NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace won Comcast’s annual philanthropic award Friday for his Live To Be Different Foundation.
“I just did what I felt was right and what needed to be said and done and stood behind that proudly,” Wallace told The Associated Press after his award announcement.
“Congrats to @BubbaWallace, this year’s #ComcastCommunityChamp of the Year. Thank you for the work you and your Live To Be Different Foundation do to fight for inclusion, empower the next generation, and help others fulfill their potential,” Comcast penned on Twitter.
Wallace’s foundation will receive a $60,000 donation for his “outstanding contributions” to members of his community, such as a $10,000 scholarship he established at his former Northwest Cabarrus High School, a release from Comcast reported.
The driver was also honored for his bravery in standing up against NASCAR flying the Confederate battle flag at races, voicing his support for the Black Lives Matter movement following the death of the unarmed Black man George Floyd this summer.
“I said ‘Let’s take down the flag.’ It shouldn’t be a big deal, but now people say it is a big deal and its reshaping the sport,” said Wallace. “I didn’t have my mind set out to do that.”
Comcast is a leading partner with NASCAR’s Cup Series and the title sponsor of the second-tier Xfinity Series and has donated more than $700,000 to 18 charitable organizations since it was founded five years ago.
Matt Lederer, Comcast vice president of brand partnerships and activation, lauded Wallace as a model recipient of the award.
“Bubba embodies everything this award stands for and we look forward to standing together as he continues to make a positive impact in all of our communities and the industry,” said Lederer.