Bobby Labonte to Lend “Helping Hand” Cheerios Racer to be Guest Judge for Hamburger Helper “My Hometown Helper” Program Minneapolis, Minn. (February 23, 2008) – This weekend, professional racer Bobby Labonte is bringing the colors and scheme of the #43 Hamburger Helper “My Hometown Helper” Dodge to the two-mile California Speedway. Labonte will be focused on racing up front to help raise awareness of the Hamburger Helper “My Hometown Helper” grant program. The nationwide initiative lends a “helping hand” to local groups making a difference in their community. Labonte has not only had tremendous success on the track, but has volunteered his services to help communities off the track as well. Labonte will be a guest judge for the program. He plans to choose at least one of the MyhometownHelper.com selected grant winners to donate additional money from his foundation and/or to provide his own time to help in raising funds. The MyhometownHelper.com grant winners are selected by a panel that will review applicants’ essays of 250 words or less, describing how the grant will benefit their community project. From now until March 31st community groups seeking support can visit www.MyHometownHelper.com to apply online for the grant. “I was introduced to the Hamburger Helper ‘My Hometown Helper’ program late last season,” said Labonte. “It’s very inspiring knowing that Hamburger Helper ‘My Hometown Helper’ can make a big difference to a community. I wanted to be more involved besides raising awareness at the track. The additional opportunity of being a guest judge and working with some of the winners allows me to also help make a difference. It means just as much as being a part of the activities at the track.” “We want to have this car up front this weekend,” continued Labonte. “We want people to not only cheer for the Hamburger Helper “My Hometown Helper” Dodge, but learn about the Hamburger Helper “My Hometown Helper” program and apply for grants. I’m ready to review the stories and am anxious to help the towns and cities in need." Grants will be awarded in the range of $500 to $15,000 dollars and all requests must be sponsored by a charitable organization, municipal or civic organization, or a public school. Funds will be awarded based on the merit of the project, including its impact on, and support within, the community, among other factors. Labonte will review from the winning grant essays in April. Individuals can go to www.MyHometownHelper.com on May 15 to view which projects were awarded the grants. "Bobby Labonte continues to make a difference both on and off the race track," said Hyun Mee Graves, Marketing Manager for Hamburger Helper. "Our communities are incredibly important to us, and we are pleased to have Bobby Labonte’s help in reaching out to more hometowns in need.” Last year, Hamburger Helper “My Hometown Helper” gave away $130,000 in grants and plans to give away $200,000 this year. The Hamburger Helper “My Hometown Helper” grants have helped communities purchase new band equipment, build a school playground and fund a tornado warning system, among other great projects. For more information on the “My Hometown Helper” grant program and a complete set of rules, visit www.myHometownHelper.com. About Hamburger Helper Hamburger Helper has been a meal favorite for busy families since it was introduced more than three decades ago — providing an easy, delicious one-skillet solution to the question, “What’s for dinner?” Today, the Helper line has expanded to include Chicken Helper and Tuna Helper. There are more than 40 Helper flavors.