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.
The Kevin Harvick Foundation
Kevin Harvick has fueled countless memories on and off the track. In 23 years in the NASCAR Cup Series, he has amassed 60 wins with his first coming on only his third start. Additionally, he has led over 16,000 laps and created a worldwide fan base.
However, the Bakersfield, California native didn’t stop there. In 2010, Harvick, along with his wife, DeLana, started The Kevin Harvick Foundation. Their goal was to help “support programs that positively enrich the lives of children throughout the United States.” Through this mission, they also hoped to help underprivileged youth find and realize their dreams.
Through the KHF, the Harvicks support three specific outreaches.
Cal Ripken, Sr. FoundationÂ
Through baseball- and softball-themed programs, students in distressed communities learn crucial life skills. This foundation also builds youth parks in disadvantaged areas to “give kids a clean and safe place to play.”
The KHF founded the Kevin Harvick Youth Development Park in Greensboro, North Carolina in 2015. A year later, another park was built in Harvick’s hometown, with a third in Vero Beach, Florida.
These parks go beyond stick-and-ball sports. They feature a synthetic, outdoor field suitable for soccer, baseball, flag football, and lacrosse.
North High School Athletics
When Harvick’s alma mater was forced to close the doors of its wrestling facility, the former wrestler sprang to action.
Harvick worked to help raise funds needed to revamp two former wrestling rooms with new heat, lighting, mats, and more. According to KevinHarvickFoundation.org, Steve Johnson, former Vice Principal of North High said, “Kevin has openly talked about how wrestling helped him to become both mentally and physically strong. He wants that for others as well.”
The Kevin Harvick Athletic Scholarship
As a former student-athlete, Harvick values education and understands sports can go hand-in-hand in developing a well-rounded student. With this in mind, he created the Kevin Harvick Athletic Scholarship.Â
His foundation partnered with California State University in Bakersfield and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to help student-athletes working towards their undergraduate degrees.
Partner with Kevin & Keep Informed
If you are interested in partnering with Harvick and his mission and you are an eBay user, you can shop or sell through the Giving Works program. You can shop listings that support the foundation or donate 10%-100% of your eBay sales to the KHF.
Direct donations to the KHF are always accepted. Checks made payable to The Kevin Harvick Foundation or through PayPal will support their causes. Additionally, tribute gifts may be made in honor or celebration of a loved one.
Finally, the KHF is always up to something, raising funds for worthy causes. Stay up-to-date on auctions and news via social channels (Facebook, Instagram, X) as well as their website.
