The Niles Star

MIS’ Booth up for humanitarian award

BROOKLYN – Selfless is just one word that describes Michigan International Speedway Director of Guest Services Tim Booth.

For his efforts making the Spirit of America Blood Drive the nation’s largest 9-11 blood drive, The Home Depot and the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) announced today that Booth is a finalist for the 2009 Home Depot NMPA Humanitarian Award. Other finalists for the award are NASCAR Sprint Cup driver’s Greg Biffle and Tony Stewart. The three will be recognized at the upcoming NASCAR NMPA Myers Brother Awards program in Las Vegas where the 2009 Humanitarian of the Year will be announced.

“This is unbelievable. Words can’t say enough how appreciative I am for being selected as a finalist,” Booth said. “To see my name as a nominee alongside the likes of Tony Stewart and Greg Biffle, who both give so much of their time and resources for charity, is a true honor.”

Booth has made countless efforts to support various non-profit organizations in his community, but none as much as the Great Lakes Region of the American Red Cross. His creation of the Spirit of America Blood Drive, which began in 2002, was a way to honor the victims and heroes of September 11, 2001. Since that time, the drive has grown into the nation’s largest September 11 blood drive. The blood drive’s success also caught the eye of the NASCAR Foundation, which has since created the NASCAR Foundation Blood & Marrow Drive, which is hosted at over 30 race tracks on Sept. 11.

Booth is also a regular blood donor who has personally given blood 146 times, which amounts to over 18 gallons in his lifetime.

“When I created the Spirit of America Blood Drive in 2002, I honestly had no idea it would be as successful as it is,” Booth said. “It’s a great event that brings the community together for a good cause. I personally enjoy giving blood and try to donate every 56 days if I can.”

The finalists for the 2009 Humanitarian Award were selected by the Humanitarian Award Selection Committee comprised of representatives of the NMPA and The Home Depot. All of the nominees were assessed based on their community commitment and dedication, impact on the community and charitable giving of their time and talents. The three nominees with the highest scores were named finalists for the award.

“Volunteerism is important to The Home Depot and we’ve made a commitment to recognize individuals that are doing outstanding projects for the betterment of community,” said Frank Bifulco, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Home Depot. “Greg, Tim and Tony have each put forth extraordinary efforts in the name of charity and The Home Depot is proud to be able to recognize and pay tribute to those efforts.”

“I commend Tim for all his hard work, dedication and commitment to the Spirit of America Blood Drive and his many other charitable contributions,” MIS President Roger Curtis said. “Tim is a very deserving finalist for the NMPA NASCAR Home Depot Humanitarian Award and I couldn’t be happier for him and what he has done to put the blood drive and MIS on the map for his efforts.”