CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 16, 2014) — The Jimmie Johnson Foundation announced today the 10 semi-finalists that are eligible for a $25,000 grant. In all, five grants are available through the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program. A public vote will take place April 17 through 24 at www.helmetofhope.org to determine the five grant winners.
The Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program, which began in 2008, allows fans and consumers across the country to nominate not-for-profit (501c3) organizations that support K-12 public education. The 10 semi-finalists are:
- Champions For Learning (Naples, Fla.)
- Communities in Schools Spokane (Spokane, Wash.)
- Crayons to Classrooms (Dayton, Ohio)
- HEART Tutoring (Charlotte, N.C.)
- LeMars Community Schools Foundation (LeMars, Ia.)
- MeckEd (Charlotte, N.C.)
- Partnership for Los Angeles Schools (Los Angeles)
- Reading Partners (Denver, Colo.)
- Solar One (New York)
- Tucson Museum of Art Education Center (Tucson, Ariz.)
“Providing support for K-12 public education is something that has been important to (Wife) Chandra and I since we started our foundation,” Johnson said. “We are really proud of the work we have been able to do through our relationship with Blue Bunny and the Wells Family (makers of Blue Bunny Ice Cream). Our team had a tough, tough time narrowing the field of nominations to 10 semi-finalists. Now is the fun part – watching to see how each group mobilizes their efforts to get out the vote.”
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 Sprint Cup Series race July 27 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. To date, the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program has contributed more than $560,000 to 71 different charities.
“It is exciting to see the unique and creative approaches to supporting education through the 10 semi-finalist organizations,” stated Mike Wells, President and CEO, Wells Enterprises, Inc. makers of Blue Bunny ice cream. “Each and every one of them bring a passion and commitment to learning that is impressive, and it will be an honor to help provide financial support to the five finalists.”
For additional information and to vote for your favorite semi-finalist, 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 $6.7 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®, super premium brand, 2nd St. Creamery™, and the iconic Bomb Pop®. Wells also manufactures licensed frozen treat brands including Yoplait® frozen yogurt and Weight Watchers® frozen novelties. Visit bluebunny.com.