The Ryan Newman Foundation

Thank you for your interest in the Ryan Newman Foundation.  NASCAR Sprint 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.

Ryan and Krissie believe that making a difference in the world starts by making a difference in your own community.  That is why the Newman’s not only help nonprofit organizations nationwide, but they also volunteer for their local humane society.

Children can help the Ryan Newman Foundation fulfill our mission in several ways:

• Take a tour of your local animal shelter: One of the best ways children can help the Ryan Newman Foundation fulfill our mission is to do what Ryan and Krissie do--support the local humane society or animal shelter.  If children have never been inside an animal shelter, it is a great educational opportunity.  Call your local shelter to make an appointment for a tour.  While you are there, find out what kids can do to help the local animal shelter.  Many shelters can not allow children to walk dogs for liability reasons, but they may be able to make cat toys or collect pet supplies from the community to donate to the shelter for animal care.  
• Learn more about conservation:  Contact your local Fish & Wildlife agency, The Conservation Fund or Trout Unlimited chapter to ask about their educational programs for kids.  The Newman’s feel that it is important for children to learn why it is important to take care of our rivers, lakes and streams so they can be there for future generations to enjoy.
• Storm drain marking programs:  These programs are a remarkably easy way for residents of all ages to get directly involved in reducing the amount of pollution in our streams and lakes.  Do an Internet search for "Storm Drain Marking" and the name of your state to find local storm drain marking programs.  Storm drain labeling involves marking storm drain openings with messages reminding citizens not to dump pollutants down the drains. Drain messages are usually a simple phrase to remind passersby that the storm drains connect to local water bodies and that dumping in drains pollutes these waters. Sometimes, the drains specify the body of water where drain water eventually flows. Common messages include "No Dumping. Drains to Water Source," "Drains to River," and "You Dump it, You Drink it". No Waste Here."
• Say thank you to your animal shelter staff: The words "thank you" are powerful, but since animals can't speak, it's up to community members to let shelter workers know just how much their commitment to animals is appreciated. Send a letter, card or e-mail to your local shelter, and let them know you care.  Kids can make thank you cards to bring to the hard working shelter staff at the local animal shelter to let them know that their compassion is appreciated.
• Spay/neuter your pets:  Do your part. Spaying or neutering your pet is one of the most important things you can do to reduce the number of homeless pets in your community. Kids can prevent animal overpopulation by asking their parents to spay/neuter the family pets.
• Make our world a greener place--plant trees:  Kids can plant trees in their own community.  Arborday.org offers detailed information on dozens of commonly planted landscape trees that grow throughout the United States. Here you will find information on height and spread, soil and sun requirements, leaves and fruit, history, wildlife habitat, and more. Also, kids can participate in a Nature Explore Club Activity. 
• Hold a community fundraiser:  Some parents feel that it is important for their children to learn about philanthropy at an early age.  Kids can hold fundraisers to benefit your local humane society, conservation agency or the Ryan Newman Foundation.  Some ideas include...
  •  holding a bake sale or lemonade stand
  • hosting an educational fair at your school or church that focuses on conservation issues or companion animal issues and raffle items to raise funds while educating your peers
  • collecting pet food and cat litter from your local grocery store customers to donate to your local animal shelter

For additional educational resources, visit:

• National Arbor Day Foundation: www.arborday.org  
• Trout Unlimited:  www.tu.org
• The Conservation Fund:  www.conservationfund.org
• ASPCA:  www.aspca.org
• National Association for Humane and Environmental Education:  www.nahee.org

We would like to stay in touch.  If you would like to be informed about the Ryan Newman Foundation's coming events, fundraisers, volunteer opportunities, programs, foundation news, Pit Road Pets book signings, and where Ryan will be appearing to help a charity, visit www.ryannewmanfoundation.org and click on Join Our Email List.