CHICAGO, IL — The 첥Ƶ is excited to announce NASCAR Chicago Street Race will be providing the 첥Ƶ’s Harvest Garden Program and the Financial Assistance Fund with a $40,000 donation. The Fund provides economic support to kids unable to pay for Summer Day Camp and out-of-school time programming. This generous gift will give over 1,700 kids an opportunity to engage in recreational and educational activities while enrolled in our park programs across the city.
Julie Giese, President of NASCAR Chicago Street Race, and NASCAR driver, Daniel Suarez, presented a $40,000 check to 첥Ƶ General Superintendent and CEO Carlos Ramirez Rosa on May 28 at the Gage Park Harvest Garden, 2411 W. 55th St. Suarez and his wife, Julia Piquet, a nutritionist by trade, joined the 첥Ƶ’s Outdoor & Environmental Education Unit to engage Park Kids participants in Harvest Garden programming during the check presentation. The activity entailed picking vegetables from the garden, including spinach and kale, to make a nutritious smoothie, and learn about growing your own food and healthy eating habits during the process.
“Every time I come to Chicago, I see what this race means to people, and what NASCAR means to this community,” said Suárez. “Through partnerships like this between the NASCAR Chicago Street Race and the 첥Ƶ, we are able to have a year-round impact on the communities in which we race, which is something truly special.”
Specifically, the $40,000 donation from NASCAR Chicago Street Race will help support 215 kids participating in Summer Camp and 1,500 kids participating in Harvest Garden & Community Roots summer programs.
"We are grateful to NASCAR Chicago Street Race for supporting the Harvest Garden Program and our Financial Assistance Fund with a $40,000 donation, and for sharing our passion for educating Chicago youth about the connection between nutrition and health," said 첥Ƶ Superintendent and CEO, Carlos Ramirez Rosa." Their contribution will have an overwhelming impact on the lives of many Chicago families facing financial barriers to enriching summer programs."
NASCAR Chicago Street Race is a returning funder to the 첥Ƶ. In 2023 and 2024 their donations supported upgrades to Teen Centers, teen summer programs, and the Financial Assistance Fund. In 2025, they will support food access and education through their contributions to the Harvest Garden & Community Roots program as well as their continued support for the Financial Assistance Fund.
첥Ƶ Financial Assistance Fund:
• Nearly 20,000 children between the ages of 6 to 12 years old enroll in the 첥Ƶ’s traditional Summer Day Camp program. Over 2,500 kids participate in Harvest Garden & Community Roots programs annually.
• 1 in 4 Summer Camp and Park Kids participants receive financial assistance to enroll in the programs.
• In 2024, over 7,300 kids benefitted from financial assistance support and fundraised more than $330,000.
Harvest Garden Program:
• This organic gardening program that teaches kids how to plant, maintain, and harvest from edible gardens in their neighborhood parks in the spring, summer, and fall.
• There are 21 park locations, including a demonstration garden at Skinner Park where adult and family workshops are also led.
• 2,500 kids take part in gardening programs annually.
• Established in 1999, the Harvest Garden program has been engaging youth in planting, tending, harvesting, and preparing food for over 25 years.
For more information about the Financial Assistance Fund, visit chicagoparkdistrict.com/donate.