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Published
by the Corpus Christi Caller-Times. CLICK FOR NEWSPAPER DELIVERY
Tuesday, July 3, 2001
$10,000 is donated for Labonte park
Caller-Times plans a special section to assist the fund
By Neal Falgoust
Caller-Times
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| Michelle Christenson/Caller-Times |
| Jason Vallejo (left) and Coleman Frederick ride a waverunner on the Nueces River in the park that will be renamed for the auto-racing Labonte brothers. The city has collected $10,000 to improve the park. |
City officials have raised about $10,000 of the $60,000 needed to renovate the Nueces River Park and rename it in honor of NASCAR racing brothers Bobby and Terry Labonte.
City spokesman Ted Nelson said Monday that donations were better than expected and that the park should be ready to open Sept. 26.
The Caller-Times also announced plans to publish a special section on the day of the park's dedication. Steve Arnold, the paper's marketing director, said the section will include historical photos and that it's "not just your NASCAR driver's guide." Proceeds from the section will go toward the park fund, he said.
The community response to the fund-raising has been strong, said Tom Niskala, chief executive officer for the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce.
"We've received a number of $5 contributions up to $5,000 contributions," he said. The project will be paid for through private donations. And the fundraising committee estimated that about $60,000 will be needed to complete the project. Any money beyond that point will go into additional renovations.
City Council members in February unanimously approved the renaming of the park. The centerpiece of the project includes a concrete sign - 8 feet high and 16 feet wide - at the park entrance. Big money donors' names will be etched into the sign, which will be at the park's entrance.
Councilman Henry Garrett said the dedication of the park in honor of the Labonte brothers is meant to recognize the attention they have brought to the city.
"We thought it was time to recognize two of our local heroes," he said. "Every Saturday or every Sunday, when they race, they've mentioned Corpus Christi as their home."
Last year, Bobby Labonte captured the Winston Cup title, NASCAR's top honor. Terry Labonte won Winston Cup titles in 1984 and 1996. Both live in North Carolina but grew up in Corpus Christi.
Bobby Labonte races for Joe Gibbs Racing, and Terry Labonte races for Hendrick Motorsports.
Those interested in contributing may send checks to the Chamber of Commerce Recognition Fund, Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 640, Corpus Christi, Texas 78403.
Contact Neal Falgoust at 886-4334 or falgoustn@caller.com
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© 2001,
a Scripps Howard newspaper. All rights reserved.
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