The NASCAR Foundation, which last month raised $678,405 through its Gainbridge NASCAR Day Giveathon, has been named the 2024 Knockin’ Doorz Down Philanthropist of the Year, presented by 51FIFTY.
Founded in 2006 by the late Betty Jane France, the national 501(c)3 charity impacts the lives of children through the Speediatrics Children’s Fund and the annual Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. The Foundation has impacted more than 1.7 million children, donating $46 million to children in need.
The Foundation has established racing-themed Speediatrics child care units at Halifax Hospital in Daytona Beach, Florida, and at Homestead Hospital in South Florida.
The Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award is voted on annually by NASCAR fans in recognition of the charitable efforts of children in their community.
The award was accepted by NASCAR Vice President Mike Helton, who said, “Betty Jane would be very proud of this. Tonight is very special. “We will take this plaque back (to Daytona Beach) and celebrate it with the whole (NASCAR) family.”
“I am very proud of what Carlos Vieira has brought to the table with his Knockin’ Doorz Down Philanthropist of the Year honor,” said Ken Clapp, president and CEO of the West Coast Stock Cars/Motorsports Hall of Fame. . “As we enter our fourth year of recognizing individuals and charities dedicated to helping others in our country, I consider this year’s recognition to be one of the largest.
“Betty Jane France, who founded the NASCAR Foundation many years ago, was a close and dear friend for more than 50 years, before her passing in 2016. Her vision continues the success the Foundation enjoys today. Simply put, this is a well-deserved recognition that warms my heart.”
In presenting the Philanthropist of the Year award, 51FIFTY’s Jason VanDusen said, “This award is much more than an annual presentation or trophy. It is a movement, it is a fire that should be lit in each of us to do more. Emerging from the book written by Carlos Vieira where he tells the story of his Knockin’ Doorz Down, of starting a foundation to help families, of starting 51FIFTY to light a fire in others and of never stopping to say ‘why?’ Because he already knew why.”
The award winners are:
2024
The NASCAR Foundation, dedicated to improving the delivery of health and wellness programs and services to children in racing communities.
2023
Kurt Busch Foundation and Kevin Harvick Foundation, nonprofit organizations operating on behalf of educational and youth sports and military outreach charities.
2022
The Sonoma Raceway Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities, which has distributed more than $6.8 million to qualified youth groups in Sonoma County, California.
2021
Mike Curb, recording executive, racing industry endorser and member of the West Coast Motorsports/Stock Car Hall of Fame
The Knockin’ Doorz Down Philanthropist of the Year Award was brought to life by Carlos Vieira, a businessman, entrepreneur, retired racing driver, father and philanthropist. Carlos Vieira has spent years of his life living the madness, in which he has overcome obstacles and adversity throughout the years to become the success that he is today.
And with that success he has been given opportunities to help others along the way. He founded the Carlos Vieira Foundation in 2010 and began the great works of helping families living with autism, mental illness and drug addiction, through programs such as Race For Autism, Race 2B Drug Free and the Race To End The Stigma campaigns.
Vieira captured all of this in his 2020 book Knockin’ Doorz Down, the real-life story of overcoming the darkness of addiction and finding redemption. He continues to live this life of philanthropy and actively encourages others to follow his example. This award is a representation of that mentality. Putting others first, encouraging others and always doing what we can to help when needed.
A group of people posing for a photo Automatically generated description
(left to right) Jason VanDusen, 51FIFTY; Carlos Vieira, 51FIFTY, Mike Helton, NASCAR vice president; 51FIFTY hosts Kimberlin Alvardo and Michelle Jiménez. – Image by Dennis Mattish
Highlights from the induction ceremonies will air later this summer, network, air dates and broadcast times to be announced.
About the West Coast Stock Car/Motorsports Hall of Fame:
The West Coast Stock Car/Motorsports Hall of Fame was conceived in 2001 as a means to recognize significant contributors and contributions to the sport of stock car/motorsports competition. The mission of the West Coast Stock Car and Motorsports Hall of Fame is founded to preserve the history and heritage of the important role that West Coast motorsports and stock car figures have played. in the development and continuation of sport and to recognize, through annual consecration, outstanding individuals. and groups within the sport such as, but not limited to, designers, engineers, mechanics, drivers, racetrack owners, promoters, publicists and members of the motorsports media.
The Hall is a 501(c)3 charitable organization, dedicated to supporting a variety of organizations and groups from coast to coast. The Hall has raised more than $1 million over the past six and a half years for youth, health and safety, hospitals, animal rescue, military and other charitable causes.
For more information on the West Coast Stock Car/Motorsports Hall of Fame, visit: www.WestCoastStockCarHallofFame.com
WCSCHOF PR
Latest posts from Speedway Digest staff (see all)
Post views: 8
Keynote USA
For the Latest Sports News, Follow Keynote USA Sports on Twitter.