BROOKLYN, Mich. (Nov. 11, 2016) — The spirit of giving isn’t just a seasonal belief at Michigan International Speedway; it’s the racetrack’s way of doing business.
MIS Cares, the speedway’s charity arm, awarded $69,950 in cash donations to local charities through its grant program during the track’s annual Community Luncheon on Thursday. All of these deserving recipients share the MIS Cares mission to assist and inspire youth in Jackson and Lenawee counties.
“We are proud to make a difference in our community thanks to the efforts of MIS Cares through the NASCAR Foundation,” track President Rick Brenner said. “It is because of the generous support of our partners and fans throughout the year that we were able to donate a total of $69,950 to so many deserving organizations in 2016. These efforts will make a year-long impact in our community.”
Recipients include:
- MIS Cares granted the Associated Charities of Lenawee County with $2,500 for its back to school program to provide kids in grades K-12 with basic school supplies as well as shoes and appropriate clothing.
- The Boys & Girls Club of Lenawee County received a $5,000 grant for the Project Learn program, with the goal that every member will graduate from high school prepared for college, trade school, the military or employment.
- The new Lenawee County Child Advocacy Center spearheaded by Catholic Charities of Lenawee, Jackson and Hillsdale received funding in the amount of $5,000. This center will provide services for children who have been involved with sexual or severe physical abuse or have witnessed violent crimes.
- Clinton Elementary School received $1,500 for its first grade Classroom Libraries project. The purpose of this project is to replenish the book selections in three first grade classrooms.
- $2,900 was granted to Columbia Upper Elementary School for their CUES Community Garden project. The grant will allow the school to create three raised garden beds used to grow fruits and vegetables while providing hands-on learning opportunities.
- Family Service and Children’s Aid received $2,100 for its Breakout Drug Education Program. It provides eight days of drug prevention education programming for middle and high school students throughout Jackson County.
- $3,000 will help more than 225 children ages three to 14 to learn water safety with the Jackson YMCA Safety Around Water Program.
- Jasmynn’s Voice, an Adrian, Michigan organization, provides iPads to those struggling with Autism and language deficits who may not be able to speak, but given the correct tools and training may better find their voice. MIS Cares is supporting this organization with $700 to purchase two iPads.
- Northwest High School received $5,000 to purchase equipment for their broadcasting program to educate more than 90 students per trimester.
- Sacred Heart Catholic School in Hudson, Michigan received funds in the amount of $1,900 to purchase 10 new Chromebook computers. The technology will benefit more than 80 students in grades pre-school through eighth.
- $5,000 was granted to the Dahlem Center Conservancy for its Dahlem Nature Playscape Improvements project. The grant will provide five new components to their current playscape area, which MIS Cares helped fund in 2011.
- Adrian College and MIS developed Track and Explore, a first-of-its kind science center and science-related field trips to benefit area middle school students. MIS Cares donated $10,000 to the program.
- MIS Cares provided $5,000 to Therapeutic Riding’s Adopt-A-Horse Program to pay for food, bedding, daily care, veterinary care, fuel and maintenance and farrier care. MIS Cares has adopted Maizy every year since 2010.
- The YMCA Storer Camp received a grant for $5,000 for its Camp Catch-A-Rainbow Program. This program provides a no-cost resident camp experience for a child with chronic illness that may not be able to attend due to a medical or financial constraint.
- MIS Cares granted $2,500 to the Jackson County Intermediate School District and the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce for the Middle School Challenge. The project addresses bullying, teasing, exclusion and isolation in schools.
- MIS Cares will provide a $3,500 grant to the Lenawee Community Foundation for the Imagination Library. The purpose is to increase childhood literacy and better prepare children to enter kindergarten while promoting parent involvement.
- Habitat for Humanity of Lenawee County received a $5,000 grant to for their Skilled Youth Build Program. The purpose of this project, in conjunction with the Lenawee Intermediate School District, offers students an opportunity to apply the skills learned in the classroom in a hands-on setting.
- Concord Food for Thought received a $2,500 donation for its Backpack Program to provide supplemental meals for food-challenged families in the Concord Community School District.
- Communities in Schools of the Tecumseh Area received a grant for $3,350 for its Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX) Girl Empowerment Program. ROX is a 20-week comprehensive and evidence-based empowerment program for girls.