NEW YORK — Tuesday evening, The NASCAR Foundation celebrated two decades of giving back to racing communities, hosting The NASCAR Foundation 20th Anniversary Honors Gala at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City.
The Gala was hosted by The Foundation and the France family in collaboration with the evening’s Leadership Sponsors, including Brown & Brown, Kaulig Racing, Hendrick Motorsports and Next League.
Various current and former NASCAR drivers, team owners and executives, as well as special guests across the sports and entertainment industry, were in attendance, including Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress and singer, Kristin Chenoweth and Pro Football Hall of Famer and Emmy and Peabody Award-winning journalist Michael Strahan.
During the evening’s celebrations, The NASCAR Foundation honored Chief Executive Officer and Executive Producer of FOX Sports Eric Shanks with the Champion for Children Award as well as the Chairman of the Board of The NASCAR Foundation Mike Helton with the Founders Award.
The evening culminated with the announcement of the 16th annual Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award winner, Lyette Reback, founder and volunteer of Believe With Me. The winner’s nonprofit organization supports families of fallen military service members by providing financial help and emotional support.
“Lyette is the kind of person who doesn’t just talk about making a difference, she gets to work and makes it happen,” said Nichole Krieger, Vice President and Executive Director, The NASCAR Foundation. “As a mother of 16, she has a huge heart, and she has made it her mission to make sure the children of our fallen heroes know they are remembered and cared for. It’s that reason which makes Lyette such a deserving recipient of the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. We’re thrilled to celebrate her and the incredible work she continues to do.”
The 20th Anniversary celebrations continue Wednesday, Sept. 9, with The Speedy Bear Brigade Powered by Kaulig Giving, where drivers and representatives from both The NASCAR Foundation and Kaulig Racing will deliver NASCAR-themed Speedy Bears to children at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone.