Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award nominations close May 8
THROUGH MAY 8: Nominate a volunteer for the 2015 award
The NASCAR Foundation's Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award presented by Nationwide is accepting nominations for 2015 through Friday, May 8. The winner will receive $100,000 and a brand new Ford vehicle while three other finalists will receive a minimum $25,000 donation from The NASCAR Foundation.
Daniel Noltemeyer, a 33-year-old from Louisville who was named winner of the annual Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award last year, was a visitor to Talladega Superspeedway last weekend.
Noltemeyer, who has Down syndrome, established Best Buddies Kentucky, a foundation that creates opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He has become a spokesperson for the foundation and works for more inclusion for those with disabilities.
"It's talking about one-to-one friendships," Noltemeyer said. "…they match people with different disabilities … with college buddies in middle-school and high-school chapters all over Kentucky."
The Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award presented by Nationwide, now in its fifth year, includes a $100,000 from The NASCAR Foundation to Best Buddies Kentucky. Fans and organizations may nominate dedicated NASCAR fans who have made a profound impact on the lives of children in their community at NASCAR.com/award through May 8.
"It was so incredible (to win the award)," Noltemeyer said. "…all my friends can build on the great friendships that I have made through The NASCAR Foundation."
During his weekend in Alabama, Noltemeyer not only got to cheer on his three favorite drivers, Ryan Newman, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kevin Harvick. He spent time with Earnhardt before the race at a Nationwide event and again after the race in Victory Lane.
"I am so proud to meet Earnhardt because he is just young at heart," Noltemeyer said.
Mark McCarter of the NASCAR Wire Service contributed to this story.