Email
Print
Jimmie Johnson donates $150K to area schools
ADVERTISEMENT
Published: August 27, 2009
NASCAR's reigning Sprint Cup champion brought a big gift to four Charlotte-area school systems on the eve of the 2009-10 academic year.
Jimmie Johnson and his wife, Chandra, announced Monday that their foundation will donate $150,000 through the Lowe's Toolbox for Education grant program to schools and parent-teacher groups in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Mooresville, Cabarrus County and Iredell-Statesville systems.
The Champions Grants will be available to any school or parent group with a 501c(3) tax status in those four school systems.
"With the tough economy and the budget cuts that school systems have been experiencing, we felt this was a way we could help," said Johnson, whose Sprint Cup race car is sponsored by Lowe's, during a news conference at Elizabeth Traditional Elementary School near uptown Charlotte. "We're about helping children, and we're excited about making a difference."
The Johnsons previously had launched similar programs in their hometown school systems in southern California and Oklahoma.
"When I first started out, my parents made me keep my grades up, or I wasn't allowed to race," Johnson said. "I think it's important to make sure we give teachers and students the best tools possible."
CMS Superintendent Peter Gorman said the grants "would be valuable any year."
"But this year, more than ever, our teachers will benefit from the wonderful opportunity for grants," he said.
Cabarrus County Schools Superintendent Barry Shepherd said, "In the last year, we've had to make cuts in areas like books and supplies. An opportunity like this for grants is priceless."
Schools and organizations from other systems can apply for standard grants through the Lowe's Toolbox for Education program.
Email
Print
ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement
