Jimmie Johnson Foundation, Blue Bunny Ice Cream Announce Five $25,000 Grant Opportunities
Public Vote To Determine 2017 Helmet of Hope Grant Recipients
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (March 6, 2017) – Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson and Mike Wells, president and CEO of Wells Enterprises, maker of Blue Bunny Ice Cream, announced the launch of the 2017 Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope campaign, which will award $125,000 to five non-profit organizations in May.
The announcement, made via video (2017 Helmet of Hope Video Announcement) today on Johnson’s Facebook page, revealed that not-for-profit 501c3 organizations that directly support K-12 public education will be eligible to compete for one of the five available $25,000 grants.
“Jimmie and his wife Chandra’s continued dedication to the Helmet of Hope program is inspiring,” said Wells. “Blue Bunny is honored and proud to once again partner with them on this incredible program to help continue to support academic success for kids through these local organizations.”
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 Friday, April 14. Ten semifinalists will be selected from these nominations. The public vote to choose the final five grant recipients will take place May 5 to 12.
“Blue Bunny and the Wells Family are incredible partners, and Chandra and I are so grateful for their continued support of this program and the Foundation,” Johnson said. “Each year, we are inspired by the passion the selected charities have for K-12 public education. The Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program provides them the opportunity to raise awareness for the amazing work they are doing in a fun and exciting way.”
To date, the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program has contributed more than $940,000 to 91 different charities.
Johnson will take to the track this weekend at Las Vegas in the No. 48 Lowe’s Kobalt Tools Chevrolet SS. He will wear the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope during the NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn Aug. 13.
For additional information and to nominate a charity, visit www.helmetofhope.org.
About the Jimmie Johnson Foundation
Chandra and Jimmie Johnson launched the Jimmie Johnson Foundation in February 2006. Johnson, the seven-time NASCAR Cup champion, drives the No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet SS in NASCAR’s top series. The mission of the Foundation is to assist children, families, and communities in need throughout the United States. The Foundation has committed more than $9.5 million to various charities. The Foundation currently focuses on K-12 public education. For additional information on the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, please visit www.jimmiejohnsonfoundation.
About Blue Bunny Ice Cream
For more than 80 years, Blue Bunny has been bringing delicious ice cream made with fun, fresh ingredients to families—adding a little playfulness to any occasion. Blue Bunny offers over 75 flavors of ice cream and frozen novelty products, available at retailers and convenience stores nationwide. For more information, visit BlueBunny.com.
Sources: Penny Fender, True Speed Communication