Busy Weekend at MIS

I had a great time in Michigan last weekend.  We filmed a bundle of segments for Sprint Vision to showcase Officially Licensed NASCAR products for teams and drivers. 

My husband and I also had a chance to enjoy a couple of our favorite restaurants – Frickers and The Real Seafood Company.

Thank you to the volunteers I met working The NASCAR Foundation display at Michigan International Speedway.  It’s always fun to work with you all.  And, a super big thank you to our charity auction recipients, Bill and Kate from Delaware, who had the winning bid for the VIP Experience at MIS. 

Janet Bolin

Habitat for Humanity International

Habitat for Humanity International was founded in 1976. Since that time, Habitat affiliates have built, or rehabbed, over 400,000 houses, serving over two million people worldwide.  The NASCAR Foundation Volunteer Network and NASCAR community are uniting in June to help build a home for a family in the Charlotte-area.  The vast majority of volunteers, like myself, are unskilled.  For each build, there is a site supervisor who will give us instructions and help us get started. 

The NASCAR community gathers to help Habitat for Humanity every year.  Our mission is to help children lead happier, healthier lives by providing families with a roof over their head.  Habitat for Humanity welcomes people from all walks of life to join them as they build simple, decent, affordable houses in partnership with God and families in need.  They even have a Youth Program geared towards age groups 5-15, and 16+, so everyone in the family can take part in helping.   To learn more about helping a build in your neighborhood, please visit www.habitat.org. 

Janet Bolin

The NASCAR Foundation Online Auctions

We are thrilled to be offering you the chance to bid for a VIP Experience at upcoming race event at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, CA, Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, KY and Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, FL.  These ALL-ACCESS passes grant race fans access to pit road and garage area.  Experience the thrill of standing feet away from a fully charged 800 horsepower stock-car, watch the "over-the-wall" crew perform a 15 second pit stop, and who knows even get an autograph from your favorite NASCAR driver!

Some of our fan-favorite online auction items have been a pace car ride with Vanilla Ice, An American Salute- Mark Martin Autographed Special Edition Mechanix Wear Gloves and other great items.  Your donation helps The NASCAR Foundation and our mission to help children live happier, healthier lives.    To learn more about The NASCAR Foundation and NASCAR Unites, visit www.nascar.com/foundation.

Janet Bolin

NASCAR Foundation Spotlight

The NASCAR Foundation is happy to announce, alongside the 2011 Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award Finalist, Jake Bernstein, that Volunteen Nation has launched their website!   Volunteen Nation was dreamed up by youngsters including Jake whose mission is to “Spread the spirit of volunteerism for youth and families throughout the nation.” Check out this new website and find ways you can get involved in your community! The NASCAR Foundation is excited to see the way’s Jake has continued his passion for helping others! 

http://www.volunteennation.org/blog/categories/latest-news/74-volunteen-nation-launches

www.volunteennation.org

Berstein, Finalist for the 2011 Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award.

Applications for the 2012 Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award are now available. From the pool of applicants, four (4) finalists will be selected. The mobile and online vote campaign will narrow the pool to a single award-winner. Prizes are as follows: 

Three (3) Finalists will receive: A $25,000 donation from The NASCAR Foundation to a children’s charity of their choice (must be a registered, public, 501c3 tax-exempt organization in the United States). An all-expense-paid trip* to a NASCAR race weekend (TBD) in 2012 as part of the award recognition process and in recognition of the person as a finalist for the award. An all-expense-paid trip* to NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion's Week in Las Vegas in December 2012 (finalists may each bring one guest), as well as a child (and child’s parent/guardian) that benefit from the finalist’s designated charity. 

One (1) Winner will receive: An all-expense-paid trip* to a NASCAR race weekend (TBD) in 2012 as part of the award recognition process and in recognition of the person as a finalist for the award. A $100,000 donation from The NASCAR Foundation to a children’s charity of their choice (must be a registered, public, 501c3 tax-exempt organization in the United States). An all-expense-paid trip* to NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion's Week in Las Vegas in December 2012 for the Winner and one guest to receive the award, as well as a child (and child’s parent/guardian) that benefit from the Winner’s designated charity. Winner and child from the designated charity will be presented a trophy and an acknowledgment of a $100,000 donation to be made to their designated charity. 

