Grant winners will be recognized prior to Ford EcoBoost 400 on November 19
MIAMI – Honoring a long-time tradition of giving back to the South Florida community, Homestead-Miami Speedway is continuing to support and celebrate numerous non-profit organizations. For the fifth consecutive year, “Driving for a Cause,” Homestead-Miami Speedway’s charitable outreach program, will be awarding grants to local non-profits in the South Florida community. This year, grants will be donated to five organizations that support youth development and philanthropic efforts. The recipients will be honored during pre-race ceremonies prior to the Ford EcoBoost 400 on Sunday, November 19.
The grant winners are:
- Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida – The “iGirls Innovation Series” gives Girl Scouts in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties access to grade level specific STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) programming. Girls ages 5-17 will be introduced to STEM to help them see how they can improve the world, and fuel the pipeline of future engineers, technicians and programmers.
- Voices for Children of Broward County – This yearlong program has identified the most needed emergency items for children who are taken away from their homes with little to no possessions. In turn, “Voices for Children of Broward County” will focus on contributing basic needs and activities that allow children to succeed and develop healthy relationships. The organization also develops community activities, school events and outings with friends for foster children within the program.
- FMU National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) – The student chapter of NABJ that focuses on the improvement of TV production classes at Florida Memorial University. Their program gives student journalists the opportunity to work with high profile clients and gain experience to build their professional portfolios.
- Mexican American Council – The “Slingshot to Test Success” program provides local high school students of farmworker background with SAT/ACT prep and guidance services. This initiative also educates the students’ parents on the importance of these tests in their child’s academic success.
- Miami South BMX – In an effort to increase interest in the sport of BMX, the “New Rider Awareness and Introduction Program” administers clinics for underprivileged riders, as well as offering affordable bike rentals for the children who participate.
In addition to this year’s charitable contributions from Driving for a Cause, Homestead-Miami Speedway donates more than $320,000 annually to dozens of South Florida organizations, including track rental opportunities throughout the year, an annual car wash, food drive, holiday toy drive and much more.
Previous Recipients of the Grants
2013
- Boys and Girls Club of Broward County
- Branches, formerly known as South Florida Urban Ministries
- Farmworker Association of Florida
- Homestead-South Dade Kiwanis Foundation
2014
- The Russell Life Skills and Reading Foundation
- Miami South BMX
- Start Off Smart Inc.
2015
- Ayuda Inc.
- Baptist Health South Florida Foundation
- Good Hope Equestrian Training Center
- HandsOn Miami
- Homestead-Florida City Community Soccer League
2016
- A Chance for Therapy
- Camillus House
- FIU Foundation Formula SAE
- Prospera, formerly known as Hispanic Business Initiative Fund
- Lauren’s Kids
- Miami Bridge Youth and Family Services, Inc.
About “Driving for a Cause”
“Driving for a Cause,” the charitable arm of Homestead-Miami Speedway, operates under the auspices of the NASCAR Foundation as a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization. Homestead-Miami Speedway will continue each of its charitable activities, including its in-kind donations to local groups, support of Homestead Hospital’s Speediatrics unit, and its program where organizations can work track events in exchange for a donation to their group or cause.
About Homestead-Miami Speedway
Homestead-Miami Speedway has been open since 1995 following an initiative to spur economic recovery in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew. The Speedway is a 650-acre facility that features a 1.5-mile oval and 2.21-mile road course. The Speedway hosts on-track events nearly 300 days per year and generates more than $301 million annually for the region. In 2016, NASCAR celebrated its 15-year anniversary (2002-16) of crowning champions in all three of its national series at Homestead-Miami Speedway during Ford Championship Weekend. Champions crowned at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2016 were Jimmie Johnson (Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series), Daniel Suarez (NASCAR XFINITY Series) and Johnny Sauter (NASCAR Camping World Truck Series). 2017 Ford Championship Weekend will be held November 17-19.
