CONCORD, N.C. – The Jimmie Johnson Foundation announced Friday the launch of the 2015 Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope campaign, which will award $125,000 to five non-profits in April.
In a video message sent via Twitter and Facebook, six-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson, along with Mike Wells, president and CEO of Wells Enterprises, maker of Blue Bunny Ice Cream, revealed that not-for-profit (501c3) organizations supporting K-12 public education will be eligible to compete for one of the five available $25,000 grants.
"We are excited to continue our support of K-12 public education through the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program," Johnson said. "(Wife) Chandra and I are grateful to Blue Bunny and the Wells Family for partnering with us to provide these important programs with financial support."
The Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program, which began in 2008, allows fans and consumers across the country to nominate their favorite education-focused charities, including Parent/Teacher Associations, to receive a $25,000 grant, a Blue Bunny ice cream party, and special recognition on Johnson's race helmet. Nominations will be accepted at www.helmetofhope.org through Wednesday, April 1. Ten semifinalists will be selected from these nominations. The public vote to choose the final five grant recipients will take place April 9 through April 17.
"Last year the semifinalist organizations did an incredible job of mobilizing their networks to vote," Johnson continued. "Chandra and I can't wait to see how this year's semifinalists utilize their social media platforms to highlight the important work they are doing in support of K-12 public education. It's an exciting opportunity, and we encourage everyone to nominate and then vote. Let's have some fun for a good cause."
To date, the program has contributed more than $685,000 to 76 different charities.
"Blue Bunny is proud to partner with Jimmie and Chandra as title sponsor of Helmet of Hope for a fourth year," Wells said. "Giving back is a core fundamental at Blue Bunny and this sponsorship provides us with an exceptional opportunity to support academic success for kids through education-focused grants."
Johnson will take to the track this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Ga., in the No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet SS. He will wear the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope during the Sprint Cup Series race June 7 at Pocono Raceway.
For additional information and to nominate a charity, visit www.helmetofhope.org.