By Jerry Jordan, Editor
CONCORD, NC – Continuing a tradition his mother and father began in 1982 when they founded the first Speedway Children’s Charities group, Marcus Smith and the local Charlotte-chapter gave away more than $1 million to 100-plus local charities this Christmas.
Smith said, it is amazing to think about all of the good that Speedway Children’s Charity has done since its beginning.
“It’s a million dollars tonight, right here in the Charlotte-area, that we are distributing to over 100 organizations that do things to help kids in need,” Smith said. “That is what it’s all about. This organization was started, really with the goal, of doing the most good and we didn’t want inefficiencies in the system that can often creep in.
“This event is very special because it is a time when we get to welcome the kids out and so many people who are here tonight have never been to the speedway before and their eyes just light up when they see how big it is and how different and special it is. That is one of the things that is so special about Speedway Christmas. It is a Christmas event, it is an outreach event and it’s just a fun time. So, for us, Speedway Children’s Charity, kind of, makes it all come to life and reach out to help kids in need.”
Smith said Speedway Children’s Charity has the easy part because it helps raise the money for organizations that take on the task of helping others. He said that is the real challenge and spoke highly of everyone working to give back.
“The people who really deserve a lot of the praise are the people who do the work everyday and show up with a heart to give and a heart to help,” Smith said. “They are the ones who have their feet on the ground and do the hard work of helping and it is not always fun. It is not always easy and my heart goes out to them and big thanks to them for what they do to do something special for kids that really just need some help.
Each year, the organization’s board vets each organization to make sure the money is being given to groups that will use it directly for the benefit of the children they are trying to serve rather than overhead and operational costs. He said the approval process was “arduous” but worth it because the goal is simple – to help area youth.
But Speedway Children’s Charity isn’t just limited to Charlotte, Smith said there are eight chapters across the country, which coincide with racetracks owned by Speedway Motorsports Inc. and each chapter provides support in their communities.
“This year we’ll eclipse $55 million in donations across the board,” Smith said.
Given the history of Speedway Children’s Charity, Smith said his dad, O. Bruton Smith, is very proud to see the organization continuing to give back to communities across the country. And he said it was and honor for him to continue to carry-on that tradition. He said Speedway Children’s Charity is their official way to give back but that his father has always been one to give without seeking recognition.
“Well, my dad is definitely a softy,” Smith said. “I don’t think a lot of people would realize that because he seems like a tough business guy but he loves to help people and it is not something he talks a lot about.”
The local donation from the Charlotte-chapter of Speedway Children’s Charity, so far, was the largest ever single gift from the group.
