NEWTON, NC—Carolina Caring Foundation is honored to announce its newest partner and contributor to the Cardinal Keepers campaign: Michael Bumgarner, an Alexander County native and professional driver for Rick Ware Racing.
Cardinal Keepers is Carolina Caring Foundation’s corporate and community partnership program funding Carolina Caring Cardinal Kids, the Pediatric Palliative and Hospice Care Program that brings joy, dignity, and holistic support to children and families facing serious illness.
Bumgarner’s passion for partnering with Cardinal Kids stems from his own experiences as a child. At just seven years old, doctors discovered that Bumgarner had a hole in his heart. He underwent countless medical tests, doctor’s appointments, and heart surgery. It was a frightening experience for a child to comprehend.
However, Bumgarner did not let his diagnosis hold him back. When he was young, his father was a racer, and, inspired to follow in his father’s footsteps, he has worked hard to establish his own successful racing career. Bumgarner began racing go-karts at the age of seven, the same year he underwent heart surgery. He feels blessed to have achieved more than he ever imagined, including winning 25 karting championships, a Limited Late Model/Big Ten Championship, and 2 Late Model Championships at Hickory Motor Speedway.
Bumgarner wants to use his experiences and his accomplishments to serve others. “I want to help children who are facing the unknown,” he shares. “I want to bring smiles to their faces and offer encouragement as someone they can look up to, learn from, and realize that difficult circumstances do not have to define their lives.”
Supporting Cardinal Kids and becoming a Cardinal Keeper is just one way he is determined to serve his community.
“I believe the good Lord has blessed me with incredible opportunities, and I want to use those blessings to be a blessing to others, both on and off the racetrack,” Bumgarner says.
As this initiative continues to expand, the Foundation encourages interested businesses and partners to join individuals like Bumgarner and become a Cardinal Keeper.
“Every Cardinal Keeper is helping build a stronger, more compassionate community for children and families facing serious illness,” says Tara Bland, Executive Director, Carolina Caring Foundation. “Their commitment creates a lasting legacy that ensures families throughout our 13-county service area will continue to find comfort, support, and hope when they need it most.”
Bland and the Carolina Caring Foundation invite Cardinal Kids families and the greater community to learn more about the Cardinal Keepers campaign during the Foundation’s 2nd Annual Cardinal KidsFest on Saturday, September 19th, 12:00-3:00pm at Williamson’s Chapel in Mooresville, NC. This family-friendly, medically accommodating event provides visitors with an opportunity to enjoy quality time through games, activities, and music.
Bumgarner will make an appearance at this festival, and guests will have the chance to receive signed autographs and see a racecar on display.
For more information about Carolina Caring Foundation or how your organization can contribute to the Cardinal Keepers fund, please visit carolinacaring.org/cardinal-keepers. To learn more about Cardinal Kids and how you can support Carolina Caring’s mission to provide compassionate care to all children and families facing serious illness, please visit carolinacaring.org/cardinalkids or call 828.466.0466.
