction -- from pre-build to completion. That was emotional for a lot of them.

The first day that we rode into camp 200 deep was a pretty emotional day. This Ride is one of our biggest fundraisers for the camp. We do have the signature Kyle Petty Charity Ride Water Park, that is by far one of the most popular places that our campers visit during their week at camp.

Rick: That Gretsch guitar that's up for auction in support of the Ride will not only support your cause, but offer up some nice music to someone's family gatherings. Nice to see Gretsch pulling for you on the ride and for the children…how does that make you feel?

Kyle: I can't say how happy I am that Gretsch came on board to help us out like this. It is a great guitar! I play my guitar everyday of my life. I have one at home and I have one on the road with me when I travel. There is something about a guitar that just brings happiness. I have about 150 songs that I have written not only for my family, but for friends. This guitar is a unique item, and I am sure that it will do really well during this auction. We are really excited!

To bid on the 14th Anniversary Chick-fil-A Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America, visit the eBay auction page.

Along with the possibility of winning the Gretsch guitar signed by Kyle, Modern Guitars readers can donate to the 14th Anniversary Chick-fil-A Kyle Petty Charity Ride by going to the Ride’s website, below and contribute via Paypal, credit card over the telephone or snail mail.

Related Links
Kyle Petty Charity Ride
Gretsch Guitars
Chick-fil-A
Fred Gretsch interview at Modern Guitars Magazine

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