The following article was written by Tim Gadzinski, the Marketing Associate for the Manitowoc Public Library.
At first glance, I’ll be the first to admit that NASCAR and a public library appear to be rather strange bedfellows. I mean, what common ground could possibly exist between a sport that grew out of bootleggers transporting moonshine—or “whiskey trippers” as they were known in colloquial slang—as fast as they could over the rough mountain roads of Appalachia and a community hub that serves as a warehouse of knowledge? Honestly, it’s not quite as bizarre a partnership as you might imagine.
Both institutions—as fans of one or the other or both can attest—are accessible to anyone. Libraries are welcoming to everybody without any expectations and the same can be said of NASCAR. At Manitowoc Public Library, it doesn’t matter if you’re looking to find out more information about a particular type of car racing or French philosophy or baking the perfect Bundt cake—we’re here for you with the resources you need to feed your passion. And NASCAR—with its array of drivers, tracks, strategies, and challenges—has something to fan the competitive flame for everyone with a need for speed!
But, ultimately, how do such seemingly-disparate institutions find one another. The truth is that it began with the NASSCAR Foundation. Wanting to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of their sport while recognizing that non-profit organizations across the country can always use financial support, they created the NASCAR Day Giveathon. This joint effort between NASCAR, the NASCAR Foundation, and Speedway Motorsports Children’s Charities aims to provide much needed funds to non-profits throughout the United States. The Giveathon runs from Tuesday, May 16, at 4 PM through 7 PM on Friday, May 19. That’s right—a 75-hour fundraiser for a 75th anniversary!
Tim Gadzinski
It’s important to mention that it was Seehafer Broadcasting that called this fundraiser to MPL’s attention. We’re definitely both grateful and flattered that they recognized MPL’s efforts to help to build a strong community in Manitowoc. We decided that it would be best to create a single focus for the fundraiser and after a brief discussion on the matter, it became abundantly clear that focusing on the Friends of Manitowoc Public Library was the best choice for this initiative. The Friends provide instrumental support for an array of library programs and events throughout the year, but none more so than what they do to bolster children’s programming during the Summer Reading Program. It’s a fantastic fit!
This is an online-only fundraiser, so allow me to pass along a couple of URLs to ease your internet navigation should you be interested in donating. First off, there’s www.nascardaygavethon.org, the homepage for the Givethon. That’s where you can find all the details for the event, including all the incentives that are available at various increments—though you should keep in mind that any donated amount is tremendously appreciated. It’s the final tally that matters! Also, clicking on https://nascar.fanthem.io/give/nascar/giving-days/nascar-givingday-2023/charities/friends-of-manitowoc-public-library will take you directly to the Friends page during the fundraiser should you wish to take decisive action.
One final detail that needs mentioning. While any amount of funds raised for Friends of MPL during the Giveathon will be amazing, I’d like to point out that reaching a minimum of $750 is the immediate goal. The reason behind this is rather basic—once that $750 benchmark is reached, the Friends then become eligible for a number of matching and bonus grants, exponentially increasing the amount that had already been donated. That’s why every donation matters, with or without donating an incentive amount.
Thank you in advance for your support and we hope that you’re interested in donating to the Friends during the NASCAR Day Giveathon, running from Tuesday, May 16, at 5 PM through 8 PM on Friday, May 19.
It’ll be a sprint to the finish, that’s for certain!
