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Celebrates Record Year for Fundraising
- Speedway Children’s Charities hosted a North Wilkesboro Speedway recipient celebration presented by GFL Environmental to deliver grant funding, spread holiday cheer and mark a record-setting year of fundraising
- SCC North Wilkesboro will distribute $319,975 to 14 area nonprofits benefiting children in need across the region including $116,675 for organizations providing support to children impacted by Hurricane Helene
- Supporters can register to volunteer or donate to Speedway Children’s Charities by visiting speedwaycharities.org
NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C. (Dec. 5, 2024) – In a heartwarming culmination to a historic year, Speedway Children’s Charities (SCC) celebrated a record-breaking year of fundraising and distribution at North Wilkesboro Speedway with an evening for area nonprofits, supporters and community advocates. Over the past year, SCC’s North Wilkesboro chapter raised $319,975, which was distributed to 14 local organizations during the Night of Joy presented by GFL Environmental, including $116,675 that was allocated to Wilkes County nonprofits providing support to children impacted by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina.
Over 200 recipient representatives, community advocates and children gathered at the historic facility to enjoy candy canes, holiday cheer and a visit with Santa. Guests were also treated to a lighted Christmas tree in the infield and track rides around the famed 0.625-mile short track.
North Wilkesboro Speedway was home to many memorable moments this year, from hosting NASCAR’s Cup Series All-Star Race weekend to NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and zMAX CARS Tour events, raising record-shattering numbers for Speedway Children’s Charities all year. All-Star week kicked off with the second annual Window World Bootleggers Cup presented by IGA the Marketplace – SCC’s second-largest charity golf event across all chapters – along with Hot Laps presented by Sonic Automotive and Echopark Automotive, Live Auction presented by Window World and Sponsor Appreciation Dinner presented by Window World and 50/50 Raffles presented by Central Logistics. Additionally, events such as the Trunk or Track Speedway Bash presented by ECND and the ongoing sale of commemorative jars filled with asphalt from the track’s historic surface also played a significant role in supporting this year’s fundraising efforts.
“This is the best night of the year,” said Jessica Fickenscher; president of Speedway Children’s Charities North Wilkesboro branch. “What we do in the NASCAR industry and racing is fun, it’s a bucket list for people to come to our events but when you go out to the community and you see that there are kids who aren’t eating and don’t have clothes, don’t have shoes, they’re not getting the right tools they need for their education, it’s really special that you can make a difference in one childs life, let alone hundreds of kids in the community.”
The following 14 area nonprofits received life-impacting grants, each making a tangible difference in shaping the lives of Wilkes County area children in need:
- Catherine H. Barber Memorial Shelter
- The Child Abuse Prevention Team of Wilkes County / Our House
- Ebenezer Christian Children’s Home
- Hospitality House of Northwest North Carolina
- Old Hickory Council
- Robert Duncan Ministries
- Safe Spot Child Advocacy Center of Wilkes
- Safe Kids Wilkes County
- Samaritan Kitchen of Wilkes
- Wilkes Community Partnership for Children
- Wilkes Dental Consortium, Incorporated
- Wilkes Ministry of Hope
- Wilkes Youth Life Development
- YMCA of Greater Charlotte
These organizations serve hundreds of area children facing challenges ranging from abuse and food insecurity to residential care and clothing needs.
“We are just so grateful to partner with Speedway Children’s Charities and Speedway Motorsports,” said Wilkes Ministry of Hope Representative, John Triplett. “We’re just so grateful that they came to town to not just put on a race, but to support the families in this community, that is just amazing. That doesn’t happen everywhere.”
Also in the monumental year, 2024 marked the first year of an established Board of Trustees for SCC North Wilkesboro. Each dedicated member played an instrumental role in this year’s success. Comprised of local leaders and community advocates, the board includes:
- Jessica Fickenscher, Speedway Motorsports – President of the Board
- Billy Mauldin, Motor Racing Outreach
- Bob Ballard, ECMD
- Denna Parsons, North Wilkesboro Speedway
- Jackie Mallory, Carolina West
- Linda Cheek, Wilkes Chamber of Commerce
- Karen Shelton, community advocate
- Laura Call, Call Family Distillers
- Mandy Souther, Joe Campbell Roofing
- Mary-Margaret Banner, community advocate
- Michelle Shepherd, Wilkes Community Partnership for Children
- Sara Redmond, Raymer Oil & IGA the Marketplace
- Steve Swift, Speedway Motorsports
- Tammy Whitworth, Window World
- Terri Parsons, community advocate
Continuing on the ongoing commitment to supporting area children, SCC North Wilkesboro also raised funds to aid disaster recovery efforts for children impacted by the Hurricane Helene disasters, including proceeds from the ongoing sale of exclusive North Wilkesboro Speedway Christmas ornaments. Dedicated trustee and representative from one of the key organizations benefiting from this initiative, Wilkes Community Partnership for Children, Michelle Shepherd shared her thoughts on how the grant will assist in recovery efforts, as well as what it means to be part of the illustrious board.
“This organization sees a need and fills that void any way possible one donation at a time,” said Shepherd. “With the list of needs served through this grant opportunity, it should make you proud of the work happening right here in our county to make a difference. Thank you all for making Wilkes County a better place to live and raise our families.”
Fans, sponsors and community supporters can support SCC North Wilkesboro in 2025 through a variety of fundraising initiatives, including the Bootleggers Golf Tournament, 50/50 raffle presented by Central Logistics or by purchasing a commemorative jar of the famed North Wilkesboro Speedway racing surface. Details surrounding these events and additional opportunities will be announced at a later date. For more information on Speedway Children’s Charities to learn how to volunteer, donate, or learn more about upcoming events, visit www.speedwaycharities.org.
The North Wilkesboro chapter of SCC is one of 11 located at Speedway Motorsports facilities across the country. In 2024, SCC will distribute more than $4 million nationwide to charities that directly impact children in need. Since its inception in 1982, SCC has awarded more than $72 million to nonprofit organizations across the United States.
KEEP TRACK:
Fans can connect with Speedway Children’s Charities by following on X, Facebook or Instagram.
ABOUT SPEEDWAY CHILDREN’S CHARITIES:
The mission of Speedway Children’s Charities remains true to the ideals it was founded in 1982: To care for children in educational, financial, social and medical need 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.
