Full Breakdown
Speedway Children's Charities Bristol Chapter Achieves Record Fundraising Year for 2025
11/22/2025, 3:17:28 AM
Record Fundraising Announcement
The Bristol Motor Speedway chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities (SCC) has announced a record fundraising total of $1,251,669.92 for the year 2025, marking the largest single-year amount raised in the organization's history. This announcement was made by SCC-Bristol executive director Claudia Byrd during a special event attended by over 90 representatives from child-focused agencies across an 18-county area in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. This achievement brings SCC-Bristol's total fundraising since its inception in 1997 to over $22 million.
Byrd expressed gratitude for the community's support, stating, “The generosity of folks in this region combined with the amazing fans who attended events at Bristol Motor Speedway have really knocked it out of the park with their charitable giving this year.” The funds raised will enable SCC-Bristol to distribute a record number of grants to various organizations dedicated to assisting children in need.
Notable Grants and Beneficiaries
Among the recipients of the funds is Feeding Southwest Virginia, which received the prestigious Jeff Byrd Grant of $50,000. This grant, named in honor of the late president and general manager of Bristol Motor Speedway, aims to support the organization’s mission of addressing food insecurity across 26 counties and nine cities in Southwest Virginia. Feeding Southwest Virginia has been operational since 1981 and distributes approximately 19 million pounds of food annually through its network of over 400 feeding programs.
In addition to Feeding Southwest Virginia, numerous organizations received funding during the Night of Smiles event, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Appalachia, CASA of Northeast Tennessee, and the YWCA Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, among others.
Fundraising Events and Community Support
The record fundraising total was achieved through various events organized by SCC-Bristol throughout the year, including the annual Food City Speedway In Lights, which opens for its 29th season. This holiday display is recognized as a premier attraction in the Appalachian Highlands Region, featuring over four million lights across a five-mile route.
The contributions from local businesses and individuals were also acknowledged, with several organizations named as Change Maker Society members for their significant donations. Notable contributors included Food City, Jersey Mike’s, and Ballad Health, among others.
Criticism & Opposition
While the fundraising efforts have been widely celebrated, some community members have expressed concerns regarding the allocation of funds and the transparency of the grant distribution process. Critics argue that more information should be made available about how the funds are utilized by the recipient organizations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The generosity of folks in this region combined with the amazing fans who attended events at Bristol Motor Speedway have really knocked it out of the park with their charitable giving this year during Bristol Motor Speedway’s ‘Major League Year’,” — Claudia Byrd, Executive Director, SCC-Bristol
- “Their heartfelt contributions will allow us to give out a record total of grants for the year and we are forever thankful for their support.” — Claudia Byrd, Executive Director, SCC-Bristol
This record achievement highlights the ongoing commitment of the Bristol community to support children in need, ensuring that vital resources are available to those who require assistance.
