LCS foundation's logo debuts on Helmet of Hope

LE MARS -- The Le Mars Community Schools Foundation's logo is on the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope.

NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson revealed the helmet's design today (Friday).

He will wear it during this weekend's Sprint Cup Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

(Photos contributed) NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson (left) and Mike Wells, president and CEO of Wells Enterprises Inc., pose with the 2014 Helmet of Hope. The design of the helmet, which includes the Le Mars Community Schools Foundation's logo, was revealed this morning (Friday). The LCS foundation was one of five organizations to receive a grant from the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program. The program was started by Johnson in partnership with Wells, maker of Blue Bunny ice cream.

The Helmet of Hope program was started by Johnson in partnership with Wells Enterprises Inc. in 2008.

Wells, headquartered in Le Mars, is the maker of Blue Bunny ice cream.

In addition having its logo on Johnson's helmet, the LCS foundation was also awarded a $25,000 grant and a Blue Bunny ice cream party.

The grant will be used to purchase about 75 laptops for Le Mars Community High School's freshmen science classroom and two English classrooms.

LCS Superintendent Dr. Todd Wendt said the district appreciates the LCS foundation's generosity.

"We are grateful to the Jimmie Johnson Foundation and the LCS foundation for their commitment to the importance of education to our future," Wendt said in a press release.

The Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program allows people across the country to nominate not-for-profit organizations that support K-12 public education as grant recipients.

Since 2008, the program has contributed more than $560,000 to 71 different charities, according to the press release.

LCS foundation's logo is located on the top of the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope.

"The helmet looks phenomenal," Johnson said in the press release. "The five winners are each very deserving organizations."

He said he will wear their logos "with pride."

Johnson added that he and his wife, Chandra, are proud of the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program.

"The partnership with Blue Bunny enables us to support some great organizations that assist K-12 public education," Johnson said. "We are very grateful."

Mike Wells, president and CEO of Wells Enterprises, echoed Johnson's statement.

"We are extremely proud to once again support the incredible work and commitment displayed by each of the organizations to assist K-12 public education," Wells said in the press release.

The LCS foundation received 60,512 votes to earn its logo placement on the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope.

"It will be exciting to see the foundation's logo displayed on Jimmie's helmet during [Sunday's] race," Wendt said.