The NASCAR foundation announced it’s four finalists for its humanitarian award today. The Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award honors the passionate commitment that NASCAR Foundation Chairwoman Betty Jane France has demonstrated on behalf of charities and community works throughout her life.
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[/media-credit]The four finalists were Patty Aber of Bridge of Books Foundation, Jake Bernstein of Autism Speaks, Brenda Doner of PBJ Connections, and Robert Weaver of Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind Foundation.
The age of the finalists ranges from 17 year old Jake to 83 year old Robert. “I love the age range in this finalist foursome. To see several generations of NASCAR fans represented here really honors our past while also boosting our optimism for the future. Their god, meaningful work has benefited their respective communities greatly. And the fact that they also are NASCAR fans is something our entire industry can look to with pride.”
Finalists’ volunteered resumes that were showcased on a national scale and fellow Nascar fans across the country will vote to determine who should receive a 2012 Ford Explorer from Ford and $100,000 for the children’s charity of their choice from the NASCAR Foundation. Voting begins today and will run through midnight on Dec. 1st on NASCAR.COM. Betty Jane France will announce the winner during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony at Wynn Las Vegas on Friday, Dec 2nd. and culminating the Nascar sprint cup series Champions week ceremonies in Las Vegas. (Broadcast live on Speed)
The finalists were introduced to their favorite drivers and were given a commemorative jacket. They presented a video piece that detailed and illustrated their work within the community that brought them to Kansas Speedway. This was the first trip to Kansas for all four finalists.
It was refreshing to see people that have given so much to others get a special gift back from NASCAR and to be given recognition for their efforts. Nascar foundation spokesperson said this was a hard fought competition and that there was not a single charity presented that was not worthy and deserving.
