By Betty Jane France
2016 is a true milestone for The NASCAR Foundation: We are celebrating 10 Years of Giving.
When we started The NASCAR Foundation in 2006, we had great ambitions. With the support of the NASCAR community to tap into as we developed our initiatives, we knew that our goal to improve the lives of children throughout the nation was realistic. We had a clear focus, and we were convinced that we would be successful.
And please note that I am deliberately using “NASCAR community” rather than “NASCAR industry.” Our industry truly is a community, or even more – a family. Care and compassion are as integral to NASCAR as the competition on the race track. Through the years, NASCAR has repeatedly channeled its forces to help people in need.
I am fortunate enough to have been involved in these efforts, such as the founding of the Speediatrics® Units at Halifax Health Medical Center, Daytona Beach, and Homestead Hospital, where we are solely focused on children’s care. Speediatrics® started with the goal of applying the color-richness, excitement and fun of NASCAR racing into children’s hospital rooms, wings and waiting areas. We wanted to make the hospital stay a little less stressful for young patients and their families. From that initial goal, we have evolved Speediatrics® into a heartwarming success story. Every year, we provide medical treatment at our two facilities to over 500,000 children to date.
I am also proud to be associated with The NASCAR Foundation’s Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award Presented by Nationwide. The award now defines The NASCAR Foundation’s overall mission, which is based on helping children live happier, healthier lives. The award is in its sixth year and is presented annually to a NASCAR fan who embodies the ideals of our organization.
Ten years … where has the time gone? The NASCAR Foundation has accomplished a tremendous amount of work, but there is still so much left to achieve. With the help of the NASCAR community, we will continue on our ambitious path. The next 10 years promise to be even better.
