Operation Speedy Bear Brigade

In the spirit of giving back in the community, Berlin Raceway and The NASCAR Foundation have teamed up for the third-annual “Operation Speedy Bear Brigade.” On December 3, a day designated as “Giving Tuesday,” track employees will deliver The NASCAR Foundation’s Speedy Bears to children in the hospital at Helen Devos Children's Hospital.

“We are excited to be able to make the trip to Helen Devos Children's Hospital on this special day of giving with the help of the NASCAR Foundation. We have had the pleasure of being involved with the Hospital through Racing Awareness one of our most prized race teams over the past decade. We are lucky to have such an amazing Hospital for our Children in the state of Michigan and are honored to work with the Nascar Foundation to give something back this holiday season.” Says Berlin Raceway’s Director of Operations Nick Rice.

Jeff Striegle of Racing Awareness adds “We are proud and honored to have been able to be apart of the Berlin Raceway and Helen Devos Children’s Hospital family for the last decade. Our charity has had the pleasure of raising over half a Million dollars in that time to help with such a great cause and to help heal our kids. I would like to say thank you to Berlin Raceway and the NASCAR Foundation for also supporting something so dear to our hearts.”

In addition to Berlin Raceway’s efforts at Helen Devos Children's Hospital, Operation Speedy Bear Brigade is taking place in more than 30 other locations across the country on Giving Tuesday, including participation from several NASCAR office and track locations.

“The Speedy Bear Brigade truly demonstrates the generosity of our sport,” The NASCAR Foundation Executive Director Nichole Krieger said. “This effort has continued to grow from year to year, without losing sight our ultimate goal to bring smiles to the faces of so many children who really need it.”

This effort is organized through The NASCAR Foundation’s Speediatrics Children’s Fund, which supports needs expressed by hospitals, specialty clinics, camps and others providing children’s medical and health care services.

#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and, to celebrate generosity worldwide. Following Thanksgiving and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, this year’s #GivingTuesday will take place on December 3rd and will kick off the giving season by inspiring people to collaborate and give back.

ABOUT Berlin Raceway

Berlin Raceway was founded in 1950 in the little town of Marne just 10 min west of Grand Rapids Michigan. Now celebrating 70 years at Michigan’s only NASCAR Home Track and one of the nation’s premier short tracks. Berlin Raceway hosts some of the region’s biggest and most prestigious short track races, including the Money in the Bank 150, the ARCA East Series and the Battle at Berlin 251 which all bring in teams from all over the country. Berlin races every Saturday night from the middle of April through September. For more information visit us online at www.berlinraceway.com or follow us on our social media

ABOUT THE NASCAR FOUNDATION

The NASCAR Foundation was established in January 2006 to support initiatives that positively affect the lives of children throughout the United States. The 501(c) (3) non-profit entity partners with medical experts and other charitable organizations to fund children’s health care programs. The NASCAR Foundation has cumulatively donated more than $34 million to reach more than 1.25 million children. For more information on The NASCAR Foundation, please visit: NASCARfoundation.org. Follow The NASCAR Foundation on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/NASCARFoundation or on Twitter: @NASCAR_FDN.