TONY STEWART GIVES THE NOD TO THE EFRC!

Center Point, IN (September 20, 2011) - Two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart evokes several images - owner of Tony Stewart Racing, co-owner of Stewart-Hass Racing, a highly competitive driver, and a tireless advocate of auto racing in its many forms.  And, increasingly, Tony is also well-known as a dedicated philanthropist.  Like his racing style, Tony Stewart pushes the limits to help others through his Foundation.

The Tony Stewart Foundation just announced the winners for its "Tony's Grant Accelerator" competition.  The Exotic Feline Rescue Center has been selected as 1 of 40 charities from throughout the United States to be known as an Accelerator Charity and receive a monetary grant.  More than 300 nominations were reviewed by the Foundation and 72 organizations were invited to submit the full grant application.

"We created this competition to uncover terrific charities that are serving chidren and animals in innovative ways," remarked Stewart. "The result is a collection of charities - large and small - with a common denominator of having a strong volunteer network and a dedicated staff to deliver programs."

The EFRC will use this generous $7,500 grant to meet the most immediate needs of caring for over 230 exotic cats, which include habitat renovations, ongoing rescue costs and food for our smaller cats with specialized diets.  The latest generosity of the Foundation continues a good and long-standing relationship with the EFRC.  Previous grants have been used to purchase capital equipment, directly support Tony I and Tony II (tigers), as well as completely build a new habitat for a group of rescued cats.  EFRC founder and director Joe Taft expressed his thanks to Mr. Stewart and the Foundation by saying "We are very fortunate to enjoy their ongoing support in such a competitive grant environment."  Taft continued by adding "We have a lot of needs to meet for our cats and the Foundation's continued interest in our work makes a lot possible and means a great deal to all of us."

Since 2004, the Tony Stewart Foundation has awarded more than $5 million in grants to organizations serving children, animals and drivers.  Complete information about the foundation plus photos and stories of the 40 Grant Accelerator Charities are available at www.tonystewartfoundation.org.     

 Please contact us at efrc1@frontier.com or (812) 835-1130.

2221 E. Ashboro Road, Center Point, IN 47840