MOORESVILLE, N.C- (July 13th, 2023) - Rich Mar Florist, NASCAR Driver Ryan Ellis, and Alpha Prime Racing are proud to announce today that Rich Mar Florists will be utilizing their sponsorship of the No.43 Chevy to support the Laughlin Family Foundation. The Laughlin Family Foundation raises money to help those affected by rare cancer through education, awareness, and research. This fundraising campaign will run through the NASCAR Xfinity Series Race, the Explore The Pocono Mountains 225, at Pocono Raceway on Saturday, July 22nd, 2023.
The No.43 Rich Mar Florists Chevy will be debuting a scintillating purple and white design in Pocono, tied together with both icy and floral textures. The icy texture points to The Laughlin Family Foundation’s founder Craig Laughlin’s career as a former NHL player and current broadcaster for the Washington Capitals, and the flowers are representative of Rich Mar Florist.
Rich Mar Florist has been the Lehigh Valley's local florist since 1955. From small beginnings, the company has grown to provide floral arrangements at events large and small across the country. The family-owned business has been involved in motorsports 2019. They have supported drivers and teams of all sizes, even creating their own racing brand, Rich Mar Florist Racing.
Rich Mar Florist Racing has sponsored drivers competing in NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR Truck Series, 410 and 360 Winged Sprint Cars, Dirt Midgets, IndyCar, and more. They’re also partnered with major venues such as Pocono Raceway, Nashville Superspeedway, Watkins Glen International, and Dover Motor Speedway. They have large partnerships outside of motorsports, including the U.S. Open, AHL partnerships with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms and the Wilkes Barre Scranton Penguins, and MILB with the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs.
The Laughlin Family Foundation’s mission is to help spread awareness, education, and research for rare cancers. Craig Laughlin, former NHL player and current NBC Sports Washington analyst, started the foundation when his wife Linda was diagnosed with a rare gynecological cancer in 2018. To date, the foundation has raised over $500,000, which has helped support rare gynecologic cancer education, research, and awareness projects. Such projects include funding for Dr. Amanda Nickles Fader at Johns Hopkins and her novel research for rare endometrial cancers.
This will be the third year that Ellis has partnered with the Laughlin’s. The partnership first found its roots when Tom and TJ Keen of CorvetteParts.net / Keen Parts graciously donated their sponsorship to the Laughlin Family Foundation. The CorvetteParts.net / Laughlin Family Foundation race car raced at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2023 and Martinsville Speedway in 2022. Last year, the race was part of an effort that raised nearly $200,000 for the fight against rare cancers.
During the duration of the campaign, fans who donate $100.00 or more will be able to get their name, or name of choice, on Ellis’ No.43 Rich Mar Florist Chevy. Names will be integrated into the scheme of the No.43 Chevy. Fans can also show their support by recognizing someone who has been affected by cancer through the $100.00 donation. The deadline for name purchasing/submission is July 20th. Donations can be made here: https://www.thelaughlinfamilyfoundation.org.
Also represented on the No.43 Chevrolet for this special weekend will be Backwoods Outdoor Center, CSI Asphalt, Howie’s Hockey Tape, R3, and Kreer Construction - all making their debut as a sponsor of Ellis and Alpha Prime Racing.
RMNB will also be returning, a long-time sponsor and friend of both Ellis and the Laughlin’s.
Limited corporate/individual on-car sponsorships are also available through donations starting at $2500 - please email courtney@thelaughlinfoundation.org or ryanellisracing@gmail.com to inquire about pricing/locations. All proceeds will benefit The Laughlin Family Foundation’s fight against rare cancers.
As part of this initiative, Rich Mar Florists is also a proud sponsor of the 3rd Annual Laughlin Family Foundation Celebrity Golf Tournament on Monday, September 11th, 2023, at the Crofton Country Club in Crofton, Md. Ellis will also be participating as a celebrity golfer at the tournament.
“It’s always really exciting being able to take part in something like this,” said Ellis, driver of the No.43 Rich Mar Florist Chevy. “We get to do so many cool things while being involved in NASCAR, but when you’re able to be a small part of something much bigger than the sport, whether it is bringing awareness or helping raise funds for a cause like the Laughlin Family Foundation’s, it is really special. I’m really proud that we’re able to be part of this and thankful for Jon’s efforts in making this happen. Because of partners like Jon Morrissey and Tom and TJ Keen as well, we’re able to make a positive difference in this world. I hope that people support Rich Mar Florist so that we’re able to do more amazing things like this.”
“This really is a dream team of partners, my family, as many families have suffered losses to Cancer. If we can help one or more families to a better life, then we have done a great job. A big thanks to Craig and his family for their support and friendship. Let’s get after it, Ellis!” said Jonathan Morrissey, owner of Rich Mar Florist.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Ryan Ellis and his team for the 3rd year in a row to help support and raise awareness for rare gynecologic cancers. We are excited about this partnership and to have a chance to work with like-minded people, like Ryan and Jonathan of Rich Mar Florist, who share our mission and believe that every cancer deserves a voice… and a cure,” said Craig Laughlin of The Laughlin Family Foundation.
Tune in information: The Rich Mar Florist special Laughlin Family Foundation No.43 Chevy scheme will first hit the track on Friday, July 21st, at 3:35 pm ET for a short practice. Qualifying for the NASCAR Xfinity Series takes place shortly afterward, beginning at 4:05 pm ET.
Coverage of Saturday’s Explore The Pocono Mountains 225 begins at 5:30 pm ET on the USA Network. Stay tuned to Ryan’s, Rich Mar’s, and the team’s social media for giveaways and more information!