Peach’s Neet Feet and MISS Foundation were chosen to appear on the helmet that Johnson will wear during race weekend activities at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn on Aug. 18, 2013. Each organization also will receive a grant of $10,000 and a special Blue Bunny ice cream party.

Peach’s Neet Feet donates custom, hand-painted shoes to children living with disabilities and fighting serious illnesses. Every shoe is designed to complement each child’s life, interest, and courageous fight.  They have donated nearly 700 pairs of shoes to children around the country in just two years.

Peach’s Neet Feet was nominated by Misshay Smith, whose son received a pair of shoes while in The Children’s Hospital in Oklahoma City, OK. “My son loves his Spiderman shoes,” shared Smith.  “They give him the courage to fight and make him smile when he wears them.”

Madison “Peach” Steiner is the founder/president of Peach’s Neet Feet, which started in Madison’s bedroom with a spark of fierce desire to make a difference. “Madison doesn’t just paint shoes, but she becomes part of the team that helps these kids fight” said Smith.

MISS Foundation C.A.R.E.S. for families experiencing the death of a baby or child at any age and from any cause by providing Counseling, Advocacy, Research, Education and Support.  They are a place where families can feel connected to others during their darkest hours.

MISS Foundation offers free family packets, HOPE mentor matches, support groups, counseling, and more. “Without their help, I am not sure where my wife and I would be right now,” states Brian Bobier. Brian nominated the MISS Foundation after losing their first-born daughter.  “I believe this would be a wonderful charity to promote since losing a child happens far too often in our society” said Bobier.

Peach’s Neet Feet, located in Farmington, New Mexico and MISS Foundation, located in Phoenix, Arizona joins International FOP Association, Ruth’s Reusable Resources, Denver Kids, Inc., Miracle League of Pensacola, Chelsea’s Hope, Me Fine Foundation, Against Abuse, Inc., Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired and Make-A-Wish Iowa as charities that will be featured on the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope. 

The Helmet of Hope program, which began in 2008, allows fans, consumers and media members across the country to nominate their favorite charity to receive a $10,000 grant, special recognition on Johnson’s race helmet and a Blue Bunny ice cream party. This year’s Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope campaign will run during six NASCAR Sprint Cup race weekends beginning at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth on April 13^th and culminating at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway on May 26^th. Johnson will draw two charities each week to be included on the helmet, for a total of 13 charities. To date, the program has contributed more than $430,000 to 61 different charities.

Media nominations are still being accepted at www.helmetofhope.org.  The media nomination process closes on Monday, May 20th.  For more information about the most recently selected charities, visit https://www.peachsneetfeet.com/ or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PeachsNeetFeet and http://www.missfoundation.org/ or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MISS_Foundation.                                                                                                                                            

About the Helmet of Hope
In its sixth year, the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program gives fans and media members across the country the opportunity to nominate their favorite charity to be featured on five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson’s Sprint Cup helmet for the race at Michigan International Speedway on Aug. 18, 2013.  The title sponsor for Helmet of Hope is Blue Bunny Ice Cream.  In addition to being featured on the helmet, each charity selected also receives a grant of $10,000 and a Blue Bunny ice cream party.  To date, the program has contributed more than $430,000 to 61 different charities.

About the Jimmie Johnson Foundation
Chandra and Jimmie Johnson launched the Jimmie Johnson Foundation in February 2006. Johnson, the five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion, drives the No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet SS in NASCAR’s top series. The mission of the foundation is to assist children, families, and communities in need throughout the United States. The foundation has committed more than $5.6 million to various charities. For additional information on the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, please visit www.JimmieJohnsonFoundation.org. 

About Blue Bunny
Wells Enterprises, Inc., maker of Blue Bunny ice cream, is the largest privately held, family-owned ice cream and frozen treat manufacturer in the United States. The company was founded in 1913 and is headquartered in Le Mars, Iowa, the Ice Cream Capital of the World. Wells produces more than 1,100 ice cream and frozen novelty products, including its signature brand, Blue Bunny^®, and super premium brand, 2^nd St. Creamery™. Wells also manufactures licensed frozen treat brands including Yoplait^® frozen yogurt, Weight Watchers^® frozen novelties, and the iconic Bomb Pop™. Visit WellsEnterprisesInc.com.

