YellaWood Names Ann Blair Gribbin Five-Star Hero Contest Winner

October 15, 2025 at 08:00 AM EDT

Gribbin to be Honored with VIP Experience at the YellaWood 500 on Oct. 19

YellaWood, one of the nation’s leading manufacturers of pressure-treated lumber, proudly announced Ann Blair Gribbin as the winner of its Five-Star Hero Contest. Designed to honor unsung heroes, the contest awards the winner and guests a VIP experience at the YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway this October.

Gribbin was selected as the winning Five-Star Hero for her extraordinary courage and dedication to improving the lives of others following a traumatic incident involving her daughter, Lulu. While visiting the Gulf Coast, Lulu survived a shark attack but tragically lost her arm and leg. Since then, Gribbin has channeled this experience into advocacy and action, founding the Lulu Strong Foundation to fund prosthetic technology research for those who have experienced limb loss. She has also successfully worked with government officials, including Alabama Senator, Katie Britt, to pass “Lulu’s Law,” which allows authorities to send mobile phone alerts to beachgoers in areas where shark attacks occur, or conditions are favorable for attacks.

“I’m incredibly honored to be named a Five-Star Hero,” said Gribbin. “I don’t really see myself as a hero—we’re just living our lives and trying to make a difference, so I’m grateful for the recognition. Lulu’s experience opened our eyes to how much more can be done, and we’re grateful to have the opportunity to raise awareness and improve access for others facing limb loss.”

In recognition of her bravery and advocacy, YellaWood will also honor Lulu Gribbin as an “Honorary Hero.”

As this year’s Five-Star Hero, Gribbin will receive an all-inclusive experience, including suite tickets, hot laps, VIP garage tours, and the honor of waving the green flag as the race’s honorary starter. As Honorary Hero, Lulu will serve as Grand Marshal.

“This recognition means so much to me and our family, especially knowing it helps support the Lulu Strong Foundation,” said Gribbin. “We’ve been surrounded by an amazing community from the very beginning, and we now want to ensure others have access to the same care, technology, and community that helped Lulu thrive.”

“Compassion and leaving the world in a better place than we found it are core values at YellaWood,” noted Mark Callender, President and Chief Executive Officer at Great Southern Wood Preserving. “It’s our honor to present Ann Blair Gribbin with this award because she is a champion for the limb loss community.”

In addition, YellaWood will donate $10,000 on Gribbin’s behalf to Lulu Strong Foundation in support of their efforts.

“Ann Blair’s tireless advocacy and courage in the face of unimaginable circumstances is truly inspiring,” said Jimmy Rane, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Great Southern Wood Preserving. “We’re proud to honor her as the second-ever Five-Star Hero. We look forward to hosting Ann Blair, Lulu and their guests at Talladega and we urge race fans to join YellaWood in support of the Lulu Strong Foundation.”

For more information on YellaWood and the Five-Star Hero Contest, visit www.YellaWoodHero.com.

About Great Southern Wood Preserving, Incorporated

Great Southern Wood Preserving, Incorporated, was founded in 1970 in Abbeville, Ala. Today, Great Southern Wood and its subsidiaries employ over 2,000 people who operate from 16 strategically located treating plants with a coverage area that encompasses all or parts of 28 states and the District of Columbia, as well as much of the Caribbean and Latin America, and part of the European Union and Mediterranean region. The company is best known to consumers as the maker of YellaWood® brand pressure treated pine. YellaWood® brand products are easily identifiable by a distinctive yellow tag and have long been recognized by consumers, professional builders, architects and specifiers for quality and dependability. Great Southern facilities service do-it-yourself retail home centers, pro dealers and other retail building-related and industrial segments. The company has also diversified into logistics, distribution of alternative building products, remanufacturing operations, and sawmill operations. For more information, visit YellaWood.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251015425753/en/

“Compassion and leaving the world in a better place than we found it are core values at YellaWood."

Contacts

YellaWood Media Contact:

Taylor Fowler

Brunner

Lead, Communications

tfowler@brunnerworks.com

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YellaWood Names Ann Blair Gribbin Five-Star Hero Contest Winner

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