Contributed by Greyhound Lifesavers Inc. Two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart evokes several images—owner of Tony Stewart Racing, co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing, a highly competitive driver, and a tireless advocate of auto racing in its many forms. And, increasingly, Stewart is also well-known as a dedicated philanthropist. Like his racing style, Stewart pushes the limits to help others through his Foundation.

The Tony Stewart Foundation just announced the winners for its “Tony’s Grant Accelerator” competition. Greyhound Lifesavers Inc. has been selected as one of 40 charities from throughout the United States to be known as an Accelerator Charity and receive a monetary grant. More than 300 nominations were reviewed by the foundation and 72 organizations were invited to submit the full grant application.

“We created this competition to uncover terrific charities that are serving children and animals in innovative ways,” remarked Stewart. “The result is a collection of charities, large and small, with a common denominator of having a strong volunteer network and a dedicated staff to deliver programs.”

Greyhound Lifesavers Inc. will use the grant to establish a permanent fundraising program using existing and new social media outlets. Website upgrades, including online auction software, are tops on the group’s list. With a viable fundraising program in place, the group expects to step up the pace and bring more greyhounds into their adoption program.

Woody Fischbach, president of Greyhound Lifesavers, added “Our group is honored to have been chosen as a grant recipient. And we are thankful to Tony Stewart & The Tony Stewart Foundation for the opportunity to “accelerate change.” This grant will certainly allow us to bring in more greyhounds from the Florida racetracks.”

To learn more about the group’s mission or how to adopt or foster a retired racing greyhound, visit the Greyhound Lifesavers website www.greyhoundlifesavers.org. or email info@greyhoundlifesavers.org or visit the group’s Facebook page or call 803-414-1476.

Since 2004, the Tony Stewart Foundation has awarded more than $5 million in grants to organizations serving children, animals and drivers. Complete information about the foundation plus photos & stories of the 40 Grant Accelerator Charities are available at www.TonyStewartFoundation.org.