#             #             #

CONTACT:
Jenny Mayer, Jimmie Johnson Foundation
704.453.2583
jmayer@jjracinginc.com

Kristine Curley, True Speed Communication
816.679.5091
Kristine.curley@truespeedcommunication.com

Liz Croston, Blue Bunny
712.548.5522
escroston@bluebunny.com

International FOP Association, Inc. and Ruth’s Reusable Resources were chosen to appear on the helmet that Johnson will wear during race weekend activities at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn on Aug. 18, 2013. Each organization also will receive a grant of $10,000 and a special Blue Bunny ice cream party.

The International FOP Association was created to raise funds to find a cure for Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP), while supporting individuals and their families through education, public awareness and advocacy.  FOP is one of the rarest, most disabling genetic conditions known to medicine.  It causes bone to form in muscles, tendons, ligaments and other connective tissues.   The organization was nominated by Kristina Sligh, whose nephew Lincoln is afflicted with the disease.

“The IFOPA is very important to me because my six year old nephew has this rare disease,” shared Sligh.  “The hope and prayer is to find a cure.  Please consider IFOPA for Jimmie’s helmet because all kids deserve the same mobility.”

Ruth’s Reusable Resources ensures that students and classrooms in Maine have the basic tools for learning, by transferring surplus business supplies and merchandise into the hands of school children and teachers.  Nominated by staff member Seth Libby, the organization has given away more than $45 million worth of supplies.  The organization’s vision is to provide every Maine child with the variety and quality of supplies needed to succeed in school.  What began in the basement of founder Ruth Libby’s home has greatly expanded to what it is today.

“I think that Ruth’s Reusable Resources should be on the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope because in 19 years, the organization has impacted 70,000 students,” said Seth Libby.  ”It has filled more than 10,000 backpacks in the last nine years alone.”

International FOP Association, located near Orlando, FL, and Ruth’s Reusable Resources, located in Portland, ME, join Denver Kids, Inc., Miracle League of Pensacola, Chelsea’s Hope, Me Fine Foundation, Against Abuse, Inc., Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired and Make-A-Wish Iowa as charities that will be featured on the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope.

The Helmet of Hope program, which began in 2008, allows fans, consumers and media members across the country to nominate their favorite charity to receive a $10,000 grant, special recognition on Johnson’s race helmet and a Blue Bunny ice cream party. This year’s Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope campaign will run during six NASCAR Sprint Cup race weekends beginning at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth on April 13^th and culminating at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway on May 26^th. Johnson will draw two charities each week to be included on the helmet, for a total of 13 charities. To date, the program has contributed more than $430,000 to 61 different charities.

Nominations are currently being accepted at www.helmetofhope.org.  The nomination process closes on Monday, May 6^th at 5pm EST.  For more information about the most recently selected charities, visit http://www.ifopa.org/ and http://www.ruths.org/.                                                                                                                                                                                               

About the Helmet of Hope
In its sixth year, the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program gives fans and media members across the country the opportunity to nominate their favorite charity to be featured on five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson’s Sprint Cup helmet for the race at Michigan International Speedway on Aug. 18, 2013.  The title sponsor for Helmet of Hope is Blue Bunny Ice Cream.  In addition to being featured on the helmet, each charity selected also receives a grant of $10,000 and a Blue Bunny ice cream party.  To date, the program has contributed more than $430,000 to 61 different charities.

About the Jimmie Johnson Foundation
Chandra and Jimmie Johnson launched the Jimmie Johnson Foundation in February 2006. Johnson, the five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion, drives the No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet SS in NASCAR’s top series. The mission of the foundation is to assist children, families, and communities in need throughout the United States. The foundation has committed more than $5.6 million to various charities. For additional information on the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, please visit www.JimmieJohnsonFoundation.org.

