Jimmie Johnson Foundation, Blue Bunny Ice Cream Announce Recipients of the 2017 Helmet of Hope

Seven-time NASCAR Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson, along with Mike Wells, President and CEO of Wells Enterprises, Inc., announced today the five recipients of this year’s $25,000 Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope grants. The Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program invites fans and consumers across the country to nominate not-for-profit (501c3) organizations that support K-12 public education for the opportunity to receive one of five (5) available grant packages.

The 5 grant recipients are:

  • Art Feeds in Fayetteville, Arkansas
  • Edu-Futuro in Arlington, Virginia
  • Mary J. Treglia Community House in Sioux City, Iowa
  • School on Wheels of Massachusetts in East Bridgewater, Massachusetts
  • The Kids’ Reading Room in Houston

The final five were selected via a week-long public vote. More than 195,000 votes were cast for the 10 semi-finalists during the voting period. 

“The semi-finalist charities worked incredibly hard to engage their supporters and secure votes,” said Johnson.  “Chani (wife) and I are honored to partner with our friends at Blue Bunny again this year to assist these organizations in supporting K-12 public education across the U.S.”

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 Cup Series race on August 13, 2017 at Michigan International Speedway. To date, the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program has contributed more than $940,000 to 91 different charities.

“Congratulations to the five recipients of the 2017 Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope grants,” stated Mike Wells, President & CEO, Wells Enterprises, Inc., maker of Blue Bunny ice cream. “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.

For additional information about the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program, visit www.helmetofhope.org.

Jimmi Johnson Foundation PR