As 2020 comes to a close, Phoenix Raceway and Arizona Accelerator Charities are donating $40,000 to local non-profits in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. The four local charities – 100 Club of Arizona, Phoenix Children’s, Teach For America Phoenix and Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix) – were identified earlier this year as the beneficiaries of funds raised by Arizona Accelerator Charities and the NASCAR Championship Host Committee, the NASCAR Accelerators, leading up to Phoenix Raceway’s first-ever NASCAR Championship Weekend in November.
“We’re honored to have the opportunity to provide these grants to these four amazing organizations that continue to do so much to improve the lives of many in our community,” said Phoenix Raceway President Julie Giese. “This year was a challenging one for everyone, especially for local charities that provide so much to those in need. I’m proud that we are able to support these groups in their efforts and we look forward to continuing to do so with the NASCAR Accelerators for years to come.”
Funds for these grants were raised throughout the year through various efforts such as the 50/50 Raffle presented by Arizona Lottery, Track Laps for Charity, NASCAR-branded Arizona license plates and charitable donations. Arizona Accelerator Charities is a 501(c)(3) donor-advised fund under The NASCAR Foundation and is dedicated to accelerating our communities in Arizona through charitable investments supporting education, healthcare, families of active duty military and veterans, as well as life enrichment programs for children and families.
The NASCAR Accelerators were formed in March 2020 and its founding members represent a wide range of professions across Arizona, including sports, business, the non-profit sector and media. These members include co-chairmen Arizona Governor Doug Ducey and Zion & Zion CEO Aric Zion, as well as Nikki Balich, Latasha Causey, Haley Chapman, Mark Clifford, Todd Davis, Gregg Edgar, Larry Ferguson, Angela Harrolle, Tim Harrison, Sintra Hoffman, Brian Hogan, Debbie Johnson, John Levin, Linda Little, Casey Mears, Scott Pasmore, Anita Petersen, Robbie Petty, Monique Porras, Eddie Rausch, Kim Sabow, Ray Schey, Bobbi Sparrow, and Adam Walter. In addition to Governor Ducey, honorary founding members of the NASCAR Accelerators include State Senator Lupe Contreras, State Representative Diego Espinoza, Maricopa County Supervisor Steve Gallardo, Arizona Republic Contributor Michael Knight, U.S. Senator Jon Kyl, State Representative Lorenzo Sierra, and City of Avondale Mayor Kenn Weise.
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