About Blue Bunny
Wells Enterprises, Inc., maker of Blue Bunny ice cream, is the largest privately held, family-owned ice cream and frozen treat manufacturer in the United States. The company was founded in 1913 and is headquartered in Le Mars, Iowa, the Ice Cream Capital of the World. Wells produces more than 1,100 ice cream and frozen novelty products, including its signature brand, Blue Bunny^®, and super premium brand, 2^nd St. Creamery™. Wells also manufactures licensed frozen treat brands including Yoplait^® frozen yogurt, Weight Watchers^® frozen novelties, and the iconic Bomb Pop™. Visit WellsEnterprisesInc.com.

#             #             #

CONTACT:
Mary Barr Gallivan, Jimmie Johnson Foundation
704.453.2897
mbarr@jjracinginc.com

Kristine Curley, True Speed Communication
816.679.5091
Kristine.curley@truespeedcommunication.com

Liz Croston, Blue Bunny
712.548.5522
escroston@bluebunny.com

Denver Kids, Inc. and Miracle League of Pensacola were chosen to appear on the helmet that Johnson will wear during race weekend activities at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn on Aug. 18, 2013. Each organization also will receive a grant of $10,000 and a special Blue Bunny ice cream party.

Denver Kids’ mission is to help Denver Public School students, grades K-12, who face the personal challenges of higher risk environments to successfully complete high school, pursue post-secondary programs and become contributing members of society.

Denver Kids, nominated by employee Andy Tiehen, provides one-on-one educational counseling for more than 1,000 students living at or below poverty in the Denver area.

“These students have a graduation rate around 35 percent, but with Denver Kids, Inc., they are graduating at 91 percent” stated Tiehen. “We need more mentors, specifically male mentors, and the publicity and financial support we would receive through a spot on Jimmie’s helmet would be invaluable.”

The Miracle League of Pensacola provides a safe, organized baseball league and facilities for Gulf Coast children with mental and/or physical challenges where every player plays, every player hits, every player gets on base, every player scores and every player wins – every inning.  Currently they serve nearly 200 players ranging in age from 4 to 64 years young.

Paul Hinson, a volunteer umpire for the organization, nominated The Miracle League of Pensacola for the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope, saying, “We accept all players, regardless of their challenges, there are players confined to wheelchairs, players with Down Syndrome and players with attention and learning disorders.”

The League pairs up an able bodied person with each player, enabling the people of the community to form a bond with the players and also to see the happiness that the players gain by being able to play the game of baseball.

Denver Kids, Inc., located in Denver, Colo., and Miracle League of Pensacola, located in Pensacola, Fla., join Chelsea’s Hope, Me Fine Foundation, Against Abuse, Inc., Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired and Make-A-Wish Iowa as charities that will be featured on the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope.

The Helmet of Hope program, which began in 2008, allows fans, consumers and media members across the country to nominate their favorite charity to receive a $10,000 grant, special recognition on Johnson’s race helmet and a Blue Bunny ice cream party. This year’s Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope campaign will run during six NASCAR Sprint Cup race weekends beginning at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth on April 13^th and culminating at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway on May 26^th. Johnson will draw two charities each week to be included on the helmet, for a total of 13 charities. To date, the program has contributed more than $430,000 to 61 different charities. 

Nominations are currently being accepted at www.helmetofhope.org.  For more information about the most recently selected charities, visit www.denverkidsinc.org or on Twitter, www.twitter.com/DenverKidsInc and http://miracleleaguepensacola.net-at-hand.com.                                                                                                                                                

About the Helmet of Hope
In its sixth year, the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program gives fans and media members across the country the opportunity to nominate their favorite charity to be featured on five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson’s Sprint Cup helmet for the race at Michigan International Speedway on Aug. 18, 2013.  The title sponsor for Helmet of Hope is Blue Bunny Ice Cream.  In addition to being featured on the helmet, each charity selected also receives a grant of $10,000 and a Blue Bunny ice cream party.  To date, the program has contributed more than $430,000 to 61 different charities.

