Smoke-Free 83
IDHW has sponsored racecar driver John Peterson since 2004 and every year he helps us reach an increasing number of people at events with the “Project Filter — Idaho Fights Tobacco” message. Peterson’s Smoke-Free 83 racecar bears the Project Filter, QuitNet, and QuitLine logos, his trailer serves as a moving billboard for the Project Filter message, he distributes smoking-cessation collateral items at a growing number of events, and he’s conducted numerous on-air and in-print interviews. After using tobacco for a number of years, John was finally able to quit with the help of a smoking cessation program in 2002. In addition to racing in the Late Model Lite/Pro 4 class, he now serves as a very special spokesperson who has the ability to connect with people of all ages in a very personal and effective way.
The Project Filter program also started a new sponsorship arrangement with a youthful, but very successful, racecar driver named Phil Dugan in 2007. Phil and John Peterson have known each other for a number of years and this new relationship has provided the program with more impact and visibility throughout Idaho. (back to top)
Meridian Speedway
In addition to partnering with John Peterson and his “Smoke-Free 83” racecar, Project Filter works in concert with Meridian Speedway to promote anti-tobacco messages with QuitNet/QuitLine sponsoring trophy presentations at the track. Other elements include racetrack signage, a family seating area with “no smoking” signage, regular smoking-cessation messages from the announcer, banner placement behind the winner’s circle, and giveaways and surveys on race days. Special 2007 Project Filter nights at the racetrack are scheduled for September 8 and 22. (back to top)
Smoke-Free Day at the Fair
Project Filter worked with KTVB-TV/Channel 7 in 2005 to turn the station’s alcohol-free Family Day at the Western Idaho Fair into a smoke-free one, too. The co-sponsorship has continued to be an unqualified success, with Channel 7 advertising for three weeks leading up to the fair, on-air stories and interviews before and during Family Day, and banners throughout the fairgrounds. IDHW staff distributes posters, t-shirts, and other promotional giveaways bearing no-smoking messages to hundreds of fairgoers after they fill out a survey about smoking perceptions and habits. The 2007 Family Day is scheduled for August 20, 2007. (back to top)
Bull Rider Wiley Petersen
Project Filter is proud to sponsor professional bull rider Wiley Petersen in 2007. In an arena where tobacco promotion is ever-present, Wiley was willing to take a personal stand and be the first rider in the country to take the smokeless tobacco patch off his vest and replace it with the Project Filter – Idaho Fights Tobacco patch. Petersen, who hails from Fort Hall, talks to fellow riders and his loyal fan base about the health benefits derived from curtailing tobacco use.
