Charlotte, N.C. — The NASCAR Hall of Fame and Toyota marked a major milestone Saturday as they celebrated the fifth year of Holiday for Heroes, a community-driven initiative that supports active and veteran military families through Veterans Bridge Home.
During a check presentation hosted at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, partners announced that the program has now exceeded $20,000 in lifetime donations.
Winston Kelley, Executive Director of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, noted the deep connection between the sport and the armed forces. “I can’t think of another sport that honors the military as much as NASCAR. We are the land of the free because of the brave,” said Kelley at a check presentation ceremony.
Holiday for Heroes invited guests who visited the NASCAR Hall of Fame in November and December to make small donations that added to significant impact. Most gifts range from $1 to $5. Hundreds of guests made donations.
Toyota matches the total each year, doubling the contribution to Veterans Bridge Home. The campaign also includes a special tradition in which guests write thank you messages for military members on a new Toyota Tundra displayed inside the venue.
Harrison Burton, NASCAR Xfinity Series driver, joined the celebration and praised the generosity of fans and partners. He says supporting veterans is personal. “For me it’s huge. I’ve seen it firsthand. My grandpa was a Vietnam veteran and someone I am very close to,” said Burton.
“The things that they go through, things you just can’t imagine. It’s just amazing for me as someone who has been so privileged to live the life of driving race cars. Talking to my grandfather has been the sounding board for me.”
Representatives from Veterans Bridge Home expressed gratitude for the continued support and emphasized how these funds help veterans create stability and connection in their civilian lives. “Our service members do great things, and when they come home, they should still do great things,” said Steven Cole, vice president of advancement for Veterans Bridge Home.
The program’s growth demonstrates how collective giving can make a meaningful difference for veterans across the region.
Holiday for Heroes remains a powerful reminder of the community’s shared gratitude for military members and the impact small acts of generosity can have when multiplied across thousands of guests.