Speedway Children’s Charities is a unique nonprofit organization that strives to help youngsters in need. Rather than tout a specific program, this agency hones in on the needs of individual communities and helps fund other organizations that assist with educational, financial, social and medical needs of youngsters.

Founded in 1982, the national charity was created by Bruton Smith, the chairman of Speedway Motorsports and Sonic Automotive. The idea for the charity came about as a way to honor Smith’s son, Bruton Cameron Smith, who died in his youth.

Speedway functions as more than a fundraiser; it also serves as a partner to the organizations it supports. In doing this, the group is able to work in communities throughout the country to identify issues on the local level and solve them. So far, Speedway has worked with more than 500 nonprofits to work on such issues as learning disabilities, children’s cancer and more.

Speedway relies heavily on donors and volunteers alike. Its volunteer program utilizes people to help out at events, with fundraising and even in clerical capacities.

In 2008, Speedway had a very busy year. It raised and awarded more than $3.4 million to give to more than 420 organizations operating in communities throughout the United States. The national organization has a number of localized branches. They include chapters in Atlanta, Charlotte, Las Vegas, New Hampshire and Sonoma.

Technically based in North Carolina, Speedway Children’s Charities raises money for its work in a number of different ways. It accepts direct contributions through its Web site at www.speedwaycharities.org and also plays host to a number of special events throughout the year. Mostly race related, some of the special events coming up in 2009 include:

•The Tony Stewart Smoke Show – This Aug. 4-5 event, designed to benefit Speedway Charities’ efforts in Texas, will feature a fantasy camp, complete with coaching and driving tips from Tony Stewart. Participants will also be able to drive an authentic NASCAR car. Last year’s event raised more than $250,000 in a single day. This event has a number of different entry levels for participants, ranging from a one-day visit to the event at $6,000 to a deluxe two-day driving experience for $16,500.

•The IndyCar Grand Prix Banquet – Set for Aug. 21, this fundraiser includes a dinner at the B.R. Cohn Winery in Sonoma County. The proceeds benefit the Sonoma Chapter.

•Kruz’n 4 Kids – Set for Sept. 5, this event takes place in Atlanta and will involve a motorcycle ride as the fundraiser. It takes place at the Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Helping youngsters one issue at a time, Speedway Children’s Charities is dedicated to giving communities the support they need to enable their youth to thrive. By making contributions to localized organizations that work directly with youth in need, this nonprofit enables those in the trenches to have the support they need to make a difference.

For more information about Speedway Children’s Charities and its upcoming events schedule, visit http://www.speedwaycharities.org

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