Follow this link to learn more and to nominate someone today. The deadline for entries is THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2012. Thank you in advance for your support.

www.nascar.com/unites

Janet Bolin

NASCAR Unites 2012

At NASCAR Acceleration 2012 presented by Sprint event in Charlotte, attendees were able to snag the 2012 edition NASCAR Unites arm band.   This annual program, offers fans and supporters around the world the ability to declare their dedication to helping those in need.  These arm bands are available online and at-track throughout the race season.

NASCAR Unites is an industry initiative led by The NASCAR Foundation that creates an opportunity for NASCAR fans, drivers, teams, tracks, sponsors and more to unite to improve the lives of children across the nation. NASCAR Unites engages the sport in a collaborative effort to support children’s causes through volunteering, fundraising, sharing inspirational stories and unifying to make a difference.  Are you interested in volunteering at a race track?  Email us today at unites@nascarfoundation.com.

Janet Bolin

Representing More Than One Charity

We all multitasking in some way, whether it’s making coffee and toast at the same time, or driving our car and singing along to the radio.  It’s human nature.  So, when taking on additional responsibilities of being Mrs. International and having the opportunity to work with the American Heart Association, I welcomed it all with open arms. 

I get asked many times, “How can you be representing The NASCAR Foundation and also the American Heart Association?”  It’s all in organization.  The majority of my appearances and volunteer time is dedicated to The NASCAR Foundation, but being Mrs. International offered the opportunity to also learn about the education and resources available from the American Heart Association and in turn be a voice to share that knowledge.  Being Mrs. International is not unlike my day job where I am always held to high standards, knowing I represent a brand and my actions can impact others perceptions.  So, I am always prepared to step up and speak on behalf of the American Heart Association whether it is talking with sponsors via conference calls, coordinating events or making personal appearances.

Patty volunteering with the Bridge of Books Foundation

Please vote for Patty Aber every 24 hours

With the thousands of volunteers I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the years, none of them are dedicated to just one charity.  Take for example the finalists for the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award.  Patty Aber, a volunteer for the Bridge of Books Foundation, is also a volunteer for the Kasey Kahne Foundation.  She has coordinated teams of volunteers from her neighborhood to come to Dover Speedway, Pocono Raceway, Bristol Motor Speedway, and even the Five Kahne Relay Race in Charlotte.  You can learn more about Patty at NASCAR.COM/award.

The family environment of the International Pageant Group provides numerous resources to give and grow.  Becoming more involved with the American Heart Association has been a wonderful opportunity.  If you currently have a cause you support, I thank you for the countless hours you have dedicated and continue to give.  If you are interested in learning more about the American Heart Association and the Go Red for Women Campaign, I welcome you to visit www.goredforwomen.org.

Janet Bolin

Battle of the NASCAR Kids

The first ever Battle of the NASCAR Kids Charity Video Game Tournament, racing the new NASCAR Unleashed video game at Homestead Miami Speedway, resulted in Ryan Blaney taking the trophy.  

Faith Yeley, Sebastian Montoya, Carson Kvapil, Todd Gilliland and Ryan Blaney were featured along with two random wild card selections from the crowd and child representative from the Boys and Girls Club, Esmeralda.  Each child was surrounded by tons of friends and family cheering for them.

Each NASCAR child was competing for a purpose, as each received a $5,000 donation made to their charity of choice.  J.J. Yeley’s daughter Faith competed for the Jake Raborn Foundation, Juan Pablo Montoya’s son Sebastian competed for Formula Smiles, Travis Kvapil’s son Carson competed for NASCAR Dreams, David Gilliland’s son Todd competed for Sherrills Ford Optimist Park and David Blaney’s son Ryan competed for Alzheimer’s Association.  

We are very thankful the weather held out for this event.  On Friday, the sky opened up with severe weather causing the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice sessions to be rescheduled for Saturday morning.  On Saturday morning while the dad’s were on-track, the families banded together even more to support all the children.  Even the Grandma’s and Grandpa’s piled on golf carts to come cheer on their grandchildren – and even help them “warm up” by competing against them during the video game practice sessions.  This was truly a family affair.  

A big thank you to Activision for their ongoing mission to support charities, worldwide.  Being able to create an event to empower kids to make a difference is simply outstanding.  We look forward to a bigger and better event next year!

