WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- FedEx Racing driver Denny Hamlin will be honored with the "Champion for Babies" award at Thursday night's March of Dimes Volunteer Leadership Conference dinner and gala in Washington, D.C. Before hundreds of top volunteers from around the country, Hamlin will receive the special recognition for his work in raising awareness about the foundation's signature fundraiser, March for Babies^® that occurs each spring all across the country. 

Hamlin drives the #11 FedEx Toyota in the Sprint Cup Series, and is a 22-time race winner at NASCAR's highest level. The Richmond, Va., native has raced a special March of Dimes paint scheme in each of the past six seasons with the assistance from FedEx. 

Joining efforts, Hamlin and FedEx have hosted the March of Dimes National Ambassador families to NASCAR races to share their stories and encourage fans to sign up for the annual fundraising walks or contribute to walk teams.

"It's an honor to accept this award tonight, and to play a small role in raising the visibility of the great work done by the March of Dimes," said Hamlin. "Their mission hits closer to home as I became a first-time father earlier this year, and I'm grateful that with the help of FedEx, our team has been able to meet and host many families that have been positively impacted by this great organization."

Hamlin becomes the fourth recipient of the prestigious "Champion for Babies" award, joining golf legend Arnold Palmer, Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Namath and veteran broadcaster Greg Gumbel.

"It's an honor to recognize the great work that Denny has provided the March of Dimes," said Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president for the March of Dimes. "Denny's heartfelt and genuine desire to help families less fortunate than him always shines through. He gives us more than his time. He gives us his heart. Denny is a true champion for babies."

For more information on Hamlin and the #11 FedEx team, visit www.fedexracing.com, and to learn more about the March of Dimes, visit www.marchforbabies.org.

About FedEx Corp.FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services.  With annual revenues of $45 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world's most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 300,000 team members to remain "absolutely, positively" focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. For more information, visit news.fedex.com.

About March of DimesThe March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health.  With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies^®, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

MEDIA CONTACT: Tom O'Connor, 386-547-5905, toconnor@webershandwick.com

SOURCE FedEx Corp.

RELATED LINKShttp://www.fedex.comhttp://www.marchforbabies.org