The Dale Jr. Foundation

From Dale Jr.

My career as a race car driver has been well-documented. From winning NASCAR XFINITY Series championships in 1998 and 1999 to securing the coveted Daytona 500 trophy in 2004 and again in 2014, there have been many rewarding experiences that will last a lifetime. But once my career is over and I look back at the achievements that made it special, The Dale Jr. Foundation could very well be one I’m most proud of.

What we’ve accomplished since starting The Dale Jr. Foundation in 2007 has been far beyond my expectations. Thanks to the generosity of many people, we’ve raised more than $11 million to benefit charities that directly impact our communities, schools and fellow citizens. To me nothing is more rewarding than to see people’s lives take a turn for the better and know you might have had something to do with it. I’ve said for many years the best part of my race weekend is meeting kids through Make-A-Wish, which we started doing long before the start of The Dale Jr. Foundation. In fact, these kids were part of the inspiration that led us to start the foundation. Wish kids are the most genuine, respectful and courageous people I meet. They take nothing for granted.

Make-A-Wish is just one of the many organizations The Dale Jr. Foundation supports. Each charitable organization focuses on areas that are important to me, like kids, schools and the underprivileged. I started The Dale Jr. Foundation as a way to help the underdogs, those who haven’t caught the breaks that I was lucky enough to catch.

I hope you will take time to learn more about the Dale Jr. Foundation—specifically what we do, who we help, and how you can be a part of it. We have many types of fundraising efforts such as various online auctions, and special event fundraisers like Dale Jr.’s Driven To Give. Large or small, there are ways to get involved and help.

Five Areas of Giving

Empowerment

The Dale Jr. Foundation supports many organizations that provide safe homes for children who come from traumatic pasts to help them with their hurt and give them a new start. These children have been abused or neglected by no fault of their own and need the resources to overcome their adversities and regain their sense of self confidence.

Education

Research has shown that children who grow up with strong, positive values are happier and do better in school. This is why we feel that providing grants for technology, reading incentives and helping teachers with out-of-pocket expenses is vital to the success of our community.

Wellness

Children need to be healthy in order to reach their full potential which is why we support organizations that provide child-friendly services. These organizations go beyond providing medical services and extending to all forms of holistic care.

Hunger

Food is an essential building block to a child’s physical, social and educational development. Unfortunately over 20+ million children face food insecurities each week. We partner with many different organizations that provide healthy food to children who might otherwise go hungry.

Hope

We feel that creating a connection with a child, no matter how small it may be, is the greatest way to provide them with the sense of normalcy. This connection can be the positive experience that they need to overcome their obstacles.

Board of Directors

Dale Earnhardt Jr.
President

In addition to his role as President of The Dale Jr. Foundation, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is a third generation driver in a family forever connected to the sport of stock-car racing, and while his innate ability behind the wheel comes from Earnhardt DNA, his competitive driving style and keen business sense is all his own. His flare for originality and common sense charisma has helped propel him to one of the most popular figures in sports, as evidenced by his consecutive selection as NASCAR’s twelve-time Most Popular Driver. Additionally, he is the only third-generation NASCAR champion, achieved when he won the 1998 and 1999 Busch Series titles. He follows his legendary father Dale Earnhardt, a seven-time Cup champion and winner of 76 races. His grandfather Ralph Earnhardt was the 1956 NASCAR sportsman champion, and in 2007 was posthumously inducted into the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame. Both his father and grandfather were selected among NASCAR’s 50 greatest drivers of all-time in 1999. All together, the three Earnhardts account for 10 NASCAR championships.

Kelley Earnhardt-Miller
Vice-President

Kelley Earnhardt serves as Vice President of The Dale Jr. Foundation. She is considered one of the most prominent businesswomen in NASCAR today. She is the backbone to the business interests of her brother, twelve-time NASCAR Most Popular driver. Kelley began working for JR Motorsports in 2001, when she joined the company in its infancy as the Vice President and General Manager. Under her leadership, the company has grown to more than 100 employees and fields two full-time teams in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and a late model program. However, most don’t realize Kelley’s first venture into the sport came not in the front office, but behind the steering wheel. After a successful stint driving late model stock cars at local short tracks, she realized her calling was in the business side of the sport.

Cathy Earnhardt-Watkins
Director

Cathy Earnhardt Watkins works at JR Motorsports as the Retail Sales Manager, managing the JR Nation Retail Store. She also works with wholesale customers to offer JR Motorsports, JR Nation and Whisky River products to all sales channels. Cathy has worked in the racing industry for more than 20 years and her involvement at each level of product development ensures JRM brings the best products available to the consumer. Meeting the many fans that visit JR Nation on a daily basis fulfills her passion for racing and the people that love the sport. Cathy is an older sister to Dale Earnhardt, seven time Winston Cup Champion and Aunt to Kelley and Dale Jr.

Stokley G. Caldwell Jr.
Director

Stokely G. Caldwell Jr. is a partner and member of the Board of Directors of Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson, P.A. in Charlotte, North Carolina. Stoke has practiced motorsports law for over 20 years and has provided counsel to many of NASCAR's top drivers and teams; and he participates on other boards such as the board of the Sports Lawyers Association. He has also worked with many foundations and charities and is pleased to play a role in the good work of The Dale Jr. Foundation.

Chris Nichols
Director

Chris Nichols is the Senior Vice President & Senior Commercial Lender with blueharbor bank. Mr. Nichols is a native to Mt. Airy, NC and has worked in the banking industry for over 25 years with over 20 years in Commercial Banking. Mr. Nichols is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, the Virginia Bankers School of Bank management and the Graduate School of Banking at LSU. Mr. Nichols has served on several non-profit boards. He has been a member of Rotary for 17 years and currently serves as Director and Immediate Past President of Rotary Club of Top of the Lake-Mooresville.

Who We Support

Are You Driven to Give?

The Dale Jr. Foundation is a charity dedicated to giving underprivileged individuals, with a focus on youth, the resources to improve their confidence and education and the opportunity to achieve extraordinary goals.

Make A Donation Today

Our Mission

Contact Us

tdjf@dalejr.com
P.O. Box 330, Mooresville NC 28115
704-799-4800

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