Annual Report 2023-2024

attended these games as 14 premier college baseball teams took the field promoting our mission and raising valuable funds. “Throughout the past decade, our healthcare system has received incredible support from college baseball programs and their fans around the country,” said Bob Roller, vice president of sports for Shriners Children’s. “We are thrilled to establish our partnership with the Texas Rangers and REV Entertainment to further advance our mission.” Shriners Children's 500 It was another first on the racetrack as the Shriners Children’s 500 became the finale of an exciting tripleheader race weekend in a NASCAR Cup Series at Phoenix Raceway. In its inaugural year, this exciting, sold-out race put the spotlight on the healthcare system – raising valuable support and awareness. As is customary at our signature events, patients got in on the action, joining Shriners for some pre-race fun, even walking the red carpet to meet the drivers.

International Patient Ambassadors Juan Diego and Gianna served as Grand Marshals. And they sure knew how to hype up the crowd, shouting “Are you ready?! Drivers! Start your engines!” while the fans went wild. Imperial Potentate Ed Stolze was the honorary starter, waving the green flag from the starter stand. In the end, Christopher Bell from Joe Gibbs Racing took home the championship trophy. The race was nationally televised on FOX with more than four million viewers tuning into the action – making the

Shriners Children’s 500 the most watched professional or collegiate sporting event of the weekend. Shriners Children’s has participated in multiple

professional racing initiatives in the past. Previously a NASCAR Xfinity Series partner at Darlington Raceway and Watkins Glen International, this partnership with Phoenix Raceway expands and elevates Shriners Children’s presence throughout NASCAR.

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