Foundation Friday seeks to spotlight how NASCAR drivers are giving back through their personal foundations. Each week, a different driver and their foundation will be highlighted including who they are helping, notable accomplishments, and how you can get involved in their efforts.
Brad Keselowski’s Checkered Flag Foundation
It is no secret Brad Keselowski appreciates those who fight for our freedoms and go above and beyond to keep us safe. Keselowski has even shared in interviews that if he could not be a race car driver, he would have gone into the military.
In this vein, he and his wife, Paige, created the Checkered Flag Foundation in 2010. The mission is simple: to honor and assist those who have sacrificed greatly for our country at home and abroad.
Since then, the CFF has raised over $3.8 million and supported over 250 organizations and individuals.Â
Below are just a few that have benefitted from his generous support.
Service Dog Fund
Service Dogs for Veterans ensures every military member who needs a service dog has access to one. In short, their mission is, “To complement the traditional treatment for Veterans with PTSD, TBI, and MST, by training them and a dog to become highly effective ADA Compliant Service Dog teams.”
Cabarrus Healthcare and Novant Health Foundations
Through the CFF, both hospitals were able to institute the Veteran Recognition Program. This allows veterans admitted for treatment to receive care packages to assist them throughout the duration of their stay.
Additionally, the CFF partnered with Novant Health to construct the Pediatric ER Unit’s Triage Room. In turn, this brought specialized health care to children and teens in the Lake Norman and Huntersville area.
Fisher House Foundation
This incredible organization comes alongside families who have a family military member in the hospital and gives them a place to stay, free of charge. Currently, there are 96 homes across the United States, including one in Keselowski’s home state of Michigan.
The foundation boasts that over 450,000 families have been assisted by The Fisher House Foundation.
Operation Purple Healing Adventure
This organization “focuses on injured service personnel who had received treatment and were preparing to return home or had recently returned home. The camp helps families reconnect, while preparing them for how to best help their loved one at home.”
During the 2017 and 2018 seasons, Keselowski partnered with Charlotte Motor Speedway and Darlington Raceway to host campers in the weeks following races. During that time, numerous activities were provided including a meet-and-greet with Brad and Paige Keselowski.
Partner With Brad & Stay Up to Date
This is just a sampling of how the CFF constantly supports and gives back to military and first responders.Â
In order to continue their efforts, the CFF is always accepting donations from individuals and businesses. Donations can be made via the CFF website as a standalone or recurring gift.
Additionally, the CFF has apparel to help spread the word about Keselowski’s mission. All proceeds benefit the foundation.
Finally, in addition to their social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, X), the CFF also has an email list for those wanting to stay updated on the latest foundation news.
