IRON DOG ANNOUNCES SPOKESPERSON KEN PELTIERIron Dog and Ken Peltier working together to promote charity, education and sponsorships

The Iron Dog a 2,031 mile snowmobile race across Alaska known as the "The World's Longest Toughest Snowmobile Race" has announced that country music artist, cancer survivor and statewide labor advocate Ken Peltier will join Iron Dog as a spokesperson in support of its charitable and educational missions."We are excited to have Ken speaking on behalf of the Iron Dog. His musical talents, personal victories and statewide recognition will add tremendous value to our missions such as the 2012 Iron Dog and Iron Dog student exchange program," said Iron Dog executive director Kevin Kastner. "Having a recognized and respected spokesperson will help bring greater awareness to all our programs, and for that we are truly grateful for Ken's support."Ken will be carrying the message for several of our biggest promotions this year:

• 2012 Iron Dog Raffle, from which 50% of the net proceeds will be donated to Alaska's Healing Hearts, an Alaska based veterans organization benefiting Alaskan combat veterans and their families.
• Iron Dog Urban-Rural Student Exchange, a program started in 2011 with a student program that engages high school students in meaningful learning experiences and cultural exchanges surrounding the events, locations and activities associated with the Iron Dog race.
• Key sponsors, especially focused on the 2012 Iron Dog Raffle, Ken will be part of several promotional events coordinated with the raffle top prize sponsor, Kendall Toyota of Alaska. Kendall has generously donated a 2012 Toyota Tundra as the grand prize out of a total six raffle prizes this year.

"The offer to help promote an event that goes above and beyond it's primary focus to support philanthropic goals as well, is a gig anyone can stand behind. Choosing to aid returning combat war veterans as the beneficiary of their raffle and going the distance to incorporate a meaningful and educational experience for high school students through their Urban-Rural Student Exchange Program both speak to the caliber of this organization. I'm honored and excited to be a part of the Iron Dog's efforts to get the word out about the great things they are doing for our city and state," said Ken Peltier."Ken's participation will further raise the awareness that the Iron Dog is dedicated to becoming a first-class event in addition to being a the world's longest and toughest snowmachine race," Kastner said. The Iron Dog has run annually since 1984 and is known as "The World's Longest, Toughest Snowmobile Race."ABOUT KEN PELTIERKen is the Administrator for Alaska Operating Engineers/Employers Training Trust (www.aoeett.org), leader of the local country music group, the Ken Peltier Band (www.kenpeltier.com) and serves on the Alaska Governor's Alaska Workforce Investment Board. In addition to Ken's many economic pursuits, he is an advocate for the American Cancer Society having survived a bout with throat cancer and active community volunteer for charities such as Alaska's Healing Hearts (now their national spokesperson), Leukemia Lymphoma, The Shriners, The Elks and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital as well as the Rainbow Connection for Children with special needs. **photo credit: http://www.carstenthies.com