Foundation Friday seeks to spotlight how NASCAR drivers are giving back through their personal foundations. A different driver and foundation will be highlighted each week including who they are helping, notable accomplishments, and how you can partner in their efforts.
The Denny Hamlin Foundation
With a focus on assisting children with cystic fibrosis and other chronic diseases, the Denny Hamlin Foundation is certainly an organization on a mission.
Nearly 30,000 American children and adults are affected by CF. Meanwhile, more than 10 million people are unknown carriers of the disease. CF is a life-threatening genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system.
Hamlin fundraises through three primary benefits.
Fundraising Efforts
First, he focused on his love of golf. He partnered with Hootie & the Blowfish guitarist, Mark Bryan, to create the Pro Am Jam. This annual golf tournament concert takes place in Charleston, South Carolina.
Next, Hamlin took things to the track for the Short Track Showdown.
This Late Model charity race “features NASCAR stars battling some of the best local and regional racers at a homegrown Virginia-based short track.” Since 2008, four different short tracks have hosted nine races for the DHF.
Finally, donations are raised through funds earmarked for the DHF via the J.D. Gibbs Legacy Fund.
Nine organizations benefit from the generosity of Hamlin and supporters of his foundation.
Beneficiaries
MUSC Children’s Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU serve children throughout South Carolina and Virginia, respectively.
Safe Kids Worldwide seeks to help families keep kids safe from preventable injuries of which nearly one million children die each year.
Created by Bryan, Carolina Studios uses music education to spur creativity and teach computer skills.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation seeks “to find new therapies and ultimately a cure for CF.”
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital works to defeat childhood cancer and other diseases.
Founded by Kyle Petty, Victory Junction provides “life-changing camping experiences” in a medically safe and sound environment. Meanwhile, the NASCAR Foundation “supports a wide range of charitable initiatives that reflect the core values of the entire NASCAR Family.”
Finally, the FedEx Cares program “connects people and possibilities to help make the world a better place.”
Help Hamlin Help Children
Fans can find updates on the DHF via his socials (Facebook, Instagram, X). Additionally, those interested in donating directly can do so via his website (or by mail).
