Reback founded Believe With Me in honor of her father, a U.S. Marine and lifelong NASCAR fan – and now she’s one of four finalists for a $100,000 donation from the sport he loved.

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. – Aug. 11, 2026 – Lyette Reback, founder and CEO of Believe With Me, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the families of America’s fallen military heroes, has been named a finalist for The NASCAR Foundation’s Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. The annual honor recognizes NASCAR fans whose volunteer work is transforming the lives of children in their communities. Fan voting is now open at NASCARfoundation.org/award, with the winner receiving a $100,000 donation to further their mission.

For Reback, the nomination carries a personal, full-circle significance. Her father was a U.S. Marine and a devoted NASCAR fan, and it was in his honor (and in honor of his service) that she founded Believe With Me, which today serves Christmas gifts to thousands of Gold Star families nationwide.

“My father and I used to watch the races every week. It was something our whole family loved,” says Reback. “The funding NASCAR could provide by granting us this award will give 1,000 kids Christmas gifts at $100 per child. These gifts are more than just a thank-you from grateful Americans – these families see these gifts as if they were from their fallen hero themselves.”

Since 2015, Believe With Me has served more than 15,000 Gold Star children across the country — a stadium full of kids who lost a parent in military service — through personalized “Santa Sacks” full of Christmas gifts, community support, and year-round resources for their families.

To vote for Lyette Reback and Believe With Me for the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award, visit NASCARfoundation.org/award. To learn more about Believe With Me or to support its mission, visit believewithme.com.

About Believe With Me
Believe With Me is a national nonprofit serving the parents, spouses, children, and siblings of America’s fallen military heroes, providing Christmas gifts, community, and resources to Gold Star families nationwide. Learn more at BelieveWithMe.com.