About the Jimmie Johnson Foundation
Chandra and Jimmie Johnson launched the Jimmie Johnson Foundation in February 2006. Johnson, the five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion, drives the No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet SS in NASCAR’s top series. The mission of the foundation is to assist children, families, and communities in need throughout the United States. The foundation has committed more than $5.6 million to various charities. For additional information on the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, please visit www.JimmieJohnsonFoundation.org.

About Blue Bunny
Wells Enterprises, Inc., maker of Blue Bunny ice cream, is the largest privately held, family-owned ice cream and frozen treat manufacturer in the United States. The company was founded in 1913 and is headquartered in Le Mars, Iowa, the Ice Cream Capital of the World. Wells produces more than 1,100 ice cream and frozen novelty products, including its signature brand, Blue Bunny^®, and super premium brand, 2^nd St. Creamery™. Wells also manufactures licensed frozen treat brands including Yoplait^® frozen yogurt, Weight Watchers^® frozen novelties, and the iconic Bomb Pop™. Visit WellsEnterprisesInc.com.

#             #             #

CONTACT:
Mary Barr Gallivan, Jimmie Johnson Foundation
704.453.2897
mbarr@jjracinginc.com

Kristine Curley, True Speed Communication
816.679.5091
Kristine.curley@truespeedcommunication.com

Liz Croston, Blue Bunny
712.548.5522
escroston@bluebunny.com

Chelsea’s Hope and Me Fine Foundation were chosen to appear on the helmet that Johnson will wear during race weekend activities at Michigan International Speedway on August 18, 2013. Each organization also will receive a grant of $10,000 and a special Blue Bunny ice cream party.

Chelsea’s Hope, whose mission is to assist in raising funds for research, treatments and cures for those affected by Lafora disease, was nominated by Mari Brackin, whose daughter suffers from Lafora.

Mari’s daughter Elisa has suffered from Lafora disease for 10 years.  Lafora, which is the most severe form of human epilepsy, only has a prognosis of 3-10 years from manifestation. There is currently no known cure.

“We need to get the word out and what better way than to have it on Jimmie Johnson’s helmet” said Mari.

The Me Fine Foundation provides necessary resources and financial assistance to parents and caregivers with children being treated at Duke and UNC Children’s Hospitals.

Joey Powell, who works for the Me Fine Foundation, nominated the charity, stating “By helping provide for these families’ emergent needs during this vital time, we can ensure that the children can focus on healing, recuperation and hopefully defeat illness.”

Chelsea’s Hope, located in Danville, Calif., and Me Fine Foundation, located in Princeton, N.C., join Against Abuse, Inc., Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired and Make-A-Wish Iowa as charities that will be featured on the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope.

The Helmet of Hope program, which began in 2008, allows fans, consumers and media members across the country to nominate their favorite charity to receive a $10,000 grant, special recognition on Johnson’s race helmet and a Blue Bunny ice cream party. This year’s Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope campaign will run during six NASCAR Sprint Cup race weekends beginning at Texas Motor Speedway on April 13^th and culminating at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway on May 26^th.  Johnson will draw two charities each week to be included on the helmet, for a total of 13 charities. To date, the program has contributed more than $430,000 to 61 different charities.

Nominations are currently being accepted at www.helmetofhope.org.  For more information about the most recently selected charities, visit www.mefinefoundation.org or on Twitter, www.twitter.com/MeFineNC and www.chelseashope.org or on Twitter, www.twitter.com/Chelseas_Hope.                                                                                                                                                   

About the Helmet of Hope
In its sixth year, the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program gives fans and media members across the country the opportunity to nominate their favorite charity to be featured on five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson’s Sprint Cup helmet for the race at Michigan International Speedway on Aug. 18, 2013.  The title sponsor for Helmet of Hope is Blue Bunny Ice Cream.  In addition to being featured on the helmet, each charity selected also receives a grant of $10,000 and a Blue Bunny ice cream party.  To date, the program has contributed more than $430,000 to 61 different charities.

