ATLANTA, Feb. 27, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Jimmie Johnson Foundation announced Friday the launch of the 2015 Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope campaign, which will award $125,000 to five non-profits in April.
In a video message sent via Twitter and Facebook, six-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson, along with Mike Wells, president and CEO of Wells Enterprises, maker of Blue Bunny Ice Cream, revealed that not-for-profit (501c3) organizations supporting K-12 public education will be eligible to compete for one of the five available $25,000 grants.
"We are excited to continue our support of K-12 public education through the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program," Johnson said. "(Wife) Chandra and I are grateful to Blue Bunny and the Wells Family for partnering with us to provide these important programs with financial support."
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 Wednesday, April 1. Ten semifinalists will be selected from these nominations. The public vote to choose the final five grant recipients will take place April 9 - April 17.
"Last year the semifinalist organizations did an incredible job of mobilizing their networks to vote," Johnson continued. "Chandra and I can't wait to see how this year's semifinalists utilize their social media platforms to highlight the important work they are doing in support of K-12 public education. It's an exciting opportunity, and we encourage everyone to nominate and then vote. Let's have some fun for a good cause."
To date, the program has contributed more than $685,000 to 76 different charities.
"Blue Bunny is proud to partner with Jimmie and Chandra as title sponsor of Helmet of Hope for a fourth year," Wells said. "Giving back is a core fundamental at Blue Bunny and this sponsorship provides us with an exceptional opportunity to support academic success for kids through education-focused grants."
Johnson will take to the track this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Ga. in the No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet SS. He will wear the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope during the Sprint Cup Series race June 7 at Pocono Raceway.
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 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 $7.7 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® and the iconic Bomb Pop®. Wells also manufactures the licensed frozen treat brand Weight Watchers® frozen novelties. Visit bluebunny.com.
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SOURCE Jimmie Johnson Foundation; Blue Bunny
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