Four NASCAR fans dedicated to volunteer support for local children’s organizations were recognized today by The NASCAR Foundation as finalists for the 13th annual Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. One of these finalists is none other than Rapid City’s own, Darla Crown.

The NASCAR Foundation’s Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award, named in honor of the foundation’s late founder and chairwoman Betty Jane France, recognizes NASCAR fans who volunteer for children’s causes in their local communities. Each finalist receives a minimum $25,000 donation for their organization with the overall winner receiving a $100,000 donation from The NASCAR Foundation to further their efforts. Darla was nominated by Youth & Family Services (YFS).

“There is no one more deserving of this award,” shared Connie Olson, Youth & Family Services’ Chief Development Officer. “Darla has a heart for giving. She has spent the majority of her life finding ways to give back to her community and to the causes and organizations closest to her heart. She has truly made a difference in the lives of so many.”

Darla has been a supporter of YFS for decades. She volunteers in classrooms, has helped with numerous special projects and events, and is an advocate for the organization. In addition to volunteering for YFS, Darla has been involved with Children’s Home Society of South Dakota, Seventh Circuit CASA Program, Rushmore Rotary, Pennington County Veterans Court, the Central States Fair, her church, and has been a foster parent. She is also a 42-year veteran of the South Dakota National Guard.

The overall winner will be determined by an online vote, which is open now. Fans can visit NASCARfoundation.org/Award to watch a video about Darla’s impact on children while voting once a day, every day through November 17 at 3 p.m. Mountain Time. The overall winner will be announced during the NASCAR Awards in Nashville on Thursday, November 30. To learn more about The NASCAR Foundation’s Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award and the 2023 finalists, visit NASCARfoundation.org/Award.