CONCORD, N.C. (Dec. 7, 2016) - Speedway Children's Charities officials announced Wednesday at a special grant presentation that the nonprofit's Charlotte Motor Speedway chapter distributed a record $815,000 in grants to 93 charitable organizations in 11 area counties this year.
The Charlotte chapter's contributions represent an increase of $70,000 from last year's mark and an uptick of nearly $400,000 compared to 2014. Since its inception in 1982, the Charlotte chapter has raised more than $11 million to support children with everything from educational support to the basic need of a coat or meal.
"It is a tremendous privilege to distribute these funds to 93 deserving local charities that make a positive impact on children's lives," Charlotte Motor Speedway President and General Manager and Speedway Children's Charities President Marcus Smith said. "The holidays represent a time for giving and we are proud that Speedway Children's Charities' abundant efforts continue to help children in need in the Charlotte region and across the country."
Most of the money raised this year came from the Sonic Automotive Speedway Children's Charities Gala presented by The NRA Teach Freedom Foundation in May and the SCC Golf Tournament in June. Other funds were raised through auctions including pre-race rides with NASCAR drivers at Charlotte Motor Speedway and unique NASCAR memorabilia.
The Charlotte chapter of SCC is one of eight that are located at each of the Speedway Motorsports, Inc. (SMI) tracks. In 2016, the eight chapters raised $3,101,207.63 nationally to help children in need. Over the years, SCC has awarded nearly $49 million to nonprofit organizations throughout the nation.
"Through the invaluable support of our volunteers, donors and sponsors, Speedway Children's Charities' Charlotte chapter will be able to help thousands of needy children," said Lisa Starnes, the director of the Charlotte chapter of Speedway Children's Charities. "I thank everyone who has donated to the chapter and aided in our work this year. Their generosity is greatly appreciated."
In the holiday spirit of giving, the Charlotte chapter also surprised Charlotte-based Discovery Home Care by doubling its original $20,000 grant in an announcement honoring the organization's late founder, Sandra Williams.
"This means so much to us," Discovery Home Care Co-Founder Tammy Legette said. "Speedway Children's Charities has supported us since 2008 and with their help, we are able to do some special things with our kids, like give them birthday parties, that we couldn't otherwise provide."
For more information on Speedway Children's Charities or to learn how to volunteer or donate, visit www.speedwaycharities.org.
ABOUT SPEEDWAY CHILDREN'S CHARITIES:
The mission of Speedway Children's Charities remains true to the ideals it was founded upon in 1982: To care for children in educational, financial, social and medical need in order to help them lead productive lives. SCC provides funding for hundreds of nonprofit organizations throughout the nation that meet the direct needs of children. Our vision is that every child has the same opportunities no matter what obstacle they are facing.
KEEP TRACK:
Fans can connect with Speedway Children's Charities by following on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
-30-
