The NASCAR Foundation Announces Finalists for 2025 Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award
It’s that time of year again. The engines might be roaring on the track, but off the track, the heart of the NASCAR community beats just as loud. The NASCAR Foundation has just dropped the names of the four finalists for the 15th annual Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award, and let’s be honest here, these folks are the real MVPs.
This award, named for the late Betty Jane France, the founder and chairwoman of the foundation, isn’t about speed or checkered flags. It’s about recognizing NASCAR fans who are out there in their communities, day in and day out, doing the hard work for children’s causes. It’s about passion that extends beyond the grandstands.
Each of these incredible finalists is already a winner, securing a cool $25,000 for their chosen charity. But for one of them, it’s about to get a whole lot bigger. The overall winner, selected by us, the fans, will receive a life-changing $100,000 donation. That’s a sum that can move mountains for these organizations.
Nichole Krieger, the Executive Director and Vice President of The NASCAR Foundation, put it perfectly: “These four finalists represent the true spirit of the sport, not just in their passion for NASCAR, but in their tireless commitment to making a difference in their communities.” She’s right. These individuals embody what Betty Jane France stood for.
Meet the Four Finalists
John Grieshaber
From Wilmington, Delaware, John Grieshaber is a volunteer for A Better Chance for Our Children (ABCFOC). For eight years, John has been a rock for this organization, helping their Rec-n-Respite program. ABCFOC is on the front lines, finding loving families for kids in foster care, many of whom have special needs. It’s tough, emotional work, and John is right there in the thick of it.
Gregg Morton
Hailing from Bradenton, Florida, Gregg Morton pours his heart into CureSearch for Children’s Cancer. Five years he’s been at it, dedicating more than 20 hours a week to the fight. His mission is simple but profound: to end childhood cancer. That kind of dedication is something you can’t measure with a stopwatch.
Kate O’Neal
Hazel Green, Alabama resident Kate O’Neal, saw a need and decided to fill it herself. She founded Caring Link in 2022. This organization sets up “Care Closets” directly inside local schools, ensuring students have access to essential items. It’s a grassroots effort that’s making a direct, immediate impact on kids’ lives every single day.
Hannah Smith
Richmond, Virginia native Hannah Smith brings a unique perspective to her work with Sportable Adaptive Sports and Recreation. As a former Sportable athlete herself, she has been volunteering for a decade, helping to provide sporting opportunities to athletes of all abilities. She knows firsthand the power of sport to change lives, and she’s paying it forward in a big way.
It’s Your Turn to Vote
Now, the power shifts to the NASCAR community. It’s up to us to decide which of these finalists takes home the grand prize. The online vote is currently open and will run through November 3rd. You can cast your vote once a day, every day. Consider the impact these finalists are making and who you would like to see receive that extra boost.
The winner will be crowned during the NASCAR Awards in Phoenix on November 4th. It’s going to be a special moment, a reminder of the good that this sport and its fans can do in the world. So, get to it. Learn about these amazing people and their causes, and cast your vote. This is our chance to be a part of something truly special.
