FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


CCFA CONTINUES INNOVATIVE FUNDRAISING EVENTS FOR CROHN'S DISEASE AND ULCERATIVE COLITIS

CCFA PowerSpeedway Event "Drives In" Funds to Find a Cure

Media Contact:
Danny Jovic
PFS Marketwyse on behalf of CCFA
973-812-8883
djovic@pfsmarketwyse.com

New York, NY - (November 8, 2004) – The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) continues to develop and implement innovative fundraising events to help raise awareness and funds for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Over the past year, the organization has held skydiving events, bowl-a-thons, racecar driving events and a sailing regatta, to name a few. Next year, CCFA is planning to expand on these successful fundraising efforts by adding a hot air balloon event, family-focused golf outings and many others yet to be announced.

Crohn's disease is a painful, incurable illness that may inflame the small and large intestines, causing numerous complications. Ulcerative colitis attacks the large intestine (colon) only. This is a disease of the young. Of the one million American adults and children suffering from these terrible diseases, at least 100,000 are under the age of 18. Most people develop the diseases between the ages of 15 and 35.

"For many years, we've been developing and supporting traditional fundraising efforts at both the national and local chapter level. Events such as walk-a-thons, bowl-a-thons and cycling rides," said Roger Koman, vice president of new enterprises at CCFA. "Now, we are taking it to the next level. We're beginning to explore other unique and out-of-the-ordinary events that will extend our awareness and reach into key market segments that go beyond CCFA's natural constituency."

CCFA's event strategy is working. CCFA continues to raise funds for its mission to wipe out these conditions, which affect over one million children and adults in the U.S. alone.  CCFA's recent inaugural Power Speedway event took in more than $60,000, making it a very successful first year event. The event, which plans to be greatly expanded in 2005, was held on October 3, 2004 at Dover International Speedway in Dover, Delaware.

CCFA hosted this private event for a limited number of selected drivers and riders. Participants had the unique experience of riding an authentic Nextel Cup car, Bush Racing car or Craftsman truck on 24-degree banking of the Monster Mile, known to racing fans as the fastest mile in America. A pledge of $1,500 enabled/qualified the donor to drive an authentic racecar, while a pledge of $500 secured a ride with a professional driver.

The event was supported by an online auction featuring racing related items. To honor the founding year of the foundation, CCFA's #67 was the racing number of the day. #67 Speed the Cure event merchandise (from hot racing jackets to bottle opener key chains) may be purchased by contacting 800-343-3637 or by e-mail at greatevents@ccfa.org. For more information or to make a donation to CCFA, please visit our PowerSpeedway page or call 800-932-2423.

About CCFA
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America's (CCFA) mission is to cure and prevent Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis through research, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these digestive diseases through education and support. More than 82 cents of every dollar the foundation spends goes to mission-critical programs. CCFA consistently meets the standards of organizations that monitor charities, including the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance and the American Institute of Philanthropy (charitywatch.org). For more information, contact CCFA at 800-932-2423 or visit www.ccfa.org.

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