A Palm Beach Gardens nonprofit is racing against a September 6 deadline to secure a $100,000 grant that could dramatically expand its holiday outreach to Gold Star families across the United States. The funding, offered through The NASCAR Foundation’s Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award, would enable Believe With Me to provide Christmas gifts to approximately 1,000 children annually, covering roughly one‑third of its current program costs.
Honoring a Marine’s Legacy
Lyette Reback founded Believe With Me in memory of her father, a U.S. Marine and lifelong NASCAR enthusiast. Since its inception, the organization has served more than 15,000 Gold Star children, delivering personalized holiday gifts and year‑round support to families who have lost a loved one in military service.
The nonprofit’s holiday program includes ‘Santa Sacks’ and other community‑driven initiatives that blend festive cheer with tangible assistance. By focusing on personalized outreach, Believe With Me ensures that each child receives a gift that acknowledges both their family’s sacrifice and their individuality.
Community Vote Determines Funding
The Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award recognizes volunteers whose efforts create measurable change for children and families. Believe With Me is among the finalists, and daily community voting on the NASCAR Foundation’s website can tip the scales toward the $100,000 prize. Voting remains open until September 6, giving supporters a narrow window to amplify the nonprofit’s reach.
If awarded the grant, Believe With Me plans to extend its Christmas program to serve an additional 1,000 children, a milestone that would mark a significant expansion for the organization. The infusion of funds would also allow the nonprofit to deepen its year‑round mentorship and support services for Gold Star families nationwide.
The competition has drawn national attention to the work of small‑scale nonprofits in Palm Beach County, illustrating how community‑driven voting can translate into tangible resources for causes that often operate behind the scenes. Advocates hope the visibility will inspire further partnerships between sports‑related foundations and veteran‑focused charities.