Janet Bolin

Donation To Kick Off Capital Campaign For New Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Last week, The NASCAR Foundation helped kick off Homestead Hospital’s capital campaign to build and equip a Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with a check presentation for $250,000. Creating a Level II NICU is a top priority, as more than 150 babies born each year at Homestead Hospital need intensive care that currently is provided only at hospitals located more than 20 miles away. This distance between hospital and home creates hardships for families and interferes with the parental bonding that is so vital to a newborn’s health during the first weeks of life. A Level II NICU at Homestead Hospital will allow these babies and their families to stay close to home while receiving the care they need.

The NASCAR Foundation, through Betty Jane France and her Speediatrics unit, has played a crucial role in the success of Homestead Hospital’s pediatric programs. The unique unit is one of only two in the country founded by France and is the only Emergency Center in south Miami-Dade County dedicated to children. Brought to Homestead Hospital in 2002, more than 23,000 patient visits a year are handled in the Speediatrics Children’s Emergency Center.

Part of the donation made by The NASCAR Foundation will be used to purchase Giraffe OmniBed Isolete Incubators, which are the most advanced and developmentally supportive microenvironments available today. The beds combine state of the art technology and thermal performance to create a healing environment for intensively ill newborns.

In addition, the ceremony honored Betty Jane France for her vision, work and dedication to Speediatrics at Homestead Hospital and Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach, Fla., the first hospital to receive the racing-themed pediatric center. A portrait of Mrs. France was unveiled during the ceremony, which will be permanently on display in the Speediatrics unit.

Janet Bolin

NASCAR Kids Charity Video Game Tournament

On Saturday, Nov. 19, NASCAR will be making history by hosting the first ever Battle of the NASCAR Kids Tournament at Homestead Miami Speedway.  Event sponsor, Activision, is donating a check to The NASCAR Foundation for $25,000 on behalf of the child participants, while the winning driver will be awarded an additional $5,000 for the charity of their choice.  Retail partner, Game Stop, will serve as the mobile marketing sponsor for the event which will be hosted at the race track. 
Here is the line-up of competitors and the charities they are competing for:

6-year-old Faith Yeley, daughter of J.J. Yeley, will be racing for The Jake Raborn Foundation (www.jakesfoundation.org)

6-year-old Sebastian Montoya, son of Juan Pablo Montoya, will be racing for Formula Smiles. (www.formulasmiles.com)

8-year-old Carson Kvapil, son of Travis Kvapil, will be racing for NASCAR Dreams.  This program offers seriously injured and chronically ill children and their families the chance to experience a NASCAR race including meeting their favorite NASCAR Driver, attending pre-race ceremonies and watching the race from a VIP seat.  (www.nascar.com/foundation)

11-year-old Todd Gilliland, son of David Gilliland, will be racing for Sherrills Ford Optimist Park.  This facility suffered a massive fire over the summer destroying trophies, gear and uniforms stored in attic of the clubhouse.  Over 100 children from the local neighborhoods rely on this facility for everything from football, baseball, softball, cheerleading and more.   (www.leaguelineup.com)

17-year-old Ryan Blaney, son of David Blaney, will be racing for the Alzheimer's Association.  (www.alz.org/northcarolina)

GameStop’s #20 driver Joey Logano will also be on hand to coach two wild card racers. He’ll pick two lucky individuals from the crowd to compete in the battle, and, if they should win, they’ll take home $5,000 in addition to the charity donation.

For more information on the event or about NASCAR Unleashed, please visit www.ActivisionUnleashed.com or join us on facebook.com/NASCARUnleashed.

Janet Bolin

Finalists Announced at Kansas Speedway

On Sunday at Kansas Speedway, The NASCAR Foundation announced four individuals -- Jake Bernstein, Patty Aber, Brenda Doner and Robert Weaver, respectively -- are the four finalists for the inaugural Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award, which recognizes outstanding charitable and volunteer efforts of selfless NASCAR fans.

BJF Award Finalists Announced at Kansas Speedway

Bernstein, referred to as the "NASCAR boy" by his high-school librarian, spends his time outside the classroom volunteering with Autism Speaks. Completing an astounding 100 volunteer hours per month, Bernstein is involved in everything from tutoring and coaching to organizing and directing free summer tennis clinics for youth with autism. To encourage his peers to get involved within the St. Louis community, Bernstein and his sister launched a website to help recruit youth to volunteer on projects throughout the area. President Barack Obama recently recognized Bernstein's devotion to community service for young people in a back-to-school address at a local high school in Washington, D.C. 

