Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Marissa Chaney, Executive Director of Speedway Children’s Charities – Texas Chapter, who discusses the organization’s efforts to support children in need through collaborative partnerships and strategic grant funding, sharing that they have distributed $12.6 million since 1997 in the North Texas area. Marissa explains their grant application process, which includes thorough review by trustees and site visits to selected organizations. She highlights several upcoming events including the NASCAR Tripleheader Weekend at Texas Motor Speedway in May, Laps for Charity in June, a new Hearts in High Gear benefit concert in July, and a December grant ceremony. The interview covers their support of nonprofits serving children with the most critical needs, their partnership with corporate sponsors like Premier Truck Group and GoVision, as well as the impact of volunteer support on their mission.
Visit https://www.speedwaycharities.org to learn more and to get involved with Speedway Children’s Charities and the Texas Chapter.
Summary
Speedway Children’s Charities – Texas Chapter – Marissa Chaney provides background on Speedway Children’s Charities, explaining that it was founded in 1982 by Speedway Motorsports to honor the late founder’s son who had passed as an infant. The organization operates chapters at racetrack locations, with Marissa leading the North Texas chapter in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and also managing some work in the Austin area for the NASCAR Circuit of the Americas race. The chapter focuses on raising funds through charity events to support local agencies that provide direct services to children with critical needs in the North Texas community.
Speedway Children’s Charities Grant Process – Marissa discusses Speedway Children’s Charities’ impact in the Texas market, where they have given back $12.6 million since 1997. She explains the grant application process, which opens in April and closes in May, with applications reviewed by the Board of Trustees throughout the summer. The process includes site visits for finalists in August, and final funding decisions are made in November. Marissa emphasizes their commitment to ensuring grants address direct child needs and highlights the importance of in-person relationships with nonprofit organizations.
Community Partnership Grant Initiatives – Marissa discusses several impactful organizations they’ve supported, including PediPlace in Lewisville, Texas, which provides free medical care to uninsured children, and Fort Worth Public Library where they created a Speedway-themed literacy area. She emphasizes that their grant program aims to form true partnerships with these organizations, providing not just financial support but also raising awareness of their important work. Marissa notes that while these organizations are focused on their missions, they often lack time and resources for community outreach, making their partnership efforts particularly valuable.
Corporate Partnership Success Highlights – Marissa discusses the organization’s strong corporate partnerships, highlighting Premier Truck Group and GoVision as long-standing supporters who go beyond financial contributions by engaging employees in volunteering and promoting fundraising events. She emphasizes the meaningful community partnerships that help advance their mission in North Texas.
Speedway Children’s Charities Event Planning – Marissa discusses upcoming events for Speedway Children’s Charities, including a NASCAR race in May, Laps for Charity in June, a new Hearts in High Gear benefit concert, a celebrity bowling tournament in the fall, and a grant ceremony in December. She shares how these events and the support from community partners and volunteers have deeply impacted her personally, highlighting the significant need in their community and the fulfillment of making a difference. Marissa encourages interested individuals to visit speedwaycharities.org for more information and to get involved with their local chapter.
