Rheem Racing Facebook Fan Page Launches Contest To Build Awareness for Breast Cancer Awareness

Online, October 1, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Rheem, a global leader in eco-friendly, technologically advanced residential and commercial heating and cooling systems; and Richard Childress Racing ("RCR") have teamed up to support the Young Survival Coalition and National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Beginning in October, Rheem will launch a month-long contest on its Rheem Racing Facebook fan page to build awareness and garner support for breast cancer awareness. The contest will encourage breast cancer survivors to share their best celebratory photo and a 200-word description about why this photo is poignant. The winning entry will be selected by Rheem, RCR and the Young Survival Coalition; Rheem and RCR will award the winner and companion with a VIP trip and racing experience to the season-ending November 20, 2011, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race in South Florida. Rheem Facebook visitors can also request a free Chasing the Cure window sticker. In addition, Rheem has pledged to donate one dollar for the first 10,000 Rheem Facebook fans who pledge one dollar or more to Young Survival Coalition. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of merchandise will be donated to Young Survival Coalition.

Young Survival Coalition ("YSC"), the premier global organization helping young women face the challenges of breast cancer, expects that another 10,000 women under the age of 40 in the U.S. will be added this year to the 250,000 who have already been diagnosed.

Rheem, which is in its 86th year of operation, currently manufactures a full-line of eco-friendly residential and commercial heating and cooling systems; tank water heaters, tankless water heaters, solar and hybrid heat pump water heaters; whole-home standby generators, controls, swimming pool and spa heaters; indoor air-purification products; and commercial boilers throughout North America and world markets.

The Rheem Chasing the Cure program is a part of the company's "Heart of Comfort" corporate responsibility initiative. Employees throughout Rheem are encouraged to support charitable efforts that strike a chord in their hearts, and bring comfort to others. JR Jones, Rheem president and CEO said, "The women and men of Rheem have joined together to help overcome the challenges of breast cancer as well as to hasten discovery of a cure. Cancer threatens millions of lives each year and breast cancer, in particular, challenges the hopes and dreams of individuals and families around the world, including those of Rheem employees and its distribution partners. Our Chasing the Cure initiative is one of thousands of large and small efforts throughout our nation during the month of October that hopes to contribute to bringing a halt to this challenging disease that threatens all of us."

DeLana Harvick, wife of Kevin Harvick, will wear a specially designed pink and black Rheem firesuit for the race. She will also present a duplicate version of her firesuit autographed by the entire No. 29 team to Young Survival Coalition during a media event at the Dover Monster Mile Speedway prior to the start of the race.

"I've had friends and family affected by breast cancer," said DeLana Harvick. "With groups like the Young Survival Coalition and programs like Chasing the Cure, it's a great way to promote awareness and early detection."

"Young Survival Coalition is excited to partner with Rheem as the benefiting charity of the Chasing the Cure initiative," said Jennifer Merschdorf, CEO, Young Survival Coalition. "This program is a wonderful way to educate the thousands of young female NASCAR fans of the fact that there are over a quarter million women living in the U.S. today who were diagnosed with breast cancer before their 41st birthday.