The NASCAR on Reddit community is holding a charity drive in honor of longtime group moderator Amy Branch, who passed away last month following the Kentucky race. Branch, who went by the name “beezwacks” in the group, served as something of a go-between between the group and several of NASCAR’s personalities, leading to regular interactions from individuals such as Brad Keselowski, Ryan Ellis, and Monday’s Pocono winner Chris Buescher.
In lieu of flowers, group moderator /u/51rogue3 published a post linking The National Alliance on Mental Illness, an organization that accepts donations in a person’s memory, for community members who wish to donate. In the post, /u/51rogue3 spoke of Branch’s work in the NASCAR community.
“Amy worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this sub the best it could be and she left it in a much better way than when she first arrived. But her work isn’t done here, not by a long shot. In her passing, she has presented us with the opportunity to help others, to make a difference in other people’s lives.”
Fellow group moderator /u/ClarksonianPause spoke of the charity drive, stating that mental illness affects millions of Americans and is sadly stigmatized rather than supported.
“While the outpouring of love and support may have come too late for Amy, it may not be for others. One of her final wishes was that we help others experiencing the same pain as her, with the hopes that maybe we could prevent a similar tragedy for another family. In her passing, like she did in her life, her selfless nature and love for others know no bounds.”
Following her passing, outpourings of grief and condolences came from all over the NASCAR world. Camping World Truck Series driver Jordan Anderson, a highly active member in the NASCAR on Reddit community, sported a decal (pictured above) to commemorate Branch on his Bolen Motorsports truck for the event at Eldora Speedway on July 20.
For those interested in donating to NAMI or donating in Branch’s memory, the site can be found here.
