The NASCAR Foundation announced the four NASCAR fans named as finalists for the 16th annual Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award, recognized for the work they do through local children’s organizations in their communities.
The NASCAR Foundation’s Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award, named in honor of the foundation’s late founder and chairwoman Betty Jane France, recognizes inspiring NASCAR fans who volunteer for children’s causes across their regions. Each finalist receives a minimum $25,000 donation for their organization with the overall winner receiving a $100,000 donation from The NASCAR Foundation to further their efforts.
“These four finalists embody the heart of the sport through not only their passion for NASCAR, but also their unwavering dedication to serving their communities,” said Nichole Krieger, Executive Director and Vice President of The NASCAR Foundation. “Mary, James, Lyette and Jim support remarkable organizations that are changing lives every day, and their selfless efforts perfectly capture the values celebrated by the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award.”
The 16th annual Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award finalists include:
- Mary Caruso of Corning, N.Y., executive director and volunteer of Corning Community Food Pantry, an organization that focuses on eliminating hunger in the region through the distribution of food and information. Mary has been a volunteer with CCFP for 23 years and has served as Executive Director since 2020. Under her leadership, 1.25 million pounds of food have been distributed to more than 85,000 individuals. Click here to download b-roll of Mary Caruso.
- James Ford of Richmond, Va., a volunteer of the Ronald McDonald House Richmond, supporting their mission providing essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare. James has been a volunteer with RMHC for eight years, after the organization supported his family during his siblings’ illnesses. Click here to download b-roll of James Ford.
- Lyette Reback of North Palm Beach, Fla., founder and volunteer of Believe With Me, an organization that supports families of fallen military service members by providing financial help and emotional support. Under Lyette’s leadership, the organization has delivered more than 25,000 gifts to 12,000+ children of the fallen. In addition to her work with Gold Star Families, Lyette is the mother of 16 children and is a prominent advocate for foster care and adoption awareness. Click here to download b-roll of Lyette Reback.
- Jim Osborn of Apison, Tenn., founder and volunteer of The Austin Hatcher Foundation, supporting their mission of providing a lifetime of free, comprehensive support to pediatric cancer patients and their families. Jim, a US Air Force Veteran and trained spinal surgeon, has been a volunteer with The Austin Hatcher Foundation for 19 years. His commitment to supporting families navigating pediatric cancer intensified after his first child tragically passed away from cancer as an infant. Click here to download b-roll of Jim Osborn.
The overall winner will be determined by an online vote, which is open now, every day through Sept. 6. Those who wish to vote for their favorite finalist and their impact on the community may vote once a day.
The overall winner will be announced during The NASCAR Foundation Honors Gala in New York City on Tuesday, Sept. 8.
To learn more about The NASCAR Foundation’s Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award and the 2026 finalists, visit www.NASCARfoundation.org/Award.
— NASCAR —