CONCORD, N.C. – Jimmie Johnson will be sporting his Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope Wednesday night for the All-Star Race with special stickers honoring five non-profit organizations.
The seven-time champion's charity, The Jimmie Johnson Foundation, teamed up with Blue Bunny Ice Cream to select five organizations aimed at supporting K-12 public education. Each of the non-profits will receive a $25,000 grant and a Blue Bunny ice-cream party along with a special decal on Johnson's helmet.
The five finalists are the National Mental Health Association of Georgia in Atlanta; TABLE Inc. in Carrboro, North Carolina; Working in the Schools (WITS) in Chicago; Foodbank of Siouxland in Sioux City, Iowa; and DMF Youth Inc. in New York. The organizations were selected in a week-long voting period, accumulating over 223,000 votes for the top 10 programs.
"There are so many deserving organizations and now more than ever, they need our help," Johnson said. “These grants are one small way we can help make a difference. (My wife) Chani and I appreciate the partnership that we have had with Blue Bunny over the years. This program has not only brought some needed funding to various organizations but a little recognition as well, with their names on my helmet.
"It’s also brought a little fun, because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love an ice cream party?"
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.
“Congratulations to the recipients of the 2020 Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope grants,” said Mike Wells, president & CEO of Wells Enterprises, Inc., the maker of Blue Bunny ice cream. “The rallying effort by the fans of all 10 semi-finalists is always impressive and highlights the passion around the purpose and mission of each organization in their communities. It is an honor to help each of them further the important work they are committed to."
To date, the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program has contributed more than $1.3 million to 121 different charities. For additional information about the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program, visit helmetofhope.org.