Erik Jones Named 2024 Comcast Community Champion

Erik Jones, one of NASCAR’s most recognized and philanthropic figures, has been honored with the 2024 Comcast Community Champion of the Year award. The 28-year-old driver, who competes for Legacy Motor Club, is widely known not only for his prowess on the racetrack but also for his deep commitment to charitable causes. As a staunch advocate for early cancer screenings and detection, Jones has dedicated much of his life to supporting various communities, and this recognition marks the culmination of his ongoing efforts to create a positive impact beyond the racing world.

On Thursday evening, Jones was announced as the recipient of the prestigious award, becoming the 10th individual to earn this title. The Comcast Community Champion of the Year award, which honors individuals who make significant contributions to their communities, comes with a $60,000 donation to Jones’s foundation, the Erik Jones Foundation. This foundation is known for its dedication to improving lives through financial donations to community organizations and its direct-to-individual programs aimed at making a lasting difference.

Matt Lederer, the vice president of brand partnerships and amplification at Comcast, praised Jones for his unwavering commitment to making a difference in people’s lives. In a statement, Lederer highlighted Jones’s multifaceted approach to community service: “Erik has consistently demonstrated his passion for meeting people where they are—offering support, resources, and hope. His dedication to early cancer detection, youth literacy, and animal welfare shows how one individual can create meaningful change.”

One of the standout initiatives led by Jones is his #ReadWithErik program, which involves filming weekly videos of himself reading children’s books. This initiative, which has gained traction across multiple platforms, now includes in-person events at racetracks and schools, allowing Jones to connect directly with children and instill a love of reading. His personal connection to this cause runs deep, as it was born out of a profound loss and a desire to give back. Jones founded the charity following the death of his father in 2016, using his platform to advocate for causes that matter to him. In addition, his support for his mother during her battle with breast cancer further cemented his commitment to cancer awareness, which continues to be a major focus of his philanthropic work.

Jones’s personal story adds to the impact of his foundation’s work. Hailing from Michigan, Jones has achieved significant success in NASCAR, with three career Cup Series victories to his name, the most recent of which came in 2022. Despite the challenges of professional racing, he has consistently prioritized his charitable endeavors. His work in the community has been a powerful example of how athletes can use their platform to make a lasting difference in the lives of others.

Comcast’s recognition of Jones is part of its broader commitment to supporting the communities where it operates. As part of the program, Comcast is also donating $30,000 each to two other organizations: Willow’s Wish Foundation, in honor of Scott Crowell, senior manager of facility operations for NASCAR Productions, and Speedway Children’s Charities, in honor of Susan McKee, senior director of HR/IT at Charlotte Motor Speedway. These contributions highlight the broader reach of the Comcast Community Champion of the Year program, which continues to provide meaningful support to a variety of causes, from youth literacy to animal welfare.

The Comcast Community Champion of the Year program, which began in 2015, has made a profound impact over the years. Almost a decade after its inception, the program has contributed more than $1 million to over 30 nonprofit organizations. This annual recognition underscores Comcast’s ongoing support for individuals and organizations making a positive difference in their communities, further solidifying its position as a key partner in NASCAR. In addition to sponsoring the Xfinity Series, Comcast also serves as a premier series partner via its Xfinity brand, reinforcing its commitment to the sport and its community-driven initiatives.

Through this program, Comcast is able to shine a spotlight on individuals like Erik Jones, who are not only leaders in their professional fields but also champions for social change. Jones’s legacy as a philanthropist continues to grow, with his work inspiring others to use their resources to give back. The Erik Jones Foundation, bolstered by the support of Comcast, will continue its mission to provide essential resources to those in need, particularly in the areas of cancer detection, literacy, and animal welfare.

As the 2024 Comcast Community Champion of the Year, Jones’s story serves as a reminder of the power of community involvement and the profound impact that one individual can have. Whether it’s through his charitable foundation, his #ReadWithErik initiative, or his personal commitment to causes close to his heart, Jones’s example is a testament to the power of using one’s platform for good. His recognition by Comcast further cements his place as one of NASCAR’s most charitable and impactful figures, one whose influence extends far beyond the racetrack.

For Jones, the honor is not just about recognition; it’s about continuing to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most. With the backing of Comcast and his growing foundation, he will undoubtedly continue to inspire and effect change for years to come.