Ryan Blaney Family Foundation’s 2023 Recap
2023 was an exciting year for the Ryan Blaney Family Foundation. Not only did Ryan win the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Championship, but the RBFF made a huge impact in the lives of those with Alzheimer’s and Concussion, along with their local communities.
The RBFF raised roughly $175,000 in 2023. From fundraisers to generous donations, the funds raised allowed the foundation to do great work. Their Topgolf fundraiser raised a total of $130,000 with $80,000 given to the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program in part of the foundation’s Fund-A-Fellow program. The Fund-A-Fellow program helps to fund the education of Fellows in the Concussion Program under the guidance of Dr. Micky Collins.
$50,000 was given to the Alzheimer’s Association during the Race to #ENDALZ Match Challenge that ran during June 2023. The RBFF pledged to match up to $50,000 in donations, and a check was presented by Ryan and Managing Director, Patty Aber, to the Alzheimer’s Association at the NASCAR Chicago Street Race. The foundation also gave a total of $21,000 across three different Walks to End Alzheimer’s.
While the large numbers are impressive, the smaller and more intimate moments can make just as much of an impact. The RBFF set up activations at numerous NASCAR tracks this year to hand out informative material on Alzheimer’s and Concussion. During the NASCAR season, the foundation donated over 700 bicycle helmets to underserved children in our race communities across the country in partnership with the NASCAR Foundation and their Speediatrics Fun Day Festivals.
They also had their activation tent at the Charlotte Motor Speedway STEAM event, where they talked to over 3,000 kids about concussions, brain health and safety, and showed the kids what it’s like to have a concussion via concussion goggles. The RBFF gave Smile Boxes to residents in memory care centers located in Daytona, FL, and Phoenix, AZ, and also delivered 104 Christmas gifts to residents in memory care centers in Charlotte, NC, and Hartford, OH.
The Ryan Blaney Family Foundation accomplished a lot this year, with many thanks being sent to those who donated money, event sponsors, purchased an item, or followed along on social. It’s through the generosity of many people that has helped the foundation make a difference. Wishing everyone good health and happiness in 2024!
