| SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INC SAH A Fortune 300 Company and member of the Russell 2000 Index, is among the largest automotive retailers in the United States. Sonic Automotive operates 195 dealership franchises, representing 38 different brands of cars and light trucks at 156 locations and 40 auto repair - collision centers in 15 states. These dealerships provide comprehensive services, including sales of both new and used cars and light trucks, sales of replacement parts, performance of vehicle maintenance, warranty, paint and collision repair services, and arrangement of extended warranties. Sonic Automotive is a proud sponsor of Speedway Children's Charities.
1984 O. Bruton Smith started Speedway Children’s Charities (SCC) in Charlotte, North Carolina. The singular fund raising event was a ball held yearly prior to the Coca-Cola 600. Mr. Smith soon recognized the need to increase fund raising events as a growing number of grant requests for funds were received. In 1990, M/General Thomas M. Sadler, USAF (ret), was appointed Executive Director of Speedway Children’s Charities to help facilitate the growth and in 2003 SCC was named a Proud Charity of NASCAR.
SCC has grown over the years from one chapter holding only one event a year to a nationally recognized charity with chapters located at each Speedway Motorsports Facility - Atlanta, Bristol, Las Vegas, Lowe’s, Texas Motor Speedways, and Infineon Raceway - in addition to two volunteer chapters, one in the Washington DC area and one in Tampa, FL. A National Board of Directors oversees the Charities and local board of trustees governs the chapters.
Speedway Children’s Charities hosts a wide range of events and promotions geared around race weeks at Speedways and supported by teams of volunteers. Currently the staff to volunteer ratio is 1 staff member to 122 volunteers. Grant requests are accepted from non-profit organizations providing direct services to children. These requests are submitted to the closet chapter’s Board of Trustees at the end of each year for evaluation. Each Board’s objective is to assist as many children in need as possible. Since its inception, Speedway Children’s Charities has awarded millions of dollars with more than 14 million dollars in the last 10 years alone nationally. In 2004, the Charities raised over 2.8 million dollars and awarded grants to in excess of 411 non-profit children’s groups, representing an impact to more than 300,000 children in need.
Our Philosophy
Mr. Smith’s philosophy throughout Speedway Children’s Charities (SCC) growth has remained the same. For a charity to truly be successful it must operate with a small overhead, using volunteers and corporate partners for materials and sponsorships whenever possible.
By those associated with Speedway Children’s Charities remembering we’re a charity and not a social extension or promotional vehicle for people or organizations, we make a strong impact on our communities. Speedway Children’s Charities continues the philosophy of low cost / high net returns on all events or programs. This assures that as much money as possible goes to the children’s groups.
SCC is provided administrative, accounting and office space underwritten by Speedway Motorsports Inc., Sonic Automotive, Inc. and other sponsors who offset a great deal of normal operational expenses. Additionally, the national Board of Directors consists of prominent individuals throughout the Racing and Automotive Industry. Team Owners, TV, and Radio Broadcasters, Speedway Track Presidents, Sports Marketing and Business Executives nationwide lend their support and expertise to Speedway Children’s Charities. “Remember it’s a charity – get it for nothing or at the lowest cost possible.” – Mr. O. Bruton Smith, Founder/ Chairman of SCC “The ratio of Income and Expenses must always be a top priority with Speedway Children’s Charities. Our reputation to the public and corporate donors depends on it!” – M/Gen. Thomas M. Sadler, USAF (ret) Executive Director, SCC M/Gen. Thomas M. Sadler, USAF (ret) Executive Director, SCCSunday, June 05, 2005 Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal
Bruton Smith makes motorsports his playground
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