Jake Bernstein at the Press Conference at Kansas Speedway

VIEW VIDEO:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0G6kzXkUaUk&feature=related

Aber has devoted the past 30 years of her life to serving others, with more than 1,700 total volunteer hours served. Most recently, Aber has focused her time and efforts on the Bridge of Books Foundation, an organization that shares the world and all its possibilities with at-risk children through books. Aber also attends a number of NASCAR races each year, where she spends her time volunteering with the NASCAR Foundation.

Patty Aber and her family at Kansas Speedway

VIEW VIDEO:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hM-HG2sDjxw&feature=related

Doner contributes time to NASCAR charities such as the Victory Junction Gang Camp and the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation, in addition to working tirelessly for PBJ Connections, a non-profit organization she developed that provides emotional healing for at-risk youths with animal-assisted activities. Her innovative approach helps to improve self-esteem and foster healthy relationships with family and peers.

Brenda Doner at the Press Conference at Kansas Speedway

VIEW VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdY3-OUMSS8&feature=related

Weaver has been volunteering with the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind Foundation (AIDB) for more than 50 years. In addition to his monthly charitable endeavors, he dedicates 30 hours a week to helping children in the organization. His many contributions range from creating intramural basketball teams and bowling programs to teaching students how to ride tricycles. Also a passionate NASCAR fan, Weaver once was able to pair his hobby and his volunteer work when his favorite driver, Darrell Waltrip, hosted the AIDB's annual fundraiser in 1986 -- thanks to a request from Weaver himself.

Robert Weaver at the Ford Stage with Greg Biffle at Kansas Speedway

VIEW VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVyZUNkdsVI&feature=related

Voting is under way and will run through midnight on Dec. 1 on NASCAR.COM. Betty Jane France will announce the winner during the Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony at the Wynn Las Vegas on Dec. 2 (SPEED and MRN Radio, 9 p.m. ET), culminating the Champion's Week celebration in Las Vegas.  All four finalists received expense-paid trips to Kansas Speedway last weekend. The winner of the inaugural Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award will receive an expense-paid trip to the 2011 Sprint Cup Series Champion's Week in Las Vegas, in addition to the Ford Explorer and $100,000 to donate. The other three finalists will receive a $25,000 donation from the NASCAR Foundation to a children's charity of their choice, as well as expense-paid trips to Las Vegas for Champion's Week.

BJF Award Finalitss at the Press Conference with their favorite drivers

For more information about the NASCAR Foundation and the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award, please visit NASCAR.COM/Unites.  Thank you in advance for taking the time to vote.  It will mean the world to these folks who have given so much of themselves to help others.  Thank you.

Janet Bolin

Snapshot of Janet's World

I share with you all a piece of my world.  I have the honor of working for the 2nd largest sports organization in the world, so for those of you who are fans, you know we are four weeks away from what is predicted to be one of the most nail-biting regular season finale races at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday, September 10.  Night race, tensions will be high, and this year looks to be one where there won’t be one or two ‘hopefuls’ to land a spot in the top-12 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship Contending positions – more like ten.  Over the coming weeks as drivers clinch their position in the Chase for the Championship, others are on the ‘outside’ looking in, tirelessly strategizing to capture a win to vault them into the Chase or continuing to place high enough to be there on the main stage taking photographs for hours to be part of NASCAR history.  I share this with you because in many cases, especially for me, there is a strong correlation between pageantry and NASCAR.  Months of preparation, strategic planning, teamwork and those final prayers to ask for strength, support and knowledge to do your best all wrap up into being in winner’s circle.  The scope of what International Pageant system provides to strong, intelligent women worldwide is a stage to educate others.  I am very thankful for the opportunity to share the excitement of NASCAR, The NASCAR Foundation and our passion to help communities and children’s charities including our military charities.  While the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series ‘Race for the Chase’ stirs excitement, the passion of those away from the track is just as important.

More than 300 nominees were submitted for the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award.  Finalists will be named shortly and from that point fans will be able to text their vote and vote online for the charity whom they feel most passionate about and who they feel should receive $100,000.  One of the nominees is a sister queen, and Top-12 Finalist, Mrs. Pennsylvania International 2011, Dawn Hicks.  Dawn and her family support the Armed Forces Foundation (AFF), a non-profit organization that provides comfort and support to our military community when they need it most. 

