Michigan International Speedway director of guest services Tim Booth has been nominated for the 2009 Home Depot NMPA Humanitarian Award for his efforts behind the creation of the speedway's Spirit of America Blood Drive. His efforts in the local community go just as far.

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I've always taken great pride in doing good things for the local community and will continue to do so for many years to come.

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TIM BOOTH

Booth, who created the nation's largest 9-11 blood drive in 2002, has also donated his time to other various organizations over the years. Along with the Spirit of America Blood Drive, which benefits the Great Lakes Region of the American Red Cross, Booth is also active with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Brooklyn Kiwanis Club, Knights of Columbus and Junior Achievement Program. Booth also serves as chairman of the board for the American Red Cross Great Lakes Region.

"I've been fortunate to be able to give my time to many different organizations over the years," Booth said. "I've always taken great pride in doing good things for the local community and will continue to do so for many years to come. I just want to do my part to volunteer my time for good causes and help organizations who are in need."

Booth has raised thousands of dollars for Juvenile Diabetes by organizing an MIS team for the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes, which is held at Ella Sharp Park in Jackson, Mich. every fall. He has also spent nearly 10 years as a member the Brooklyn Kiwanis Club, which includes serving as a past president. His role as a Junior Achievement Advisor takes him to Brooklyn Elementary School one day a week for six weeks to provide assistance to kids.

Booth was named as a finalist for the 2009 Humanitarian Award along with NASCAR drivers Tony Stewart and Greg Biffle. The winner of the Award will be announced at the annual NASCAR NMPA Myers Brother Awards program in Las Vegas on Dec. 3. The winner will receive a specially-designed crystal trophy and a $100,000 cash donation to the recipient's designated charity. Additionally, the two remaining finalists will each receive $25,000 cash donations to their respective charitable organizations.

Booth was nominated for the award for his countless efforts to support various non-profit organizations in his community, but none as much as the Great Lakes Region of the American Red Cross. His creation of the Spirit of America Blood Drive, which began in 2002, was a way to honor the victims and heroes of September 11, 2001. Since that time, the drive has grown into the nation's largest September 11 blood drive. The blood drive's success also caught the eye of the NASCAR Foundation, which has since created the NASCAR Foundation Blood & Marrow Drive, which is hosted at over 30 race tracks on September 11.

Booth is also a regular blood donor who has personally given blood 146 times, which amounts to more than 18 gallons in his lifetime.

"When I created the Spirit of America Blood Drive in 2002, I honestly had no idea it would be as successful as it is," Booth said. "It's a great event that brings the community together for a good cause. I personally enjoy giving blood and try to donate every 56 days."