In 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.

SCC has grown over the years from one chapter 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. Volunteer chapters are also located in Florida and Virginia. A National Board of Directors and Local Board of Trustees govern the SCC.

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 charities 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. In 2003, the Charities awarded more than 2 million dollars to 350 non-profit children's groups, representing an impact to more than 200,000 children in need.

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. and Sonic Automotive, Inc. and many other sponsors who underwrite most of the 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. This is a winning combination.

"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