About the Jimmie Johnson Foundation
Chandra and Jimmie Johnson launched the Jimmie Johnson Foundation in February 2006. Johnson, the five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion, drives the No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet SS in NASCAR’s top series. The mission of the foundation is to assist children, families, and communities in need throughout the United States. The foundation has committed more than $5.6 million to various charities. For additional information on the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, please visit www.JimmieJohnsonFoundation.org. 

About Blue Bunny
Wells Enterprises, Inc., maker of Blue Bunny ice cream, is the largest privately held, family-owned ice cream and frozen treat manufacturer in the United States. The company was founded in 1913 and is headquartered in Le Mars, Iowa, the Ice Cream Capital of the World. Wells produces more than 1,100 ice cream and frozen novelty products, including its signature brand, Blue Bunny^®, and super premium brand, 2^nd St. Creamery™. Wells also manufactures licensed frozen treat brands including Yoplait^® frozen yogurt, Weight Watchers^® frozen novelties, and the iconic Bomb Pop™. Visit WellsEnterprisesInc.com.

#             #             #

CONTACT:
Mary Barr Gallivan, Jimmie Johnson Foundation
704.453.2897
mbarr@jjracinginc.com

Kristine Curley, True Speed Communication
816.679.5091
Kristine.curley@truespeedcommunication.com

Liz Croston, Blue Bunny
712.548.5522
escroston@bluebunny.com

Against Abuse, Inc. and the Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired were chosen to appear on the helmet that Johnson will wear during race weekend activities at Michigan International Speedway on August 18, 2013. Each organization also will receive a grant of $10,000 and a special Blue Bunny ice cream party.

Jo Anne Pinto, an employee at Against Abuse, Inc. located in Casa Grande, Ariz., nominated the organization, whose mission is to provide services, support, and education to all who experience the effects of family dysfunction and/or abuse, past and present.

“When families have problems, children are the most vulnerable and the most at risk,” Pinto pointed out in her nomination form. “AAI’s children’s program, La Casita de Paz (Little House of Peace) provides an island of security and support as children learn to manage their feelings, make choices for themselves and look towards a more positive future.”

The Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, which offers blind and visually impaired people of Greater Cincinnati, Ohio, the opportunity to seek independence, was nominated by Peg Fortenbery of Liberty Township, Ohio.

Peg’s daughter and son-in-law received support from Cincy Blind when they found out their son had a visual impairment. “CABVI provided the emotional support needed after the initial diagnosis.  CABVI has provided them with excellent resources and unbelievable support for the past 3 1/2 years,” said Fortenbery.  “One of the resources provided was access to a community of people going through the same or similar experiences.”

Against Abuse, Inc. and Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired join Make-A-Wish Iowa, which was selected by the program’s title sponsor, Blue Bunny Ice Cream, as charities that will be featured on the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope.

The Helmet of Hope program, which began in 2008, allows fans, consumers and media members across the country to nominate their favorite charity to receive a $10,000 grant, special recognition on Johnson’s race helmet and a Blue Bunny ice cream party. This year’s Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope campaign will run during six NASCAR Sprint Cup race weekends beginning at Texas Motor Speedway on April 13^th and culminating at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway on May 26^th.  Johnson will draw two charities each week to be included on the helmet, for a total of 13 charities. To date, the program has contributed more than $430,000 to 61 different charities.

Nominations are currently being accepted at www.helmetofhope.org. For more information about the most recently selected charities, visit www.against-abuse.org and www.cincyblind.org.                                                                                                                                               

About the Helmet of Hope
In its sixth year, the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program gives fans and media members across the country the opportunity to nominate their favorite charity to be featured on five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson’s Sprint Cup helmet for the race at Michigan International Speedway on Aug. 18, 2013.  The title sponsor for Helmet of Hope is Blue Bunny Ice Cream.  In addition to being featured on the helmet, each charity selected also receives a grant of $10,000 and a Blue Bunny ice cream party.  To date, the program has contributed more than $430,000 to 61 different charities.

