For two decades, The NASCAR Foundation has been giving back to the people and communities that have supported the sport across the United States. Established in 2006 under the leadership of the France family, which founded and still runs NASCAR, the nonprofit has focused its mission on children's health and well-being. To mark its 20th anniversary, the organization is preparing a two-day celebration in New York City focused on continuing that impact in communities nationwide.

Matt Kaulig, owner of NASCAR's Kaulig Racing, has worked with The NASCAR Foundation through his charitable arm, Kaulig Giving, for years. Kaulig, who built his fortune as founder of the home-improvement company LeafFilter, launched his race team in 2016 and has since grown it into a multi-car Cup Series operation. Speaking to Fox Business, he shared his enthusiasm for what lies ahead for the foundation in the "Big Apple," including an Honors Gala that promises to be both meaningful and fun.

"We live in Ohio. To get into the city, get dressed up, be at a gala, red carpet. To go in there with a bunch of media, and again, ultimately raising a couple million of dollars for these kids is pretty exciting," Kaulig said with a huge smile on his face.

"It's just a celebration of all the giving and still even trying to raise money. I'm sure this gala will raise – I think their goal is to raise over $2 million to give back to kids, the communities and everything else."

The gala takes place at the Ziegfeld Ballroom on Sept. 8, hosted by NASCAR's France family along with leadership sponsors, including Kaulig Racing. The evening will feature special guests such as current NASCAR drivers Joey Logano, Ross Chastain, and Kaulig Racing's AJ Allmendinger and Ty Dillon, along with a special performance by Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth.

The NASCAR Foundation will also honor four finalists for the 16th annual Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award, which recognizes inspiring NASCAR fans who volunteer for children's causes in their regions. The award is named after the foundation's late founder, Betty Jane France, wife of former NASCAR chairman Bill France Jr. The winner, announced at the end of the gala, will receive a $100,000 donation from the nonprofit to further their philanthropic efforts.

Beyond the gala, Kaulig is equally excited about the following day's event, The Speedy Bear Brigade, powered by Kaulig Giving. The NASCAR Foundation and Kaulig Giving have teamed up to deliver NASCAR-themed "Speedy Bears" to children at Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone. The impact will extend well beyond New York City: a record 157 hospitals across the country will receive 6,000 Speedy Bears carrying messages of love and support for children and families battling illness, injury, and more.

Kaulig is also matching all donations up to $25,000 for those who wish to put more Speedy Bears into the hands of kids to provide a little extra comfort and support.

"For even NASCAR drivers to go into their room in their fire suits and getting a teddy bear, it just brightens their day and brightens their spirit. All of that makes a difference," Kaulig explained. "I mean, I guarantee these kids have their Speedy Bears still in their rooms at home after they get out of the hospital. They remember that, and it's such a cool thing."

Much of Kaulig's charitable work is centered in his home region of Northeast Ohio. But joining The NASCAR Foundation after opening Kaulig Racing's operations in 2016 was, in his words, a no-brainer.

"That's why we're so involved in the NASCAR Foundation. We love NASCAR," he said. "We think it's a great fit for us, our brand, but everything we do at Kaulig Giving is for kids and their direct families. Almost all of our giving is up here in Northeast Ohio. Everything we do is basically in Cleveland, but NASCAR Foundation is obviously nationwide.

"What The NASCAR Foundation does for the community, the racetracks and everywhere we race is really special and I'm really proud of them. …They do so much more for the community than people realize. It's so cool to be involved."

Beyond The Speedy Bear Brigade, Kaulig Giving has been heavily involved in The NASCAR Foundation's Speediatrics Fun Day Festivals, which turn the excitement of race weeks into real moments of impact for underprivileged kids. The festivals, part of the foundation's Speediatrics program that dates back to its early years, reach 16 NASCAR communities at different racetracks, where children are surprised with bikes built on-site by teams like Kaulig Racing, along with helmets and sneakers.

"We built 150 bikes, gave them to these kids, and they didn't know they were getting them," Kaulig said of the first Fun Day Festival in Daytona. "It's a big surprise. Fitted them with bicycle helmets, gave them new sneakers, and it's just a really cool thing The NASCAR Foundation does."

While the two-day celebration will recognize the impact The NASCAR Foundation has made over two decades, Kaulig stressed the importance of the nonprofit's continued growth and of bringing in as many participants as possible to sustain its mission — a message aimed not only at fans but at other team owners across the garage.

"Even in business, you've got to continue to grow. You can't cut back. We as a race team continue to grow. So, even philanthropy-wise, with The NASCAR Foundation, it's what we can do to help them grow," he said. "So, it is fantastic to be a part of organizations that are growing.

"And you just want to be a positive role model. We want to show other teams in the garage that you should get involved. We do well; we make money; we get all the fame and acclaim and just the fun part of it. But we should give back to those communities that are supporting our sport, our industry, and ultimately, our teams."