Speedway Children’s Charities exists to meet critical needs for children across the country. Through its partnership with Nashville Superspeedway, the organization’s Nashville chapter supports local nonprofits serving youth throughout Middle Tennessee. Traci Roberts, director of SCC – Nashville, shares how the partnership makes a difference and how community members can get involved.
What is the mission of Speedway Children's Charities – Nashville, and how does the partnership with Nashville Superspeedway help meet critical needs?
The overarching mission of Speedway Children’s Charities – Nashville is to improve the lives of children in need throughout Middle Tennessee by providing funding and support to nonprofit organizations that are doing meaningful work in our communities every day.
The Speedway gives us an incredible platform to bring people together, from race fans and corporate partners to drivers, entertainers, volunteers and community leaders, and turn that energy into support for children who need it most.
Is there a specific project or story from this past year that stands out as an example of your mission in action?
One story that really stands out to me is that of one of our own Nashville chapter board members. Her family has personally experienced the impact of an organization that has received support through Speedway Children’s Charities, so for her, our mission is much more than something we talk about in a board meeting; she has seen firsthand what that support can mean to a child and a family during a time when they need it most.
When we are reviewing grant applications, we see budgets, programs and numbers on paper, but behind every one of those requests is a child and a family whose life can be changed by having access to the right resources at the right time.
Tell us about the Dancing Lights of Christmas 5K Fun Run/Walk on Nov. 6. What can families and participants expect?
We are incredibly grateful to Mike Scalf and the team at The Dancing Lights of Christmas, along with Fleet Feet, for selecting Speedway Children’s Charities - Nashville as the beneficiary of this event for the second year in a row.
The Dancing Lights of Christmas 5K Fun Run/Walk is such a special way to kick off the holiday season. Families and participants get the opportunity to run or walk through the beautiful holiday light display surrounded by more than 2 million lights, and one of my favorite touches is that the Nashville Superspeedway pace car leads the participants out to officially start the 5K.
Your annual Night of Joy ceremony is a special year-end celebration dedicated to honoring and awarding grants to local nonprofits. What does that evening mean to your team?
Our Night of Joy is one of the most meaningful evenings of the year for our team because it is the moment when we get to see the impact of everything we have worked toward all year long.
Throughout the year, we are focused on fundraising, building partnerships, hosting events and finding creative ways to bring our community together. Night of Joy is when all of that work comes full circle as we award grants to local nonprofit organizations that are directly serving children throughout Middle Tennessee.
When someone registers for an event or donates $50, how far does that support go toward making a difference in a local child's life?
What I love about Speedway Children’s Charities is that you do not have to make a huge donation to be part of making a difference. When hundreds of people each register for an event, give $25 or $50, volunteer their time or participate in a fundraiser, collectively, that support becomes incredibly powerful.
Learn more about ways to donate, apply for grants or get involved at SpeedwayCharities.org.
When we are reviewing grant applications, we see...numbers on paper, but behind every one of those requests is a child...whose life can be changed by having access to the right resources at the right time.