About the Jimmie Johnson Foundation
Chandra and Jimmie Johnson launched the Jimmie Johnson Foundation in February 2006. Johnson, the five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion, drives the No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet SS in NASCAR’s top series. The mission of the foundation is to assist children, families, and communities in need throughout the United States. The foundation has committed more than $5.6 million to various charities. For additional information on the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, please visit www.JimmieJohnsonFoundation.org. 

About Blue Bunny
Wells Enterprises, Inc., maker of Blue Bunny ice cream, is the largest privately held, family-owned ice cream and frozen treat manufacturer in the United States. The company was founded in 1913 and is headquartered in Le Mars, Iowa, the Ice Cream Capital of the World. Wells produces more than 1,100 ice cream and frozen novelty products, including its signature brand, Blue Bunny^®, and super premium brand, 2^nd St. Creamery™. Wells also manufactures licensed frozen treat brands including Yoplait^® frozen yogurt, Weight Watchers^® frozen novelties, and the iconic Bomb Pop™. Visit WellsEnterprisesInc.com.

#             #             #

CONTACT:
Mary Barr Gallivan, Jimmie Johnson Foundation
704.453.2897
mbarr@jjracinginc.com

Kristine Curley, True Speed Communication
816.679.5091
Kristine.curley@truespeedcommunication.com

Liz Croston, Blue Bunny
712.548.5522
escroston@bluebunny.com

LE MARS, Iowa (March 20, 2013) – Five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson made his first trip to Le Mars, Iowa today to announce the 2013 Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope campaign.  Le Mars is the home of Wells Enterprises, maker of Blue Bunny Ice Cream. Johnson was joined by Mike Wells, President and CEO of Wells Enterprises, Inc. to unveil this year’s Jason Beam designed helmet, and to recognize the first charity selected, Make-A-Wish Iowa.

The Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program, which began in 2008, allows fans, consumers and media members across the country to nominate their favorite charity to receive a $10,000 grant, a Blue Bunny ice cream party, and special recognition on Johnson’s race helmet.

“We’re thrilled to have Blue Bunny partner with us again for this year’s Helmet of Hope,” Johnson said. “My wife Chani and I always look forward to learning about the great charities that are submitted and the amazing work they do across the country.  We feel fortunate to have the ability to use my helmet to raise awareness for these causes.”

This year’s Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope campaign will run during six NASCAR Sprint Cup race weekends beginning at Texas Motor Speedway on April 13^th and culminating at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 26^th. Johnson will draw two charities each week to be included on the helmet, for a total of thirteen charities.  Nominations are currently being accepted at www.HelmetOfHope.org. To date, the program has contributed more than $430,000 to 61 different charities.

At the announcement, Johnson and Wells were joined by Rob Kelly, CEO of Make-A-Wish Iowa, and several children who have been granted wishes through the organization.  The event was capped with an ice cream party in the Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor.

“At Wells, giving back and being a good corporate citizen is an important commitment we’ve made through our core fundamentals,” Wells said. “We are incredibly pleased to support the work of Make-A-Wish Iowa in their efforts to change lives of kids and families in our state by awarding them the first Helmet of Hope grant in 2013.”

Make-A-Wish Iowa grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Established in 1987, Make-A-Wish Iowa is part of a nationwide network of nearly 25,000 caring people dedicated to making wishes come true.

Johnson will take to the track this weekend at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif. in the No. 48 Lowe’s/Jimmie Johnson Foundation Chevrolet SS, which features the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope logo on the decklid.  Johnson will wear the actual Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope during the Sprint Cup race at Michigan International Speedway in August.  A replica helmet will be a part of the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope World Tour, which will launch this fall and include visits to each of the selected charities.

