Temperatures in the Texas Motor Speedway infield Wednesday night were down in the low 40s but the hearts of the hundreds gathered there were warm and soaring high as Speedway Children’s Charities Texas distributed $203,000 to 30 nonprofit organizations serving the critical needs of 36,500 children in Collin, Dallas, Denton and Tarrant counties. 

Immediately following the grant ceremony, guests were treated to an oooh-and-ahhh-inspiring fireworks show provided by Pyro Shows of Fort Worth and then a drive-in style showing of the holiday movie favorite ELF on the 22,692 sq. ft. Big Hoss TV screen located above the speedway back straight. 

Speedway Children’s Charities Texas also distributed 100 kids’ bicycles to children who attended the event as well as organizations that will distribute them to local North Texas children. The bikes were provided and assembled by Fidelity Investments of Westlake, Texas.

“We're once again very proud to have distributed 30 grants to local organizations that serve kids in need in Collin, Dallas, Denton and Tarrant counties,” said Speedway Children’s Charities Texas Executive Director Marissa Chaney. “All of those grants will serve the critical needs of providing food, clothing and shelter to children who have been victims of trafficking, homelessness, or children who are without families to call their own.”

"This is our favorite time of year for a multitude of reasons. It's hard to beat the holiday warm and fuzzies and just how good the season of giving feels. But it also celebrates the hard work that our volunteers and our board of trustees have put in throughout the entire year. They make our mission come to life. They pour everything into it to help us raise these funds and it's so fun to see the fruits of that labor and be able to distribute that money back into the community."

The Speedway Children’s Charities President’s Award was presented to Ken Forsythe, owner of The Rayleigh Underground in Irving, Texas, the location of last month’s Geared for Greatness networking breakfast and forum.

CBS Texas President & General Manager Raquel Amparo and FC Dallas Vice President of Broadcasting, Media & Communications Gina Miller were presented with Speedway Children’s Charities Volunteer Award for their service as co-chairs of this year’s Geared for Greatness event.

Hot cocoa, Christmas cookies and popcorn were provided by Levy Restaurants while Marquee Event Rentals in Carrolton provided the staging and décor.

Since 1997, Speedway Children's Charities has distributed more than $12.4 million in funding to non-profit organizations in Collin, Dallas, Denton and Tarrant counties supporting children in need. SCC Texas raises money throughout the year through a variety of fundraising events ranging from its annual clay shot and golf tournament to 50/50 raffles, charity track rides and much more.

The following organizations received grants during the 2024 Speedway Children’s Charities-Texas Chapter ceremony:

  • $15,000 – Neuro Assistance Foundation
  • $12,500 – PediPlace, Kiwanis Youth Services, Inc.
  • $10,00 – Cumberland Youth & Family Services, Unbound Now, Children’s Advocacy Center for North Texas, Inc., Metrocrest Services, Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, CASA of Denton County, Tarrant Area Food Bank, The Journey to Dream Foundation
  • $8,000 – Network of Community Ministries
  • $7,500 – Traffick911, God’s Company dba Food for the Soul
  • $7,000 – Isaiah 117 House
  • $5,000 – Family Compass, Hope Supply Co., Rainbow Days, Inc., Under 1 Roof, Union Gospel Mission, Christian Community Action, Arlington Life Center, Frisco Fastpacs, Lovepacs, 6 Stones Mission Network
  • $1,000 – CASA Collin County
  • $500 – Sower of Seeds International Ministries, Inc., Down Syndrome Partnership of North Texas, The Parenting Center, Northwest ISD Education Foundation

 

In 2024 Speedway Children’s Charities distributed more than $4 million in grants to hundreds of different charitable organizations across the country, bringing the total funds distributed since 1982 to more than $72.6 million. The money raised comes in large part thanks to the fundraising efforts of 11 Speedway Motorsports facilities and events.

For more information on Speedway Children’s Charities or the upcoming charitable events at Texas Motor Speedway, please visit www.speedwaycharities.org.