Jay Fund volunteer is a finalist for Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund announced that volunteer Tracy Williams has been selected as one of four finalists for The NASCAR Foundation’s Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award.

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The award recognizes NASCAR fans who volunteer for organizations dedicated to improving the lives of kids in racing communities across the nation.

For 17 years, Tracy spearheaded one of the Jay Fund’s signature fundraising events, the Celebrity Golf Classic, which allows the organization to provide financial assistance to families.

Seventy-two percent of families who receive a pediatric cancer diagnosis report losing more than half of their income to care for their sick child. This, combined with the high cost of medical treatment, threatens the well-being of the whole family. Tracy’s work enables the Jay Fund to provide financial assistance to keep children and families in their homes by paying mortgage/rent bills, covering utility costs and providing grocery gift cards.

The award winner will be decided on by fans, who can vote from now until Nov. 9 at 5 p.m. Eastern Time on http://nas.cr/Award.

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Each of the four finalists are guaranteed a minimum $25,000 donation from The NASCAR Foundation, with the overall winner’s charity receiving a $100,000 donation to further their efforts.

“Tracy’s leadership, vision and dedication has elevated the Jay Fund’s work for close to 20 years,” said Keli Coughlin, CEO of the Jay Fund. “She is motivated by a selfless passion for others, especially children. Not only has Tracy been invaluable to our fundraising efforts, but she has provided emotional and social support to families and has delivered meals to homes and hospitals to ensure there is always nutritious food to put on the table.”

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The Jay Fund plans to use the financial award to further grow its Automobile Maintenance Support program. Children fighting cancer must follow an exact medical protocol, and it is essential that families have safe and reliable transportation to take their child to the hospital so that they never miss a treatment.

“I have witnessed the devastation that childhood cancer imparts on a family,” said Williams. “I have been able to celebrate the last day of treatment with one family and mourn the loss of a sweet 3-year-old boy with another. I cannot explain why a young boy lost his battle with cancer, but it motivates me to work harder for every event to ensure other families get the support they deserve and desperately need.”

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