Newton, NC (November 27, 2006) – The Ryan Newman Foundation was awarded the National Philanthropy Day Award for Outstanding Philanthropic Foundation by the Northwest North Carolina Chapter of the international Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)at an awards luncheon held in Newton, North Carolina in November.

NASCAR Nextel Cup Series driver Ryan Newman and his wife, Krissie, established the Ryan Newman Foundation in January 2005. The mission of the foundation is to educate and encourage people to spay/neuter their pets and to adopt dogs and cats from animal shelters; to educate children and adults about the importance of conservation so the beauty of the great outdoors can be appreciated by future generations; and to provide college scholarship funding through the Rich Vogler Scholarship program to students interested in auto racing careers.

NW NC AFP President Jane Bowers explains, “To qualify for this award, a foundation must demonstrate outstanding commitment through financial support and through encouragement and motivation of others to take leadership roles in philanthropy and national, international and/or community involvement. The Ryan Newman Foundation has certainly made a major impact in our community and throughout the nation.”

National Philanthropy Day® acknowledges the entire spectrum of services provided by the nonprofit community and recognizes the profound impact that philanthropy has on the fabric of society. Each year AFP honors individuals and groups who, through their hard work and dedication, have enhanced philanthropy, their communities and the world.

Ryan Newman says, “Krissie and I are honored to receive this award for the work of our foundation, which is still fairly new. We’re proud of the work we have been able to do during the first two years, and we look forward to many years of national service—especially in the areas of conservation and companion animal welfare.”