Foundation Friday: Martin Truex, Jr. Foundation

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.

Martin Truex, Jr. Foundation

What began in 2007 as a desire to help children in need morphed into serving children with cancer. Certainly, founders Martin Truex, Jr. and Sherry Pollex had no idea their lives would also be upended by cancer just a few years later. 

With this new diagnosis, Truex and Pollex continued to serve others. However they broadened their focus. Their mission evolved to raise awareness, boost advocacy and generate financial support.

Ultimately, this is all done for underfunded cancer initiatives specific to childhood and ovarian cancers. 

Even after Pollex’s passing in 2023, Truex continues the mission of the MTJ Foundation.

The Help: Causes and Beneficiaries 

Countless lives have been impacted by the MTJ Foundation since 2007. Additionally, millions of dollars have been raised and used for research, advocacy, and initiatives. 

2018 Novant Health Gift

The SherryStrong arm of the MTJ Foundation made a $1.2 million gift to open the Integrative Medicine Oncology Clinic in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

This clinic “serves as a holistic center that addresses the physical, emotional, spiritual, and environmental needs of cancer patients to promote health and wellness regardless of a person’s ability to pay.”

Transformational Gift to Atrium Health

A $750,000 gift has been “used to support integrative medicine initiatives at Levine Cancer Institute and pediatric cancer programs at Levine Children’s Hospital.”

Karting for Cancer

Karting for Cancer is an annual event which allows fans to get behind the wheel to help raise funds and awareness in the fight against childhood and ovarian cancers. 

Catwalk for a Cause 

Catwalk for a Cause brings together drivers from the top series of NASCAR. These drivers, their significant others, and special children are given the opportunity to show off their modeling, and sometimes dancing, skills – all for a good cause.

The 4.5 million dollars raised since 2010 have gone toward cancer-specific initiatives. 

Team up with Truex

Truex knows he cannot fight childhood and ovarian cancers alone. In fact, his website states, “You have the power to improve lives, inspire smiles, and realize dreams!”

So, how can someone help?

The first and most obvious way is through a direct donation to the MTJ Foundation. However, if you prefer to receive something in return, you can shop the MTJF store. Proceeds from every purchase go towards supporting causes near and dear to the heart of the MTJ Foundation. 

Finally, Truex gives fans the opportunity to be a superhero. This is a special program for those who choose to make a recurring gift. Anyone choosing superhero status will receive VIP Perks. This can include items such as a “membership t-shirt, an annual autographed holiday ornament, exclusive news, updates, merchandise discounts and more.” 

Be sure to keep up to date on all the MTJ Foundation happenings via its social channels (Facebook, Instagram, X).