Merced County organization honored as ‘nonprofit of the year’ for improving lives of youth

A Livingston-based organization that plays an active role in providing opportunities for local youth was honored this week with a top award from Assemblyman Adam Gray.

The Carlos Vieira Foundation was named “Nonprofit of the Year” for Assembly District 21, which encompasses much of Merced County.

Founded by Carlos Vieira, a local businessman and race car driver, the organization is focused on youth activities, autism outreach, a college scholarship program and more.

Over the years the foundation has worked with groups like the Merced County Sheriff’s Activities League in an effort to keep kids off drugs and away from gangs, with boxing serving as one of those outlets.

Vieira was presented with a state resolution from Gray’s office Tuesday, during a ceremony at 51Fifty Fitness Center in Livingston.

“Talking to Carlos is like catching a cold, but in a good way,” said Gray, in a news release. “His enthusiasm is just flat-out contagious. If you spend 10 minutes talking to him, you find yourself looking for ways to help him help others.”

“We’ve done over 100 grants so far this year. We’ve given out a scholarship in every county in the Central Valley and our boxing program reaches so many kids,” Vieira said in the release. He added “our Atwater location has 40, 50 kids. And it’s all free. They’re off the streets, not hanging out with gangs.”

Vieira said the program keeps youth busy, especially those who would otherwise get bored easily. “It’s a big thing for us to be recognized by Adam,” Vieira said. “I’m glad to have him standing with us and helping us get the word out about what we do.”

Overcoming challenges and inspiring others

Vieira began racing in 2007 and wrote a book titled ‘Knocking Doorz Off’ as a memoir and way help others dealing with the struggles of substance abuse..

The nonprofit founder explained there was a period of his life where he would go on binges before being clean for a month, a cycle of being unable to find long-lasting recovery, according to the release.

He founded the 51Fifty brand, which includes an energy drink, his race team and clothing. “I’ve been clean now for 16 years, and I completely believe it is because of racing, my foundation and my brand,” Vieira said in the release.

In 2007, Vieira’s race team was one of several approached by Valley Children’s Hospital to help with a coin drive. Vieira’s 51Fifty race team raised the most money that year and an unprecedented $25,000 the following year.

It was around that time Vieira had conversations with a co-worker about her son’s autism, according to the release.

He decided to help the single mother and placed a “Race for Autism” logo on his car. He surpassed his goal of $51,500 while raising money for autism support groups in Merced, Fresno and Madera counties.

Vieira realized the need for autism support was greater than he had imagined, after receiving calls from friends, people at the track and business acquaintances who wanted to share their stories.

In 2010, he formed Carlos Vieira Foundation with assistance from his wife Aysia and staffers Desiree Ybarra, Julio Valdez and Albino Moreno to run the operation.

He has become so busy with his foundation’s work, this season may be his last as a driver. A total of 14 board members and many volunteers are involved with events ranging from a barbecue foot race to a golf tournament. Vieira’s daughter Elaina serves as the foundation’s executive director.

“Here’s a guy working with sweet potatoes during the day and then going out and doing amazing things — helping kids, helping parents, helping everyone who asks. And I think he gets more joy out of it than anyone else,” Gray said in the release.

Gray said it’s important for people across California to realize there are people in the Valley who don’t just talk about making a difference, but who go out and make that difference.