As the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene grows clearer by the day, four of North Carolina’s leading companies have pledged a combined $2 million donation to Samaritan’s Purse in support of relief efforts in western North Carolina and throughout the Southeast.
Hendrick Automotive Group, Hendrick Motorsports, Sonic Automotive and Speedway Motorsports will make the collective gift to the Boone-based international relief organization, which is coordinating response across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee.
The companies are led by CEOs Rick Hendrick of Hendrick Automotive Group and Hendrick Motorsports, David B. Smith of Sonic Automotive, Inc., and Marcus Smith of Speedway Motorsports.
“The impact of Hurricane Helene has been catastrophic,” said the chief executives in a joint statement. “Our organizations represent more than 22,000 team members across the country, with thousands based here in the Southeast and many with connections that make this cause profoundly personal. Our neighbors in hard-hit areas face immense challenges in rebuilding their homes, communities and lives, and we will stand alongside them.
“Our companies share a commitment to community involvement and deep roots in western North Carolina and the Southeast region, and we feel a moral obligation to provide support and encourage others to engage in this effort through giving or volunteering. Samaritan’s Purse has an incredible track record of helping people all over the world, and we are proud to support the important work they’re doing right here in our backyard.”
Last week, Speedway Motorsports held Hurricane Helene relief drives at Charlotte Motor Speedway and North Wilkesboro Speedway with support from NASCAR and area companies including Hendrick Automotive Group, Hendrick Motorsports and Sonic Automotive. More than 400 pallets of donated items were transported to North Wilkesboro Speedway for distribution to western North Carolina counties impacted by the hurricane.
Due to the overwhelming need, Charlotte Motor Speedway will continue to take donations each Wednesday from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. throughout October. Collections will take place in the Silver Parking Lot at 6558 Bruton Smith Blvd. in Concord.
In partnership with Hendrick Automotive Group, Hendrick Motorsports will host a donation drive Friday, Oct. 11, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. during its Fall Fest fan event in Concord. The team has also deployed its aircraft to aid humanitarian efforts in western North Carolina in coordination with Samaritan’s Purse and other groups. The relief flights, which began Sept. 28 and will continue indefinitely, have made more than 100 missions to support search and rescue efforts and deliver food, water and other supplies.
Visit www.SamaritansPurse.org to make a financial donation and learn about volunteer opportunities.