SAN DIEGO — Chandra and Jimmie Johnson on Thursday announced plans for the Jimmie Johnson Foundation Inaugural Golf Tournament at Jimmie Johnson’s Kearny Mesa Chevrolet. This is the foundation’s first fundraising initiative in San Diego — Johnson’s hometown.
The tournament will be on Wednesday, Aug. 29 at Riverwalk Golf Club in Mission Valley. The kick-off dinner will be the night before. Lowe’s, Johnson’s primary sponsor in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, is the title sponsor of the tournament.
Proceeds from the event will fund the building of a home in El Cajon, Calif. The foundation is partnering with San Diego Habitat for Humanity and the City of El Cajon on the project. The process is currently under way to secure the property and identify a family for the home.
“I am honored to be in a position to give back to the area where I grew up,” Johnson said. “It was really important to Chandra and me to create an annual event in San Diego. We hope the tournament sells out in its first year and we are able to raise more than we imagined.
“I am thrilled we will be able to build a home for a family in need in my hometown. I can’t wait to swing that first hammer.”
Cheryl Keenan, executive director of San Diego Habitat for Humanity, said the effort is a step toward making San Diego a better place for everyone.
“San Diego Habitat for Humanity is absolutely thrilled to be partnering with the Jimmie Johnson Foundation and the City of El Cajon,” said Keenan. “This joint effort is a great benefit to our community. Building together means we will be one home closer to eliminating substandard housing while providing a home for a family in need right here in San Diego.”
Bob Gfeller, senior vice president of marketing and advertising at Lowe’s, said, “Lowe’s is encouraged by Jimmie’s desire to rally together residents from his hometown of San Diego to participate in a golf tournament that benefits a family in need through a Habitat for Humanity build. In fact, we’re especially proud because Jimmie and Chandra’s thoughtfulness is an extension of Lowe’s commitment to Habitat for Humanity International that includes providing volunteers, materials and the vision to help Habitat homeowners build their dreams each year.”