CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 24, 2015) — The Jimmie Johnson Foundation announced today the five recipients of this year’s $25,000 Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope grants. The Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope is a program that allows fans and consumers across the country to nominate not-for-profit (501c3) organizations that support K-12 public education for the chance to win one of five (5) available grant packages.
The 5 winners are:
- *9 Dots in Los Angeles
- *BackPack Beginnings in Greensboro, North Carolina
- *Big Brothers Big Sisters of Siouxland in Sioux City, Iowa
- *Carolina Raptor Center in Charlotte, North Carolina
- *The Be Kind People Project in Phoenix
The final five were selected via public vote. Approximately 2.2 million votes were cast for the 10 semi-finalists during the voting period.
“It was exciting to see this year’s Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program unfold,” said Jimmie Johnson. “The semi-finalist charities did an outstanding job of rallying their supporters to secure votes. It was a tough, hard fought competition between 10 very deserving charities. Chani (wife) and I are thrilled that the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, in partnership with Blue Bunny, is able to support the great work of the five winners.”
In addition to a $25,000 grant, each of the five winners will receive a Blue Bunny ice cream party and special recognition on Johnson’s race helmet during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on June 7, 2015 at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway. To date, the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program has contributed more than $685,000 to 76 different charities.
“Congratulations to the five winners of the 2015 Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope grants,” stated Mike Wells, President & CEO, Wells Enterprises, Inc., maker of Blue Bunny ice cream. “The rallying effort by the fans and supporters of the 10 semi-finalists is always impressive and illustrates the energy and passion around the purpose and mission of each organization. It is an honor to help each of them further the important work they are committed to around education.”
For additional information about the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program, visit www.helmetofhope.org.
About the Jimmie Johnson Foundation
Chandra and Jimmie Johnson launched the Jimmie Johnson Foundation in February 2006. Johnson, the six-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 $7.7 million to various charities. The Foundation currently focuses on K-12 public education. 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 the iconic Bomb Pop®. Wells also manufactures the licensed frozen treat brand Weight Watchers® frozen novelties. Visit bluebunny.com.