Michigan International Speedway officials announced April 23 the establishment of MIS Cares, a 501 c (3) non-profit entity under the umbrella of the NASCAR
Foundation. MIS Cares will serve as the liaison between the speedway and all of the charitable causes the speedway supports. “MIS Cares will be an effective way for us to make a lasting, positive impact in the community through charitable giving and volunteer efforts that advance community growth and foster quality of life,” Alisha Cottrell, director of Government and Community Relations for MIS, said in a news release. The focus of MIS Cares is to raise money and distribute the charitable dollars through grants to non-profit groups in the region, according to the release. MIS Cares will begin accepting grant applications in early 2010 and will award financial gifts twice annually. “Michigan International Speedway is committed to helping improve the lives of people and those in need and we are excited about the opportunities for community service through MIS Cares,” said Roger Curtis, president of Michigan International Speedway. “MIS actively supports charities and causes and is devoted to being a leader in the area of public service at a truly grass roots level.” Some area organizations that have been or are being assisted by Michigan International Speedway’s charitable arm include Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, Boys and Girls Club of Lenawee County, Hospice of Lenawee, Boy Scouts Great Sauk Trail Council, Allegiance Heart Center in Jackson, Mich., the Ryan Newman Foundation and The Conservation Fund through its charity, Racing for Wildlife. One of MIS’ initiatives is to support and conserve the Waterloo Recreation Area, in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Racing for Wildlife and the Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC). The 20,000-acre Waterloo recreation area is approximately 30 miles north of MIS and home to four campgrounds, beaches, picnic areas and 11 fishing lakes.
Through MIS Cares, race fans and the general public will have opportunities to become involved with the many community service projects MIS supports. The largest annual charity event supported by the NASCAR Foundation is NASCAR Day. For a $5 donation, participants receive an official NASCAR Day lapel pin and have the opportunity to wear their favorite NASCAR apparel to work.