FORT WORTH, Texas (Dec. 8, 2021) – With Santa Claus in town early for the festivities, Speedway Children’s Charities-Texas Chapter continued its season of giving May 7 with the distribution of $215,500 to 15 local organizations serving children in need throughout Collin, Dallas, Denton and Tarrant counties.
In addition, Speedway Children’s Charities-Texas Chapter provided 50 kids’ bicycles and helmets to both children who attended the event as well as organizations that will distribute them for the holidays to local North Texas children. The bicycle giveaway was made by possible with the help of Hope Farm, CASA of Denton County, Under 1 Roof, Northwest ISD Education Foundation, Christian Community Action, and Academy Sports & Outdoors which donated the helmets.
The annual public event took place Tuesday evening on the Turn 1 Terrace at Texas Motor Speedway where chapter president and Roanoke, Texas Mayor Scooter Gierisch presented oversized checks to representatives of the 15 local organizations. Master of Ceremonies was Scott Murray, a long-time Dallas/Fort Worth television network affiliate sports director/anchor who was a founding member and former president of Speedway Children’s Charities-Texas Chapter.
Since 1997, Speedway Children's Charities at Texas Motor Speedway has distributed more than $11.5 million in funding to non-profit organizations in Collin, Dallas, Denton and Tarrant counties supporting children in need.
“North Texas non-profits have been working harder than ever to care and provide for local children who need them most,” said Marissa Chaney, Executive Director of Speedway Children’s Charities-Texas Chapter. “It is Speedway Children’s Charities greatest joy to honor, celebrate, and support these amazing organizations for their tireless efforts serving local kids in need.”
The Speedway Children’s Charities-Texas Chapter President’s Award was presented to Derek and Denise Anderson, founders of Special Needs Gymnastics of North Richland Hills, Texas.
Everyone in attendance was provided a voucher to driver through the Gift of Lights holiday lights display at Texas Motor Speedway through January 2, 2022. The evening was capped off by a spectacular fireworks display donated by Pyro Shows with hot chocolate and cookies provided by Levy Catering. Special thanks also to T Mobile and Leverage One Events for their participation.
The following is information on the organizations that received grants:
Organization # of kids Grant County
Food for the Soul 500,000 $20,000 Collin/Dallas/Denton/Tarrant
Provides fresh produce/dairy/meat/shelf-stable ingredients to food insecure families
PediPlace 1,230 $20,000 Collin/Dallas/Denton/Tarrant
Provides medical care and services to children who are uninsured
Tarrant Area Food Bank 4,000 $20,000 Denton/Tarrant
In-school food pantries providing direct distribution to families in need
Metrocrest Services 1,200 $20,000 Dallas/Denton
Summer food program providing meals to students living in food-insecure families
Christian Community Action 5,000 $20,000 Denton
Providing kids in low-income families with food, school supplies, and Christmas gifts
NISD Education Foundation 3,050 $20,000 Denton/Tarrant
Supporting NEF Resource Store and student feeding programs
Children’s Advocacy Center 2,600 $18,000 Denton
Provides supplies/resources for children removed from their home as victims of familial abuse
Ranch Hands Rescue 100 $18,000 Denton/Tarrant
Equine therapy for children who are victims of sex trafficking
Special Needs Gymnastics 250 $17,500 Collin/Dallas/Denton/Tarrant
Fine arts programs helping special needs student develop fine motor skills, strengthen communication skills, improves coordination and self-expression
Ronald McDonald House FW 600 $15,000 Tarrant
Lodging and meals for families of pediatric patients admitted at Cook Children’s in Fort Worth
Perot Museum 3,250 $10,000 Collin/Dallas/Denton/Tarrant
TECH Truck program provides mobile STEM curriculum/makerspace experiences for kids
Wipe Out Kids Cancer 125 $10,000 Dallas/Tarrant
Buddy Bags provided to patients in pediatric oncology unit on their first night in the hospital
CASA of Denton County 350 $5,000 Denton
Provides Christmas gifts, school supplies, urgent/medical needs to children in foster care
Leukemia Texas 100 $1,000 Collin/Dallas/Denton/Tarrant
Provides Buddy the Bear for pediatric oncology patients receiving treatment in hospitals
Down Syndrome Partnership $1,000 Collin/Dallas/Denton/Tarrant
Of North Texas
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