CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 18, 2016) — Six-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson, along with Mike Wells, President & CEO of Wells Enterprises, Inc., announced the five recipients of this year’s $25,000 Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope grants today on FOX Sports 1’s “Race Hub.” 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 receive one of five (5) available grant packages.
The 5 grant recipients are:
- ArtWell in Philadelphia
- Carlos Gilbert Elementary Parents! Teachers! Kids! in Santa Fe, New Mexico
- Change for Kids in New York
- Inside the Outdoors Foundation in Costa Mesa, California
- Mercy Child Advocacy Center in Sioux City, Iowa
The final five were selected via public vote. Nearly 225,000 votes were cast for the 10 semi-finalists during the voting period.
“All of the semi-finalist charities did a fantastic job of securing votes by engaging their supporters,” said Johnson. “The vote this year was incredibly close. As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, Chani (wife) and I are thrilled to have partners like Blue Bunny that make it possible for us to provide funding for the great work the five grant recipients are doing to support K-12 public education.”
In addition to a $25,000 grant, each of the five recipient organizations will receive a Blue Bunny ice cream party and special recognition on Johnson’s race helmet during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on August 7, 2016 at Watkins Glen (NY) International Speedway. To date, the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program has contributed more than $810,000 to 81 different charities.
“Congratulations to the five recipients of the 2016 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.”
Thanks to the generosity of Wells Enterprises, Inc., the remaining five semi-finalist charities will each receive a $1,000 grant and a Blue Bunny Ice Cream party as well.
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 $8.8 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.