For additional information and to nominate your favorite charity, visit www.HelmetOfHope.org

About the Helmet of Hope
In its sixth year, the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program gives fans and media members across the country the opportunity to nominate their favorite charity to be featured on five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson’s Sprint Cup helmet for the race at Michigan International Speedway on Aug. 18, 2013.  The title sponsor for Helmet of Hope is Blue Bunny Ice Cream.  In addition to being featured on the helmet, each charity selected also receives a grant of $10,000 and a Blue Bunny ice cream party.  To date, the program has contributed more than $430,000 to 61 different charities.

About the Jimmie Johnson Foundation
Chandra and Jimmie Johnson launched the Jimmie Johnson Foundation in February 2006. Johnson, the five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion, drives the No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet SS in NASCAR’s top series. The mission of the foundation is to assist children, families, and communities in need throughout the United States. The foundation has committed more than $5.6 million to various charities. For additional information on the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, please visit www.JimmieJohnsonFoundation.org.

About Blue Bunny
Wells Enterprises, Inc., maker of Blue Bunny ice cream, is the largest privately held, family-owned ice cream and frozen treat manufacturer in the United States. The company was founded in 1913 and is headquartered in Le Mars, Iowa, the Ice Cream Capital of the World. Wells produces more than 1,100 ice cream and frozen novelty products, including its signature brand, Blue Bunny^®, and super premium brand, 2^nd St. Creamery™. Wells also manufactures licensed frozen treat brands including Yoplait^® frozen yogurt, Weight Watchers^® frozen novelties, and the iconic Bomb Pop™. Visit WellsEnterprisesInc.com.

Thank you for your interest in the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program.  The nomination process is now closed.

A total of twelve charities will be selected for the 2013 Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope*

*NEW THIS YEAR:
-Ten Fan Submissions will be selected from nominations Week 1-5
-Two Media Submissions will be selected in Week 6
-Past winners of the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program are not eligible to apply.  To see a complete list of charities by state, click here.

Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope Drawing Schedule:

Week 1- April 13: Texas Motor Speedway
Week 2- April 21: Kansas Speedway
Week 3- April 27: Richmond International Raceway
Week 4- May 5: Talladega Superspeedway
Week 5- May 11: Darlington Raceway
Week 6- May 26: Charlotte Motor Speedway

August 18: Jimmie wears the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope at Michigan International Speedway

About the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope Program
In its sixth year, the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program gives fans and media members across the country the opportunity to nominate their favorite charity to be featured on five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson’s Sprint Cup helmet for the race at Michigan International Speedway on August 18, 2013.  The title sponsor for Helmet of Hope is Blue Bunny Ice Cream.  In addition to being featured on the helmet, each charity selected also receives a grant of $10,000 and a Blue Bunny ice cream party.  To date, the program has contributed more than $430,000 to 61 different charities.

Read about the 2013 Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program launch and helmet unveiling here.

Click here for media coverage of the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program.

View photos from the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope World Tour here.

Past Charities:

Special thanks to:

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Feb. 11, 2013) – Five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson announced during a Google+ Hangout that New Hanover Township School in Wrightstown, N.J. is the recipient of the 2013 Team Up for Technology grant.  The $48,000 grant is the result of a partnership between the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, Lowe’s and Samsung Hope for Children.

“In the second year of this program, it is amazing to see the creativity of the video submissions we received.  There was some very tough competition this year,” said Johnson, who will compete in NASCAR’s season opening Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 24.

Danny Nelson, head custodian at New Hanover Township, nominated the school for this grant.  During the celebration, Nelson was presented with a Samsung Galaxy Tab™ 7” and a Lowe’s gift bag in recognition of his efforts on behalf of the students.  Kim Hill, Director Brand Marketing from Samsung Electronics North America and Earika Khan, Market Director Southern New Jersey from Lowe’s, were on hand for the live announcement, which took place in the school gymnasium.

In his nomination, Nelson shared, “Our school has lost aid money and really can’t afford to purchase any new computers.  I see our kids work hard everyday with what we provide and make the best of it.  I would like to help these children out some way so I am writing and entering our school, which could really use this makeover.”

