Photo by Kenny Moore
Robbie and Brittany Bergquist were joined by NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. in a worthy cause.

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NASCAR star backs teenager's charity

While NASCAR weekends at Richmond International Raceway are a time for fun, the huge fan following also makes them opportunities to promote noteworthy charities.

  On Saturday, NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chevrolet and GM Military Discounts announced that they have teamed up with teenagers Robbie and Brittany Bergquist to further promote Cell Phones for Soldiers.

  The charity got its humble beginnings in 2004 when then 12-and 13-year old Robbie and Brittany pooled $21 and started collecting gently used cell phones to be refurbished. From the sale of those phones, the pair bought pre-paid phone cards that are sent to soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

  “We first heard a story about a soldier who had an $8000 cell phone bill and we first wanted to pay off his cell phone bill,” Robbie said. “In the beginning it started with car washes and bake sales, it was really local.

  “From there, after his cell phone bill was waived by T-Mobile, we got on the AP wire and that’s really where the United States found out about our program.”
  Brittany said the response from the military community has been outstanding. “We even received on email saying, our phone cards give them a little bit of heaven in the middle of a war.”

  To date, through cell phone recycling, monetary and corporate donations the charity has raised almost six million dollars to provide phone cards for soldiers.

  “You can’t believe something so grass roots can go so far,” Earnhardt said. “It’s amazing what they’ve been able to do and it’s inspiring.

  “I hope that not only will they have continued success through this program, which I’m sure they will with Chevrolet’s help,” Earnhardt said, “but that it inspires other people to find ways to bring convenience to the soldiers overseas and returning home.” 

  Drop boxes for used cell phones will be set up by the Chevrolet tent at every NASCAR race this season. For those who cannot make it to the tracks, phone donations can be made through the mail. For more information go to http://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com.