The Ryan Newman Foundation

By Donna Swicegood | Statesville R&L

Published: July 17, 2010

Lucy Cartner said she couldn't think of a better birthday present than the one she got on Saturday.

Cartner, who just turned 80, was thrilled to get an autograph from her favorite NASCAR driver, Ryan Newman, and his wife, Krissie.

The donation her son Danny and daughter-in-law Denise gave to make Cartner's experience possible will also help a program that provides services for the youngest patients of Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County.

The Cartners -- and their dog, Toby -- were among the crowd participating in the inaugural Hounds for Hospice Charity Dog Walk Saturday at the Statesville Soccer Complex, where Lucy was able to get her Ryan Newman T-shirt autographed.

"I love it," she said. "I'm having a ball."

Proceeds from Hounds for Hospice will benefit Hospice's Rainbow Kidz program. Rainbow Kidz is a special pediatric program that offers hospice, palliative and supportive care, as well as bereavement services to address the needs of children and their families.

Hounds for Hospice was a collaborative effort between Hospice and the Ryan Newman Foundation. Newman, through his foundation, established a program to provide meals for the animals of Hospice patients.

Erica Goodnight, chairman of the Hounds for Hospice planning committee, said the idea came about as a result of the collaboration with the Newmans, who are noted animal lovers and have contributed money and time to various animal causes in the area.

"We are so excited about this," Goodnight said.

Hospice's Teresa Ward said she's not surprised that more than 100 humans turned out for the event.

"The compassion it takes to work with Hospice is the same compassion these people who love animals exhibit," she said.

Bryan and Nicole Hendley drove from North Augusta, S.C., to get an autograph from Newman and to give their dog a chance to socialize with other canines.

The Hendleys are Newman fans and learned of the event through the Ryan Newman Foundation.

"We love animals and this is such a good cause," Nicole said.

The Newmans' visit was not the only attraction for the event. Highland Canine and Deputy Nic Landis and his canine, Beni, gave demonstrations, as did the Purina Incredible Dog Frisbee Team.

Goodnight said she believes the turnout for this first event is a sign that Hounds for Hospice is here to stay.

"Next year will be even bigger," she said.