Jimmie Johnson Foundation Announces Winners!

May 2, 2014

      

 

JIMMIE JOHNSON FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES

WINNERS OF THE BLUE BUNNY HELMET OF HOPE

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 2, 2014) — The Jimmie Johnson Foundation announced today the five winners of the

Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope, a program that allows fans and consumers across the country to nominate not-for-profit (501c3) organizations that support K-12 public education. Each of the winners will be awarded a $25,000 grant.

The 5 winners are:

• Crayons to Classrooms in Dayton, Ohio

• Champions for Learning in Naples, Florida

• HEART Tutoring in Charlotte, N.C.

• Le Mars Community Schools Foundation in LeMars, Iowa

• Reading Partners in Denver, Colorado

The final five were selected via public vote. Approximately 438,658 votes were cast for the 10 semi-finalists during the voting period.

“We are thrilled with this year’s Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program,” Johnson said. The competition was tough. The public rallied around the semi-finalists to show their support. It was exciting to see the number of votes go up each day. All of the semi-finalist organizations were very deserving. Chani (wife) and I are honored that the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, in partnership with Blue Bunny, is able to support the great work of the 5 winners.”

In addition to a $25,000 grant, each of the five winners will receive a Blue Bunny ice cream party and special recognition on Johnson’s race helmet during the Sprint Cup Series race on July 27, 2014 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. To date, the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program has contributed more than $560,000 to 71 different charities.

“Congratulations to the five winners of the 2014 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 each of the 10 semi-finalists was 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.”

 

About the Jimmie Johnson Foundation

Chandra and Jimmie Johnson launched the Jimmie Johnson Foundation in February 2006. Johnson, the six-time NASCAR Sprint 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 $6.7 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.org.

About Blue Bunny

Wells Enterprises, Inc., maker of Blue Bunny ice cream, is the largest privately held, family-owned ice cream and frozen treat manufacturer in the United States. The company was founded in 1913 and is headquartered in Le Mars, Iowa, the Ice Cream Capital of the World. Wells produces more than 1,100 ice cream and frozen novelty products, including its signature brand, Blue Bunny®, super premium brand, 2nd St. Creamery™, and the iconic Bomb Pop®. Wells also manufactures licensed frozen treat brands including Yoplait® frozen yogurt and Weight Watchers® frozen novelties. Visit bluebunny.com.

 

Contact:

Amanda Prothero, Jimmie Johnson Foundation

704.308.7439

Amanda@jjracinginc.com

 

Penny Copen, True Speed Communication

704.875.3388 x 810

penny.copen@truespeedcommunication.com

 

Liz Croston, Blue Bunny

712.548.5522

escroston@bluebunny.com