CONCORD, N.C. -- Sometimes a grant can mean everything to an organization -- take The Be Kind People Project for example.
A 2015 Jimmie Johnson Foundation Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope grant recipient, the education-focused charity was able to use every last penny of the grant toward its goal -- to initiate positive social change in educational institutions across the country by providing a youth character development program.
That is just one of many examples -- to date, the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program has contributed more than $810,000 to 81 different charities.
Wednesday night, the fortunes of five more not-for-profit organizations that support K-12 public education were changed forever, as Jimmie Johnson and Mike Wells -- president and CEO of Wells Enterprises, Inc., maker of Blue Bunny ice cream -- announced the 2016 winners of the $25,000 grants.
The five recipients are ArtWell in Philadelphia; Carlos Gilbert Elementary Parents! Teachers! Kids! in Santa Fe, New Mexico; Change for Kids in New York; Inside the Outdoors Foundation in Costa Mesa, California; and Mercy Child Advocacy Center in Sioux City, Iowa.
Nearly 225,000 votes were cast for the 10 semi-finalists during the voting period, with the final five ultimately selected via public vote.
“All of the semi-finalist charities did a fantastic job of securing votes by engaging their supporters,” Johnson said. “The vote this year was incredibly close. As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, (wife) Chani and I are thrilled to have partners like Blue Bunny that make it possible for us to provide funding for the great work the five grant recipients are doing to support K-12 public education.”
In addition to a $25,000 grant, each of the five recipient organizations will receive a Blue Bunny ice cream party and special recognition on Johnson’s race helmet during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Aug. 7 at Watkins Glen.
“Congratulations to the five recipients of the 2016 Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope grants,” Wells said. “The rallying effort by the fans and supporters of the 10 semi-finalists is always impressive and illustrates the energy and passion around the purpose and mission of each organization. It is an honor to help each of them further the important work they are committed to around education.”
Thanks to the generosity of Wells Enterprises, Inc., the remaining five semi-finalist charities will each receive a $1,000 grant and a Blue Bunny Ice Cream party as well.