Jimmie and Chandra Johnson announce donations of almost $1 million through foundation
Reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson and his wife, Chandra, announced a series of donations totaling almost $1 million through The Jimmie Johnson Foundation on Monday.
The pair announced the $922,000 for the 2009 Jimmie Johnson Foundation/Lowe’s Toolbox for Education Champions Grants. The foundation received more than 80 applications from eligible school districts in California, North Carolina and Oklahoma. The selection criteria were based on basic needs of the school.
“It was amazing to review the proposals and read firsthand about the pressing needs of our schools. The funding requests were so diverse,” said Chandra Johnson, co-founder of the Jimmie Johnson Foundation. “I am particularly excited about the projects in Oklahoma as this is our first opportunity to give back in my hometown.”
The grants include $347,000 towards science and technology needs, $357,000 for outdoor classrooms, playgrounds and athletic facilities and $27,000 for accelerated reading programs.
The Johnsons awarded the California grants at a special ceremony today at Jimmie Johnson’s elementary school, Crest Elementary, in El Cajon, Calif.
“This is what the foundation is all about, being able to give back to communities in need. We are grateful for the partnership with Lowe’s and their guidance as our foundation begins its work in education,” said Johnson, 34, who also attended Greenfield Middle School and Granite Hills High School in El Cajon, Calif. “I look forward to visiting some of the schools next year to see the completed projects.”
“We are proud to support the Jimmie Johnson Foundation in its efforts to fulfill basic school needs in the Johnsons’ hometowns,” said Larry D. Stone, chairman of Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation. “Jimmie and Chandra Johnson have always shared Lowe’s commitment to giving back to the communities where we live and work, so it was a natural fit to partner with them on this outstanding educational program.”
A complete list of 2009 grant recipients and projects is available at www.jimmiejohnsonfoundation.org.
