Speedway Children’s Charities Gala Raises Record $890,000

The biggest stars in the NASCAR industry came together Wednesday for the 37th annual Speedway Children’s Charities Gala sponsored by Sonic Automotive and Speedway Motorsports, Inc. The fundraising event is estimated to have generated a record-setting $890,000. Held at the Ritz-Carlton in downtown Charlotte, the black-tie dinner and auction was hosted by FOX’s Adam Alexander and Shannon Spake, with entertainment provided by GRAMMY award-winning musician Darius Rucker and special honors being bestowed upon NASCAR Cup Series driver Jimmie Johnson.

“The Speedway Children’s Charities Gala was very successful this year and the attendees had a wonderful time,” said Lisa Starnes, executive director of the Charlotte Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities. “We are very thankful for all of our sponsors and supporters. Due to their generosity, we will be able to make an impact on the lives of many children this year.”

The night was designed to honor Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion. Johnson is the only driver to win five consecutive NASCAR Cup Series championships with his amazing run from 2006-‘10. With 82 career NASCAR Cup Series wins, Johnson has his eye on an unprecedented eighth championship, breaking the three-way tie he presently holds with Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt Sr.

“For more than 17 years, Jimmie Johnson has achieved amazing success on the track as a talented driver, but he has also been a wonderful spokesperson for the sport of NASCAR and a generous supporter of Speedway Children’s Charities,” said Marcus Smith, vice chairman of Speedway Children’s Charities. “The gala was the perfect opportunity for us to thank him for all he’s done to help children in need around the country.”

Gala attendees enjoyed the musical talents of Darius Rucker, who is known for being a GRAMMY award-winning musician and a true southern gentleman. Rucker first attained multi-platinum status in the music industry as former lead singer and rhythm guitarist of GRAMMY award-winning Hootie & the Blowfish. Then, Rucker accomplished what few others are able to achieve by re-introducing himself to the world as a country artist. Since that time he has released four consecutive albums to top the Billboard Country albums chart and earned a whole new legion of fans. A native of Charleston, South Carolina, Rucker was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2012 and then in 2014 Rucker won his third career GRAMMY award for Best Solo Country Performance.

Last year the Charlotte Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities granted almost $815,000 to 93 deserving charities in the Charlotte region. In 2016, the eight chapters of Speedway Children’s Charities collectively granted almost $3.1 million to 450 charities to help children. Since Bruton Smith founded Speedway Children’s Charities in 1982, the organization has awarded more than $49 million to other nonprofits across the country. Speedway Children’s Charities are operated by Speedway Motorsports, Inc.

For more information on Speedway Children’s Charities or to see how to volunteer or make a donation, visit www.speedwaycharities.org.

SCC PR