WINDHAM – Motorists along Route 302 in Windham have no doubt noticed the many references to Ron Eby, the owner of Windham Automotive who is a finalist in a national NASCAR-sponsored humanitarian award contest.

Business owners along Route 302 have installed messages on their roadside signs urging drivers to log onto the contest’s website to vote for Eby, whose fundraising on behalf of South Casco-based Camp Sunshine could land the charity up to $100,000 from The NASCAR Foundation. As a finalist, he has already guaranteed the organization $50,000.

Eby is an avid racing fan who generates donations for Camp Sunshine by selling food from Ron’s Mexican Cantina at special events. Through the years, Eby has contributed thousands of dollars to the camp for children struggling with terminal illnesses. He is one of four finalists in NASCAR’s Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award contest.

People are urged to vote by logging on to www.NASCAR.com/award between now and Nov. 29. The finalist who amasses the most votes will be declared the national winner, and will be announced live on stage during the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards at Wynn Las Vegas on Nov. 30. The winner also will receive a 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid.

In another honor aimed at heightening awareness of the contest, Eby was also recently honored by Gov. Paul LePage, who declared Friday, Oct. 12, as “Ron Eby Day” in Maine.

Eby is overwhelmed by the attention he’s received since being nominated for the award.

“It’s been amazing. To be nominated took me aback. And where it’s gone to now, it’s really been incredible,” the Windham resident said. “It’s drawn a huge amount of attention to Camp Sunshine. It’s drawn a lot of attention to the state of Maine now, especially having a day named after me, which is pretty bizarre.”

Eby describes the dozen or so roadside signs as “an outpouring of support” from his fellow Windham business owners.

Tom Noonan, owner of the ReMax/Allied Real Estate firm in North Windham, used the company’s digital sign to display a photo of Eby and the governor.

“Anything to get the word out to vote for him may increase the odds that they’ll win and therefore get $100,000,” Noonan said.

Dr. Joe Lee, interim executive director of the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce, said the Chamber had a similar sign up for about a month and has been advertising the contest on the chamber’s website and in chamber emails, as well.

“Ron has been so grateful for the little bit we’ve done. We’re all very proud of him and what he’s done,” Lee said. “This is a pattern for Ron Eby. He’s always been very generous with his time and particularly with Camp Sunshine.”

About a dozen local businesses put up signs urging motorists to vote online for Ron Eby, who is one of four finalists for a national humanitarian award.       
About a dozen local businesses put up signs urging motorists to vote online for Ron Eby, who is one of four finalists for a national humanitarian award.       
Ron Eby