01/29/2025

Milestone Reached: NASCAR Legend Donates 1 Millionth Coat During Annual Give A Kid A Coat Campaign

HIGH POINT, NC – January 29, 2025 – This morning, the Give A Kid A Coat campaign celebrated a monumental milestone as the ceremonial 1 millionth coat since the campaign’s inception in 1987 was donated during a special event at A Cleaner World’s High Point location at 2527 Eastchester Drive.

The celebration kicked off with an in-studio interview by Cindy Farmer on FOX8 WGHP’s Morning Show featuring NASCAR legend Kyle Petty. Kyle and his son Austin donated the first coat to the campaign in 1987 and have been passionate supporters ever since. FOX8’s Shannon Smith reported live from A Cleaner World this morning as attendees eagerly awaited Petty's arrival with the ceremonial 1 millionth coat. Following the in-studio broadcast, Kyle made a grand entrance at A Cleaner World, escorted by High Point Police. Petty signed the 1 millionth coat—a blue children’s jacket—and presented it to A Cleaner World CEO Chris Edwards, who then handed it off to Winston-Salem Salvation Army Major Andrew Wiley.

“The Salvation Army is so excited to be partners with A Cleaner World and FOX8 as we strive to bring warm coats to those in need,” said Major Wiley. “Each coat that has been donated over the past 38 years has brought not only warmth but hope and encouragement to those who received a coat. It is exciting to think that we have hit one million coats because that represents one million times this partnership has touched the lives of so many people in our communities. Together we truly do make a difference.”

The celebration was filled with community spirit, featuring a performance by the High Point Central band, appearances by FOX8 media personalities Cindy Farmer, Shannon Smith, Brad Jones, Jordan Brown, Melissa Painter, Emily Byrd, and Van Denton, 107.5 KZL’s Josie Cothran, as well as a beautifully decorated cake from local bakery Cupcake Cuties out of Wallburg, NC for attendees to enjoy.

"Being the radio partner of Give A Kid a Coat for these last 20+ years has been an amazing experience we've gotten to share alongside our listeners,” said Josie Cothran of 107.5 KZL. “Celebrating the one millionth coat donated to the Salvation Army at A Cleaner World is such an awesome feat! 107.5 KZL and Rock 92 are thrilled to be able to share this news with our radio community.”

Chris Edwards, CEO of A Cleaner World, shared his thoughts on this milestone: “Reaching 1 million coats is a testament to the generosity of our community. For 38 years, we’ve been lucky to team up with amazing partners like FOX8, 107.5 KZL, Rock 92, and The Salvation Army to make sure that no one goes without a warm coat. Today’s event reminds us what we can accomplish when we come together.”

Jim Himes, Vice President and General Manager of FOX8 WGHP, echoed this sentiment: “The Give A Kid A Coat campaign exemplifies the strength of our community. Every coat donated is a story of compassion, and we are so proud to be a part of this effort. Reaching this milestone is a celebration of what happens when neighbors pitch in to support those in need.”

Kyle Petty, reflecting on his involvement with the campaign, said, “I’ve been honored to see this campaign grow over the years. Being part of the 1 millionth coat celebration brings it full circle for me, and I couldn’t be prouder to support this incredible cause.”

As the campaign continues, the community is reminded that there’s still time to make a difference. Coats can be donated at any A Cleaner World location through February 8th. All coats will be cleaned and repaired before being distributed by The Salvation Army to families in need.

To learn more about this special event and watch news coverage, visit Fox 8's page. Those wishing to make monetary donations for The Salvation Army to purchase coats may do so at https://give.salvationarmycarolinas.org/give/651997/#!/donation/checkout.

The Give A Kid A Coat campaign is proudly sponsored by A Cleaner World, FOX8 WGHP, 1075KZL, Rock 92, and The Salvation Army. For more information, please contact Liz Wallace at 336-841-4188.