December 2, 2008 was the night of the Annual Speedway Children's Charities Grant Ceremony and Tree Lighting Ceremony at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. It was a lot of work, but the night was a huge success. We've been planning for this event since late summer and it was great! We got the tables set up, the presents wrapped and the tree decorated for the big night.
Smiles and excitement were everywhere! This is one holiday event where kids can be kids, and adults can be happy to have brought them to a party and thrilled to receive additional funds to help assist them with their respective charities!
The Las Vegas chapter of Speedway Children's Charities distributed $290,000 to 54 local charities. Santa hopped off a Richard Petty race car, specially decorated with holiday lights, and posed for pictures with all the children. Each child received a gift along with a candy cane and their photo with Santa.
There is nothing more heart warming then to see a little child's face light up when they receive their holiday gift! The event also featured a visit from Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, a heartfelt speech by LVMS President and General Manager Chris Powell, performances by Culture Shock- Las Vegas dance troupe and 9th grade vocalist Malia Civetz. Magician Mr. Dixie Dooley also surprised the kids with thoughts of 'now where did it go?'
Making a difference in a child's life is the focus of Speedway Children's Charities and Tuesday night did just that and SCC-LV strives to do it again and again every year!