Season’s Greetings! This is Speedway Children’s Charities favorite time of year. It’s the time we get to see the fruits of our labor. On Tuesday, Dec. 7, we will host our annual Tree Lighting and Grant Distribution Ceremony.
The presents are wrapped, the holiday tree is set and we’re ready to indulge in some of the best macaroni & cheese in town. All we need now are smiling children from 44 youth organizations in Southern Nevada to fill the Media Center at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and accept the $255,000 we have to distribute.
Thank you to our supporters that make this annual event possible and for making a difference in a child’s life: American Family Insurance, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Le Chef, Levy Restaurants, Malia Civetz, Nevada State Bank, Richard Petty Driving Experience, Rumpleskilton Events, SCC Board of Trustees and Women’s Auxiliary of Motorsports.
Happy Holidays!
Rachel
It’s hard to believe that we are halfway through 2010. It seems like just yesterday we were gearing up for NASCAR Weekend in February.
Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial kick-off to summer, has passed and Speedway Children’s Charities is full swing into the summer fundraising season.
Make a difference in the life of a child by joining us for a day of golf Monday, June 14 at the beautiful Canyon Gate Country Club. Play 18 holes of golf, participate in contests, enjoy a continental breakfast, BBQ lunch, drawing for great prizes, and a golf ball drop. Registration begins at 7 a.m. with a shotgun start at 8 a.m.
Download a registration form at www.speedwaycharities.org or call Rachel Commeford at (702) 632-8242.
See you on the links!
The Las Vegas Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities held its fifth annual Mel Larson Night of Champions dinner gala at Rain in the Palms Resort Casino Wednesday, April 14.
Las Vegas native and 2004 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Kurt Busch was the evening’s honoree.
Seven-time NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Top Fuel Dragster champion Tony Schumacher was the evening’s keynote speaker. Penske Racing Vice Chairman, Walter Czarnecki, introduced Kurt Busch and KXPT-FM 97.1 morning show hostess, Steph MacKenzie, served as M.C.
Guests relaxed poolside during the cocktail reception and silent auction while others attended the exclusive meet-and-greet with Busch and Schumacher. The evening included a fabulous dinner and program as community members were recognized for their contribution to motorsports.
Busch joined the elite group of Mel Larson Night of Champions honorees, including: Mel Larson, Dr. Dale Carrison (LVMS medical director and University Medical Center’s chairman of emergency medicine), NHRA Pro Stock championship team owner Ken Black and automotive legend Carroll Shelby.
Thank you to all of the event supporters. You made a difference in a child’s life.
Smiles and laughter filled the Media Center on Wednesday, December 9 as Speedway Children's Charities hosted the annual Grant Distribution and Tree Lighting Ceremony.
As Santa Claus raced in from the North Pole on a Richard Petty race car to deliver presents and candy canes, Speedway Children's Charities - Las Vegas Chapter distributed $275,000 to 78 local children's charities.
The Tree Lighting Ceremony is for the kids, and our friends and supporters wouldn't have it any other way. This year was no different - high-fives were flying around the buffet line as children loaded their plates with popcorn chicken, French fries and macaroni and cheese. Some of our special guests included Las Vegas Motor Speedway President and General Manager Chris Powell; retired NBA star Jerome Williams; and 97.1 The Point Morning Show Queen Steph MacKenzie. Performances by Culture Shock Dance Troupe, Malia Civetz, Rumpleskilton Events, Pit Boss, and stilt men kept the children entertained for hours.
Thanks again for your continued support throughout the year. Making a difference in a child's life is the focus of Speedway Children's Charities. It's because of you that we are able to do just that.
Have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. We will see you in 2010!
Hi everyone! My name is Rachel Commeford and I recently joined the LVMS staff as the new Director of Speedway Children's Charities.
I was born and raised in upstate New York in the small town of Elbridge - just outside of Syracuse. I attended Buffalo State College majoring in communications with an emphasis in broadcasting. Buffalo was far enough away from home, yet close enough if I needed a home cooked meal. After graduating, I realized that I didn't have to tolerate 120 inches of snow a year and I could work somewhere warm.
After moving to Las Vegas, I worked several different jobs in radio and print media. I landed a gig as fundraising manager for Special Olympics Nevada and at that very moment I realized event planning is not just event planning when it comes to the not-for-profit world. I always had a love for media, but when I started at Special Olympics, I knew I had found a passion something - a passion to do something worthwhile and help those in need. During my three years at Special Olympics Nevada, I gained a lot of experience that I am ready to put in to action at Speedway Children's Charities. The team at LVMS is fantastic, and we are eager to launch this into something excellent!
I look forward to seeing you at future events. Remember, seats are still available for the Sixth Annual "Cards for Kids" Poker Tournament at the Cannery Hotel & Casino on Wednesday, October 28th at 7 p.m. Register online or call 702-632-8242 for more details.
Thank you for the warm welcome!