December 15, 2009 – (HOSTSEARCH.COM) – They say the spirit of the season is in the giving...
Go Daddy put the exclamation point on the classic sentiment during this year's annual holiday party with a 'surprise' donation to create what will be the "Danica Patrick GoDaddy.com Domestic Violence Center."
Go Daddy CEO and Founder Bob Parsons, with Go Daddy Girl Danica Patrick at his side, presented a 'big' check for $500K during Saturday's company shindig. The money will be used to build a special wing at the UMOM New Day Center located in Phoenix.
"For me, the creation of the 'Danica Patrick GoDaddy.com Domestic Violence Center' is one of the highlights of 2009," Parsons said. "We wanted to do something to help make a difference in the lives of people here in our community. Domestic violence damages far too many families. As Danica put it, we want to help these women... give them the resources and the spirit to rebuild their lives."
The half-a-million dollar donation will help provide shelter, counseling and a variety of resources to help victims of domestic violence rebuild their lives.
Danica Patrick was elated. "I'm so proud to help families who need a fresh start," she said. "You know, Bob and I have taken some heat for doing GoDaddy-esque commercials, but the fact is Go Daddy is out there in the community helping charities, working behind the scenes to keep the Internet safe for children and hiring in a tough economy - now that's making a positive difference in the world."
Go Daddy donations for the year topped $2.5MM over the weekend, which breaks last year's Go Daddy record $1.7MM in charitable donations.
Other donations Saturday included $100K to the Arizona Make-a-Wish-Foundation, which will be used to grant 20 wishes for critically ill children. Go Daddy employees chipped in too, dropping unwrapped toys to be donated to the Season for Giving. Even the party décor is helping local charities - 35 live, flocked trees, used to transform Chase Field into a winter wonderland, and were given to local charities such as JDRF, Chrysalis shelters and others.
Danica, who announced her move to NASCAR with Go Daddy just last week, started her holiday giving early this season by contributing to Go Daddy's Warm Coats Warm Hearts drive on ABC's "Good Morning America" program in late November during a live television appearance in New York City.
"Danica is a great role model for women and not just on the race track," said Parsons. "This is a side of her that doesn't always make the news. Bottom line, we both know how many people are struggling these days and that's why we wanted to give back even more this year."
To learn more about Go Daddy's charitable efforts, visit GoDaddyCares.com.
