Bristol Celebrates a Night of Smiles and Generosity
Bristol, Tennessee, was buzzing with excitement on Thursday night as Speedway Children’s Charities (SCC) held its annual Night of Smiles event. This year’s gathering was especially momentous, as officials announced a record-breaking fundraising total of $1,028,325. With tears of joy in her eyes, SCC-Bristol Executive Director Claudia Byrd took to the stage, amazed at the generosity displayed by the community.
More than Just Numbers
This impressive total marks only the second time the organization has crossed the million-dollar mark, surpassing the previous record of $1,002,380 set back in 2016. In fact, since its inception in 1997, SCC-Bristol has raised over $21 million to support child-focused organizations across an 18-county area spanning Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.
“We’re so thankful to the people who supported and joined our effort to help us meet the needs of children in our region and contributed to this record-breaking achievement,” Byrd said, thanking the countless volunteers, trustees, and staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes.
Honoring Those Who Make a Difference
One of the highlights of the night was the presentation of the prestigious Jeff Byrd Grant. This year, the $50,000 award went to Mountain Mission School located in Grundy, Virginia. Established in 1921 by Sam Hurley, this incredible institution serves at-risk youth, many of whom are orphaned, homeless, or come from abusive backgrounds.
The grant will go towards renovating the school’s chapel, the heart of campus life where students congregate for various activities. Mountain Mission School has a rich history, having cared for approximately 20,000 children over the years. It’s this kind of support that affirms the vital role the SCC plays in helping children in need.
Community Spirit Shines Bright
The Night of Smiles is the grand finale of a series of fundraising efforts conducted throughout the year. One of the shining stars of these events is the Food City Speedway in Lights, which kicks off its 28th season tonight! This anticipated holiday display features a breathtaking five-mile route filled with over three million lights and 300 dazzling displays, including a brand new section titled Santa’s Safari.
Families from all over are invited to experience the magic by taking a leisurely drive through the display, including a lap around the iconic Bristol Motor Speedway. It’s an event that brings together the community to celebrate the season and lighting up the spirit of giving.
Support Given Where It’s Needed Most
Throughout the evening, various local organizations were recognized and received funding from SCC-Bristol. Some of the deserving groups include:
- 4thirTEEN of Johnson City
- Boys & Girls Clubs across several regions
- Abortion Alternatives/TLC Community Center
- Feeding Southwest Virginia
- And many more!
This year’s event emphasizes how a community can come together to change lives and make a lasting impact through service and support.
Looking Ahead
As we step into the future, the Bristol chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities continues to focus on raising funds for child-centric nonprofit organizations. Their mission remains strong, powered by volunteers and community members dedicated to making a difference.
Those interested in staying updated on local events or wishing to contribute to this noble cause can easily find more information by visiting the SCC-Bristol official website.
Let’s continue to celebrate the wonderful spirit of giving and support to our children, fostering hope and joy throughout our region!
