Henry County’s largest and most popular sporting venue is also a source of significant financial assistance for young people in need throughout the region and the state.
Speedway Children’s Charities (SCC) was founded in 1982 in Charlotte by the late Bruton Smith, who owned and operated several NASCAR racing facilities. He did it as a memorial and legacy to his son, Bruton Cameron Smith. After losing his young child, Smith became passionate about wanting to help children in need.
The organization spread nationwide, with the Atlanta Motor Speedway chapter, one of 11 chapters, created in 1994. Since its inception, the Atlanta chapter has given over $4 million to local children’s causes throughout metro Atlanta.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Atlanta Chapter of SCC is governed by a board of local trustees whose sole purpose is to distribute the funds raised each year to qualified children’s 501(c)(3) organizations.
Fundraising occurs throughout the year but centers around the Speedway’s two major NASCAR races. Those include 50-50 raffles, online and silent auctions, and activities such as driving your car around the track in exchange for a donation. Other fundraising initiatives, such as the Kids Win Golf Tournament and Kids Win Clay Shoot happen outside of the race weekends.
According to Kathy Bradley, SCC chapter director for Atlanta, a grant process determines which worthy organizations will receive funding. SSC board members review the applications, visit prospective nonprofits and conduct extensive research to determine which organizations they will support.
Last year Speedway Children’s Charities distributed $100,000 to thirty-five organizations who help children in need,” said Bradley. “We hope to surpass this amount in 2025.”
As indicated by its name, SCC exists to provide help for the youngest and most vulnerable in the community. Those can include victims of sex trafficking, orphans and foster children, as well as medical and educational needs for young people. Organizations throughout Georgia receive assistance, but most of the grant money stays close to Henry County. Some of the local organizations that have gotten help from SCC include Operation Lunchbox, Haven House, and River Refuge.
“Speedway Children’s Charities is the longest-running partner of Operation Lunchbox,” said founder Dave Newman. “For the 10 years of our existence, SCC has been a vital part. They have helped provide thousands of kids with groceries over the years. They support our mission, KidsGottaEat.”
Vanessa Jackson, a board member at The River Refuge, says SCC has helped them sow into children’s lives emotionally, spiritually and academically. “Thanks to the tremendous support from Speedway Children’s Charities, The River Refuge has been able to make a significant impact in our community, helping many kids who were previously non-readers discover the joy of reading and opening up a world of new possibilities for them.”
“Speedway Children’s Charities helps make a challenging time a bit brighter for our kiddos. Our families come to us in the midst of crisis, and because of our partnership with SCC we are able to offer comfort and guidance,” said Katie Tucker, Executive Director of Haven House in McDonough.
For more information about Speedway Children’s Charities, visit speedwaycharities.org.
By Monroe Roark