November 6th 2025

Kate O’Neal wins 2025 Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award

The NASCAR Foundation announced Kate O’Neal as the winner of the 15th annual Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award during Tuesday’s NASCAR Awards Banquet in Scottsdale, Ariz. O’Neal will receive a $100,000 donation from The NASCAR Foundation going towards The Caring Link, a non-profit that provides brand new clothing, shoes, school supplies, food items, and toiletries through on-site Care Closets at schools across Madison County in Alabama.

“I am sincerely honored to receive the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award,” said O’Neal. “This incredible gift will help us expand our mission to ensure that every child in our community has the essentials to learn, grow and thrive. Together, we can change lives one student at a time.”

O’Neal has been volunteering with The Caring Link for two years after founding the organization in 2022. In addition to providing supplies at multiple public schools, The Caring Link also provides enrichment programs to under-resourced students. O’Neal has been a NASCAR fan for nearly 35 years and lives in Hazel Green, Ala., just down the road from Talladega Superspeedway.

“Kate has done so much for her community through The Caring Link, and her work has touched countless schools, children, and families,” said Nichole Krieger, The NASCAR Foundation Vice President and Executive Director. “Her efforts help ensure that students who might otherwise struggle have the resources they need to thrive. The $100,000 she won for The Caring Link will make a tremendous difference in providing essential items for kids and families.”

O’Neal earned the most online votes from a pool of nominees, including John Grieshaber, supporting A Better Chance for Our Children, Gregg Morton with CureSearch for Children’s Cancer and Hannah Smith of Sportable Adaptive Sports and Recreation. Each of these nonprofits will receive a $25,000 donation from The NASCAR Foundation.

2026 marks 20 years of The NASCAR Foundation, and in honor and celebration of next year’s anniversary, nominations for the 2026 Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award are now open. Nominations will be accepted www.nascarfoundation.org/award.

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