Madison County woman wins 2025 Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award
MADISON COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) – The NASCAR Foundation announced Tuesday that a Madison County woman has won the 2025 Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award.
Kate O’Neal, founder and president of The Caring Link, raised $100,000 to help the organization help local children.
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“Receiving the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award from the NASCAR Foundation is an incredible honor, not just for me, but for our entire community,” she said. “This means that Madison County children will have the critical resources they need, freely and without hesitation. We do not need to blockade or ration our care. Instead, we can meet students with dignity, warmth and abundance.”
O’Neal said the $100,000 will allow The Caring Link to create two new, fully stocked care closets, one at Madison County Elementary School and another at Harvest Elementary School. The closets will allow more children to have access to clothes, shoes, hygiene items, school supplies and other essentials.
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She said the funding will also help the New Beginnings school readiness program, the Huntsville Resource Center and enrichment programs.
“We are deeply grateful for this recognition and deeply moved by what it makes possible for our children,” O’Neal said.
O’Neal garnered the most online votes among a field of nominees.
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