DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Sept. 9, 2025) – The NASCAR Foundation and Kaulig Giving are once again teaming up for National Teddy Bear Day, delivering 5,000 NASCAR-themed teddy bears to children in 135 hospitals across all 50 states, as well as Mexico and Canada, for the ninth annual “Speedy Bear Brigade.”
In addition to delivering Speedy Bears to multiple different hospitals, The NASCAR Foundation will be giving $10,000 grants to select hospitals participating in Speedy Bear Brigade. These donations are made possible through the Foundation’s Speediatrics Children’s Fund, which supports needs expressed by hospitals, specialty clinics, camps, and others providing children’s medical and health care services.
“Each year, Speedy Bear Brigade continues to grow and expand, allowing us to create more memories and craft special moments for children in hospitals across North America, and we truly couldn’t do it without the support of our friends at Kaulig Giving,” said Nichole Krieger, Executive Director and Vice President, The NASCAR Foundation. “Seeing the joy and smiles that these NASCAR-themed Teddy Bears bring to a child’s face is what this program is all about.”
This year’s efforts mark the biggest to date with 135 hospitals participating across North America, topping last year’s number which previously held the highest sum. The Speedy Bear Brigade initiative honors National Teddy Bear Day, celebrated on Sept. 9, with hospital visits taking place in multiple race markets and communities surrounding NASCAR tracks.
The Brigade kicks off in Akron, Ohio, with the first Speedy Bear delivery of the year taking place in the home of Kaulig headquarters. This will be the fifth year Kaulig Giving has partnered with the NASCAR Foundation for Speedy Bear Brigade.
“It’s always special to kick off the Speedy Bear Brigade right here in our backyard at Akron Children’s,” said Matt Kaulig, Executive Chairman and Founder of Kaulig Giving. “Our partnership with The NASCAR Foundation is a perfect fit, as Kaulig Giving shares the same mission of helping children live happier and healthier lives. A stay here is never easy for kids, and these bears are a simple way to deliver comfort, positivity, and cheer to children across the country.”
NASCAR fans can join the Speedy Bear Brigade by making a $25 donation to sponsor a Speedy Bear and have that bear delivered to a child in participating hospitals. Fans can visit NASCARfoundation.org/speedybear to donate.
