ATLANTA, Ga. (Sept. 9, 2009) - On most days NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Ken Butler III can be found at the shop getting ready for his next race.  But on Wednesday Butler took time out of his schedule to make an appearance at the Shepherd Center -  a private, not-for-profit hospital devoted to the medical care and rehabilitation of people with spinal cord injury and disease, acquired brain injury, multiple sclerosis and other neuromuscular problems.

Butler's visit on Wednesday was part of an employee and patient appreciation event and fundraiser.  In addition to an autograph session with Butler, guests were given stuffed Lucky Dogs and other prizes and had the opportunity to take photos with the Aaron's Dream Machine show car.

"I've been very fortunate in my life and I'm blessed with good health, so I feel like it's a small price to pay to give back whenever I can," Butler said.  "The Shepherd Center is such a well-respected facility here in Atlanta, I'm honored they would invite me to be a part of this event."

Founded in 1975 by James Shepherd as a six-bed unit operating out of leased space in an Atlanta hospital, Shepherd Center is now a 120-bed rehabilitation facility and is ranked among the top 10 best rehabilitation hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Ken Butler III is the driver No. 23 Aaron's Dream Machine in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.  In 2006 he was voted the most popular driver in the Pro Cup Series.   A winner in both the Pro Cup and ARCA Series, he's now competing as a rookie in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.