Hospitals in select race markets to receive $160,000 in grants through the Speediatrics Children Fund
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Sept. 9, 2024) – The NASCAR Foundation and Kaulig Giving are celebrating National Teddy Bear Day by joining together to deliver 4,000 NASCAR-themed teddy bears to children in 110 hospitals across North America for the eighth annual “Speedy Bear Brigade.”
This year’s efforts will bring the cumulative total of Speedy Bears delivered to more than 15,000 since the program’s inception in 2016, providing comfort to children during their hospital stays.
New this year, The NASCAR Foundation will also provide $160,000 in grants to local hospitals in select NASCAR race markets. These donations are made possible through the Foundation’s Speediatrics Children’s Fund, which supports needs expressed by hospitals, specialty clinics, camps, and others providing children’s medical and health care services
“To see how this program has grown through the years is truly amazing,” said Nichole Krieger, Executive Director and Vice President, The NASCAR Foundation. “Seeing the joy on the children’s faces when they receive their Speedy Bears makes you realize how something as simple as a teddy bear can make such an impact on a child’s well-being.
“Support from Kaulig Giving, local sponsors and all our wonderful NASCAR fans is so important in helping us continue the vision of our founder, the late Betty Jane France, to bring comfort to kids in the hospital.”
This year’s efforts mark the biggest to date with 110 hospitals participating in race markets across the United States, Mexico and Canada. The initiative surrounds National Teddy Bear Day celebrated on Sept. 9 with events in Akron, Ohio, home to Kaulig Companies headquarters, as well as Charlotte, N.C. and Daytona Beach, Fla., home to NASCAR headquarters.
“Our partnership with The NASCAR Foundation continues to grow on and off the track. All of us share the incredible goal of impacting the communities we love by helping children in need live happier, healthier lives.” said Matt Kaulig, team owner of Kaulig Racing and founder of Kaulig Giving.
“We’re honored to team up with The NASCAR Foundation for our fourth year to deliver cheer, positivity, and comfort to children in hospitals across the country through the Speedy Bear Brigade program.”
Matt Kaulig and Kaulig Giving have given a grant of $25,000 to The NASCAR Foundation to challenge NASCAR fans to join the Speedy Bear Brigade by making a $25 donation to sponsor a Speedy Bear.
Fans can visit NASCARfoundation.org/speedybear to donate.
About The NASCAR Foundation:
The NASCAR Foundation is a leading charity that works to improve the lives of children who need it most in NASCAR racing communities through the Speediatrics Children’s Fund and the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award.
The NASCAR Foundation, designated as a 4-Star Charity by Charity Navigator for its strong financial health and ongoing accountability and transparency, has contributed more than $46 Million to impact the lives of more than 1.7 million children across the country since 2006.
About Kaulig Giving:
Since 2018, Kaulig Giving has partnered with more than 300 non-profit organizations in Northeast Ohio and beyond to create a lasting impact for children and families.
Kaulig Giving supports the well-being of children and families through direct giving, community involvement, and partnerships with like-minded organizations.
To learn more about Kaulig Giving and its current partners and projects, visit https://www.kauliggiving.com.
Source: Advance Auto Parts Foundation