Dawn is a 9-year military veteran.  She began volunteering with AFF at a dinner for Wounded Warriors at the National Naval Medical Center, where she served food to patients and in return, they shared stories with her.  The AFF’s services help veterans and active duty members and their families.  Offering home-cooked meals, assistance carpooling and even homework are welcome ways everyone can help – even if you aren’t a military family, a helpful hand is always in need.  Dawn is able to help you finding families who need help, or sending care packages to our military by emailing her at dawn@papageants.com.  As the 10th anniversary of the unfortunate events on 9/11 approaches, Dawn and her family, Todd, Maddie, Aidan will be laying a wreath at the Flight 93 Memorial near Shanksville, PA in honor of the 3,000 innocent lives lost and the 2,663 US military casualties since. 

I am proud to recognize Dawn and her charitable efforts.  Should she make it to the semi-finals for the Betty Jane France Award, I encourage you to vote for her as she is an outstanding leader with amazing strength, passion and commitment to our military families as well as her own.   In the meantime, the AFF is always in need of volunteers and funds to host morale events for our military children.  Text 50555 to make a $5 donation.  Stay tuned to NASCAR.COM/Unites for the announcement of the four finalists.

Janet Bolin

Hit the Ground Running

My first focus as Mrs. International will be to help The NASCAR Foundation with the annual Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award.  In October, we will be announcing the finalists for the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award.  From October through November, the finalists will be featured in an online vote and text-to-vote campaign with NASCAR fans voting for the volunteer they would like to receive the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award.

Three (3) Finalists will receive:  (1) A $25,000 donation from The NASCAR Foundation to a children’s charity of their choice (must be a public registered, 501c3 tax-exempt organization in the United States). (2) An expense-paid trip* to the NASCAR race weekend in October 2011 as part of the award recognition process and in recognition of the person as a finalist for the award, and (3) An all expense-paid trip* to the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion's Week in Las Vegas in December 2011 (finalists may each bring one guest), as well as a child (and child’s parent/guardian) that benefit from the finalist’s designated charity.

One (1) Winner will receive:  (1) An all expense-paid trip* to the NASCAR race weekend in October 2011 as part of the award recognition process and in recognition of the person as a finalist for the award. (2) A $100,000 donation from The NASCAR Foundation to a children’s charity of their choice (must be a public registered, 501c3 tax-exempt organization in the United States). (3) A 2012 Ford Explorer, and (4) An expense-paid trip to the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion's Week in Las Vegas in December for the Winner and one guest to receive the reward, as well as a child (and child’s parent/guardian) that benefit from the Winner’s designated charity.

Additionally, I will be helping raise awareness for the 300+ charities who were nominated for this award by making personal appearances and media interviews.  I invite you to “like” the NASCAR Unites page on Facebook and my new Facebook page, Mrs. International 2011, Janet Bolin.  To learn more about the NASCAR Unites campaign and The NASCAR Foundation, please visit NASCAR.COM/foundation. 

Janet Bolin

My Platform

The pageantry and patriotism of NASCAR is second to none, but it is what’s behind the wheel that truly matters.  Founded in 2006, The NASCAR Foundation encompasses the compassion of the world’s second largest sport, NASCAR, and our commitment to serving communities, helping children lead happier healthier lives.  We work with hundreds of 501c3 charities who help children including the American Red Cross, Victory Junction and Speediatrics. 

In 2010, we reached a milestone being able to collect over a million dollars in donations from generous race fans which allowed for more than 1,000 children to attend Victory Junction Camp, provide over 500 NASCAR Dreams at-track and celebrating with over 12,000 fans who had joined The NASCAR Foundation Volunteer Network.

As Mrs. North Carolina, I traveled over 13,000 miles promoting The NASCAR Foundation as one of their spokesmen.  I made hundreds of new friends during my 108 wonderful hours volunteering with The NASCAR Foundation as part of our NASCAR Unites campaign.  And, I am thrilled I was able to help collecting over $100,000 from generous donors.  My initial goal was to help raise $25,000.  I believe once a goal is met, you aspire to set another…and so goes my quest!

Now, as Mrs. International, I will to continue to be a spokesperson for The NASCAR Foundation.  I plan to travel over 11,000 miles making appearances across the United States and Internationally.  I will be promoting volunteerism, as part of the NASCAR Unites campaign, with hopes to double our network of volunteers, raise more funds for children’s charities and most importantly, make sure every child feels like a champion.  To learn more, please visit WWW.NASCAR.COM/Unites.

Janet Bolin