Non-profits, SCC combine to raise over $275,000 in revenue
LOUDON, N.H. (October 5, 2012) – Denny Hamlin left “The Magic Mile” as the winner of the SYLVANIA 300. Thanks to the hard work of volunteers and generous contributions of fans, New Hampshire Motor Speedway’s September NASCAR weekend was also a huge victory for local non-profit groups across the Granite State and New England.
More than 50 organizations were represented at the speedway between Sept. 20-23, and with their time and commitment they were able to generate over $201,000 in revenue.
“The Magic Mile” leans on teams of eager fundraising groups to assist with each major event weekend, including helping with parking, cleaning, ushering and much more. In return, NHMS donates money to each group that goes toward the non-profit organization their representing. Checks ranged from a couple hundred dollars to over $5,000 for each group.
“You can’t say enough about the volunteers that provide a tremendous amount of help to our staff here at New Hampshire Motor Speedway,” said Jerry Gappens, executive vice president and general manager of the speedway. “We strive to make it happen for our fans here at ‘The Magic Mile,’ but we can’t do that without the steadfast support of our volunteer.”
It was also a big weekend for the N.H. Chapter of the Speedway Children’s Charities. SCC raised over $74,000 for local children’s charities and groups, thanks to such annual events as the Laps for Charity; the SCC Track Walk presented by PPG; the SYLVANIA Media Lobster Fest, featuring guest speaker and Sprint Cup contender Greg Biffle; the “Ride of a Lifetime” Pre-Race Parade Lap Auction; and the Red Bucket Brigade, which alone collected over $32,000 from fans during the SYLVANIA 300. That’s up more than $11,000 from July’s LENOX 301.
SCC board of trustees is busy reviewing all grant applicants from non-profit children’s organizations from throughout New England and will be distributing monies raised throughout the year – during the LENOX and SYLVANIA NASCAR weekends – in early December.
The mission of Speedway Children’s Charities remains true to the ideals it was founded upon in 1982: to care for children in educational, financial, social and medical need in order to help them lead productive lives. SCC provides funding for hundreds of non-profit organizations throughout the nation that meet the direct needs of children. Their vision is that every child has the same opportunities no matter what obstacle they are facing.
Volunteers, ages 14 and older, are encouraged to participate during event weekends. For more information on becoming a NHMS volunteer please visit http://www.nhms.com/speedway/fundraising/.