New Hanover Township School plans to use the grant award, which includes $11,500 in Samsung technology and a $36,500 grant from the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, to purchase items including projectors, laptops, desktops, microscopes and audio visual equipment.

“On behalf of the entire New Hanover Township School community, I want to thank Lowe’s, Samsung, the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, and Mr. Johnson himself, for their generous gift,” said Scott Larkin, principal of New Hanover Township School. “Our students truly have an insatiable desire for learning. This technology makeover will be the spark plug that drives them through the finish line, and onto victory in education.”

“Team Up for Technology is a great example of how foundations and corporations can work together to help teachers and students across America,” said David Steel, Executive Vice President of Samsung Electronics North America. “We are very proud to be partnering with the Jimmie Johnson Foundation and Lowe’s to provide technology that will help develop the critical skills they need for future success.”

In addition to awarding $48,000 to New Hanover Township School, 100 Samsung Galaxy Tabs™ were awarded to runner-up Barringer Academic Center (Charlotte, N.C.) and 50 Samsung Galaxy Tabs™ were awarded to third place Pewamo-Westphalia High School (Westphalia, Mich.).

Ten schools were selected from more than 1,300 submitted applications as Team Up For Technology semi-finalists and given a prize kit that included a Samsung Digital Camcorder and Samsung Laptop to create a two minute video illustrating their school’s technology needs.  The amazing group of finalists also included Afton-Lakeland Elementary School (Lakeland, Minn.), Central Middle School (Kansas City, Kan.), KIPP Delta Collegiate High School (Helena, Ariz.), Nations Ford Elementary School (Charlotte, N.C.), Ricardo Lizarraga Elementary School (Los Angeles, Calif.), Timpanogos High School (Orem, Utah) and Emiliano Zapata Academy (Chicago, Ill.).  Each school’s videos are now featured here.

The Team Up For Technology program encourages parents, teachers, administrators and children’s advocates nationwide to nominate their school to receive a technology makeover.  Nominations are received through the foundation’s website (www.jimmiejohnsonfoundation.org) and Twitter account (www.twitter.com/jjfoundation48).  In the past two years, more than $150,000 in cash and product has been awarded through this program.

Video and photos from the celebration event at New Hanover Township School will be available for download after 8 p.m. EST here: http://www.thenewsmarket.com/SEA. 

ABOUT THE JIMMIE JOHNSON FOUNDATION
Chandra and Jimmie Johnson launched the Jimmie Johnson Foundation in February 2006.  Johnson, a five-time Sprint Cup champion, drives the No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet SS in NASCAR’s premiere series.  The mission of the foundation is to assist children, families, and communities in need throughout the United States.  The foundation has committed more than $5.6 million to various charities.  For additional information on the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, please visit www.jimmiejohnsonfoundation.org.

ABOUT SAMSUNG HOPE FOR CHILDREN
Samsung Hope for Children represents the company’s philanthropic commitment in the U.S. to help improve children’s health, education and sustainability. Since 2002, Samsung Electronics America and its retail and business partners have helped more than 400 schools, community-based foundations, and charities throughout the U.S. raise awareness of and funding for their causes. For more information please visit: www.samsung.com/hope.

ABOUT SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in technology, opening new possibilities for people everywhere. Through relentless innovation and discovery, we are transforming the worlds of televisions, smartphones, personal computers, printers, cameras, home appliances, LTE systems, medical devices, semiconductors and LED solutions. We employ 236,000 people across 79 countries with annual sales exceeding KRW 201 trillion. To discover more, please visit www.samsung.com.

ABOUT LOWE’S
With fiscal year 2011 sales of $50.2 billion, Lowe’s Companies, Inc. is a FORTUNE^® 100 company that serves approximately 15 million customers a week at more than 1,745 home improvement stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Founded in 1946 and based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe’s is the second-largest home improvement retailer in the world. For more information, visit Lowes.com.