[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 85 (Friday, June 18, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1186]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     THE VICTORY JUNCTION GANG CAMP

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RICHARD BURR

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 18, 2004

  Mr. BURR. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, today I would like to bring to 
your attention the opening of a wonderful new children's camp in Level 
Cross, NC.
  After years of planning, Kyle Petty, CEO of Petty Enterprises, and 
his wife Pattie have opened The Victory Junction Gang Camp. This camp 
is the seventh of the Hole in the Wall Gang Camps network founded by 
actor Paul Newman. The camp was created to serve as a retreat for 
critically ill children who deserve the chance to enjoy themselves in a 
medically safe environment, free of charge.
  The Pettys, a family synonymous with generosity, decided to create 
the camp after the untimely death of their son, Adam, in a tragic race 
car accident in 2000. After visiting one of the Hole in the Wall Gang 
Camps in Florida and seeing the joy it brought to the campers, the 
Pettys felt the children of North Carolina and surrounding states 
needed such a place of their own. All their hard work--and the hard 
work of the NASCAR family--paid off this summer. The camp's grand 
opening was Tuesday, June 15.
  Victory Junction is an independent, not-for-profit organization that 
relies upon the generosity of individuals and corporations. Over the 
past 2 years, NASCAR has graciously lent its support to Victory 
Junction through an extensive media campaign and the assistance of 
NASCAR drivers who have volunteered their time and energy. This summer, 
the camp will provide much-needed distractions to children afflicted 
with cancer, asthma, HIV, heart disease, and other diseases.
  Much goes into establishing and maintaining a special needs camp. 
Those that have helped in the planning and building process, and those 
that are already freely giving their time as medical volunteers, 
deserve our respect and gratitude. There could be no better tribute to 
Adam Petty. I commend the Petty family for their dedication to children 
and public service.
  I am so pleased that there is now a local place for some very special 
children to have an exciting camping experience and well-deserved 
vacation.
  Today, I ask my colleagues and fellow North Carolinians to join me in 
extending congratulations and support to the Victory Junction Gang 
Camp. May it enrich the lives of many children in the years to come.

                          ____________________