NASCAR: Helping to Make Our World Better One Donation at a Time

We didn’t have a Sprint Cup race this past weekend. The void in the midst of a Sunday afternoon can be a difficult thing to fill, but we get on with our day and do a few other chores around the house. For me it was a little bit of home improvement. At the end, tired, aching and sticking to everything, I considered the painted hallway and thought just how lucky I am to have all that I do. Which then leads to the thought, what is there to be done to help others who are not as fortunate in their own lives?

This week I’ve pulled out some charitable foundations related to NASCAR, in no particular order. It seems every driver has one. Please be kind to your neighbors and donate your time or money to a cause you are passionate about. It’s amazing what just a little bit can do for your world.

Brad Keselowski’s Checkered Flag Foundation: http://www.bradracing.com/foundation/

The driver of the No. 2 has focused his charitable attentions on the heroes of our country who have served in some way. The Checkered Flag Foundation works with groups like the Wounded Warrior Project and the Paralyzed Veterans of America, working to provide events and recognition for those who have paid a price often considered too steep for their service.

Rescue Ranch and Ryan Newman Foundation: http://www.rescueranch.com/

Ryan Newman and Krissie Newman have taken their passion for animals and worked to create the Rescue Ranch in Statesville, NC. Focused on ending pet overpopulation and humane animal treatment education, the driver of the No. 31 Chevy needs everyone’s help to make the most of the Rescue Ranch’s vision.

The 79 Fund: http://www.emporiacf.org/#!79-fund/c1mde

Clint Bowyer thought long about where he wanted to make the biggest impact, and that was his hometown of Emporia, KS. In 2008, Clint helped to establish the 79 Fund and has since raised over one million dollars, resulting in the building of a community center. It does take a community to raise a child. It is inspiring when an adult remembers that an entire town helped them achieve their goals in life and paid it back threefold.

Tony Stewart Foundation: http://tonystewartfoundation.org/index.php

The owner of Stewart-Haas Racing and driver of the No. 14 ensures his foundation funds the things he is personally most passionate about: children in need, animals, and racing. You can find the TSF assisting established charities reaching their own goals whether it is training service animals, supporting an injured driver or helping children with life-threatening illnesses.

Drive to End Hunger: http://endseniorhunger.aarp.org/

Sometimes it is not a driver that has a message to deliver to the NASCAR fan base, but a sponsor. Since 2011, the No. 24 has sported this AARP logo on its hood. Sometimes we forget whose hunger the program is trying to eradicate. Many seniors in our nation that receive nothing more than their social security every month have to make decisions between paying the electric bill, buying a needed prescription or simply putting food on their table.

If any of these foundations speak to you, please take the time to click on the links and donate. However, it doesn’t always require a checkbook to make a real, lasting difference in your own community.

Sonya’s Scrapbook

1995 Southern 500

Win No. 8 for the young Mr. Gordon. Darlington is one of those tracks that is ageless. However, when you put a 90’s stockcar on the bumpy pavement, there’s something magic in the way the vehicles bounce around the corners. Still rough and tumble in this video, the Lady in Black simply displays all the sharp edges that built NASCAR up to the glittering creature it is today.

I wish I was going to be there on Sunday night.