Lorri Shealy Unumb captures 2nd Annual Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award

During Friday night’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards at the Wynn Las Vegas – the official coronation of 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski – Lesa France Kennedy, daughter of Betty Jane France and vice chair and executive vice president of NASCAR, named Lorri Shealy Unumb, creator of “Ryan’s Law”, the official winner of the second annual, Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award.

As a mother of three, Unumb was deeply impacted when her oldest son, Ryan, was diagnosed with severe autism at a young age; she then learned that insurance would not cover the cost of treatment for children with autism. As a result, the 44-year-old drafted a bill – now known as “Ryan’s Law” that has been enacted in 31 other states – to require insurance companies to cover treatments for autism. Unumb also founded the Autism Academy of South Carolina, a non-profit organization that protects the interests of children with the disability and helps families affected by autism. The NASCAR Foundation’s donation of $100,000 will be used to create a scholarship fund to assist children who would otherwise not be able to attend the Autism Academy.

“Lorri Unumb’s story is one of devotion to a child and dedication to a cause,” France said, “She certainly is a most-deserving winner of our second annual award. Lori absolutely personifies what this award is about – and embodies The NASCAR Foundation mission. We are all so very proud to have her as our second recipient, as we know she will continue to fight for the rights of families living with autism.”

Unumb, a 44-year-old Lexington, S.C., native and former Miss Southern 500 Pageant winner was chosen from a group of four finalists by a national fan vote on NASCAR.COM. Through this award, The NASCAR Foundation honors passionate NASCAR fans making an impact with children in their local communities and reflecting the commitment Betty Jane France has demonstrated with her charitable works and community efforts.

“It is hard for me to express what this gift from the NASCAR Foundation means for the Autism Academy of South Carolina,” Unumb said. “This financial donation will give us the footing to build on our services and reach more children in need. We are so thankful for the awareness and recognition that The NASCAR Foundation has created for us and are grateful to everyone who voted to make this a reality.”

The three semifinalists who each received a $25,000 donation to their supporting charities are: Ron Eby, of Windham, Maine, representing Camp Sunshine; Michael Jackson, of Duluth, Minn. supporting Starlight Children’s Foundation; and Ali McDonough, of Wilmington, Del. backing The Andrew McDonough B+ (Be Positive) Foundation. The four finalists were selected by The NASCAR Foundation board of directors from hundreds of applicants who made a significant impact on the lives of children through volunteerism or charitable work. The announcement culminated an 8-week period during which the four finalists promoted their causes and asked for fans to vote for them to receive the top award.

The NASCAR Foundation is currently taking nominations for the 2013 Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. The nomination application can be downloaded at NASCAR.com/foundation. The deadline for nominations is Friday, June 14, 2013.

About The NASCAR Foundation

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing Inc., (NASCAR) launched The NASCAR Foundation in January 2006. The foundation is a 501(c) (3) non-profit entity that embodies the compassion of the NASCAR family and its commitment to serving communities. The NASCAR Foundation seeks to raise funds and increase volunteerism to support nonprofit charities and charitable causes throughout the nation with an emphasis placed on initiatives that affect the ability of children to live, learn and play. For more information on The NASCAR Foundation, please visit the website: NASCAR.COM/foundation