Cardio Club Raises over $14,900 for Starlight Children’s Foundation

The Cardio Fitness Initiative, launched in 2022, encouraged staff on-site at races and those based at team factories in the United States, United Kingdom, and Italy to stay active during race weekends by running, walking, cycling, or roller-skiing. America’s Formula 1 Team covered over 7,000 kilometers throughout the season. Each kilometer completed was doubled and converted into a donation for Starlight Children’s Foundation, reaching an impressive total of $14,900.

“We’re delighted to have raised over $14,000 for Starlight Children’s Foundation last season,” shared Ayao Komatsu, Team Principal of MoneyGram Haas F1 Team. “The Cardio Club Initiative was created by team members in 2022 with the objective of bringing our three factories together, raising money for worthy causes, while getting some exercise in at the same time. It’s benefitted the race team as it’s now become a part of our schedule during races and to be able to give back to our Charity Partner throughout the season, not just at US Races, has bolstered our partnership greatly.”

Adam Garone, CEO of Starlight Children’s Foundation, said, “We’re honored and grateful to receive this generous donation from the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and its staff. Their continued support will help us deliver happiness to so many brave kids across the country. We look forward to our continued partnership, inspiring joy and bringing the excitement of racing to hospitalized kids.”

Hospitalization can be a lonely and stressful experience for kids. That’s why Starlight exists. The non-profit aims to help make the journey to recovery and healing a little brighter through vital programs – like Starlight Gaming, Starlight Virtual Reality, Starlight Hospital Gowns and more – that offer entertainment, comfort and therapeutic play while creating a sense of normalcy in an unfamiliar environment. 



Since 2022, MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and Starlight Children’s Foundation have collaborated to deliver happiness to seriously ill children by providing unique experiences and custom-designed hospital gowns that turn hospital stays into moments of joy and hope. In October, the team announced that the Gene Haas Foundation donated $30,000 to update its bespoke VF-25-themed Starlight Hospital Gown this  year.

During the United States Grand Prix last year, MoneyGram Haas F1 Team Official Reserve Driver Pietro Fittipaldi joined Starlight at Texas Children’s Hospital in Austin and engaged with patients and their families and delivered Starlight Patient Activity Kids, filled with toys and distraction resources. Additionally, the team hosted two Starlight kids and their families at the Circuit of The Americas, who met drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen, toured the garage, and were the first to view the special livery of the VF-24 in person.

The team extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in the Cardio Club Fitness Initiative and to all who support the critical work of Starlight Children’s Foundation. Together, we are making a difference for hospitalized children and their families nationwide.

To learn more about Starlight’s work, visit starlight.org.