Hendrick Motorsports drivers Kasey Kahne, Chase Elliott, Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. have launched a disaster relief fund with the goal of raising $500,000 in two weeks to support communities in the United States affected by natural disasters. The four NASCAR Cup Series drivers and the Hendrick Motorsports organization committed a combined $200,000 to establish the fund and encouraged the public to join the effort by making a donation before Midnight ET on Wednesday, Sept. 20. All contributions to the campaign are tax-deductible and will benefit qualified charitable organizations assisting disaster relief efforts.
All funds raised during the campaign will aid nonprofit organizations that directly support those affected by recent and impending natural disasters. Representatives from each of the four driver foundations and Hendrick Motorsports worked to identify where funds should be directed. Emphasis was be placed on organizations that directly support communities affected by natural disasters and that maintain efficient operations to assure the most money possible will go toward helping those impacted.
$354,652 was raised during the campaign. The funds have been donated to the One America Appeal, and have been distributed as follows:
- $76,163 to the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund
- $76,163 to the Rebuild Texas Fund
- $152,326 to the Florida Disaster Fund
- $25,000 designated to the U.S. Virgin Islands
- $25,000 designated to Puerto Rico