As 2009 has come to an end, I find myself reflecting on all that was accomplished the past year. I was initially hired by Jerry Gappens to intern at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in the Sales and Marketing department.
I was ecstatic to be given such a great opportunity, but more than that, was intrigued to see what the wide world of NASCAR was going to be like. This position soon flourished and before I knew it, I was developing a business plan to start the New Hampshire Motor Speedway Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities.
During this process I was privileged enough to meet others within the foundation and hear the stories and insight each had to offer. To say I was overwhelmed and nervous would be an understatement. I did research into each of the other chapters and realized not only how important this chapter would be, but also all of the children we would be helping in the New England area. It was on that day in June 2009 that I decided I would do my best to ensure that not only would New Hampshire Motor Speedway rally with the staff and community to create a successful chapter, but we would spend the summer, and early fall, raising money to help out different non-profit organizations directly benefiting children with as much funding as possible in these tough economic times.
I am happy to announce that through diligence and the support of the New Hampshire Motor Speedway staff and Jerry Gappens, all of my goals have now become a reality. Our first official board meeting will be held just after the first of the year with 17 very enthusiastic and dedicated board members. Over $40,000 was raised at SCC events this past summer, $80,000 was raised at the Governor's Breakfast in June with proceeds directly benefitting the Children's Hospital at Dartmouth and David's House, and new goals have been set for the upcoming 2010 season. The New Hampshire Motor Speedway Chapter was also able to give out five $5000 checks at a tree lighting ceremony on November 28th along with donations to different driver foundations and the Motor Racing Outreach program.
To say that I have changed since the inception of this chapter would be an understatement. I continue to be amazed and motivated by other Speedway Children's Charities Chapter and all of the hard work each chapter puts into different events. I was privileged enough to work with the Texas Motor Speedway Chapter over the November race weekend and was encouraged to work hard and remain optimistic to achieve the same success they do year after year.
With the end of 2009 comes the beginning of 2010. With this beginning we at New Hampshire Motor Speedway are going to strive to plan more events, raise more money, help more children throughout the New England region, and offer a great racing season in Loudon, New Hampshire!
We are looking forward to an awesome year,
Whitney Pillsbury
New Hampshire Chapter Director
Dear Kenny, I want to thank you for an amazing adventure Sunday at NHMS.
It was sooo much fun. I would especially like to thank you. I have had these experiences before and the person doing it did their job but didn't go the extra mile to make it fun and exciting. My friend you made it something you want to do again and again. I'm sure everyone felt the same way, but my son, brothers and I can't wait till next year. Again thanks to you and the SCC for what they do and how they do it. Oh yeah before my son and brothers drive me crazy how do we get the pictures you guys took?
Luck, Love and Checker Flags
Bonnie Britt
The slogan of New Hampshire Motor Speedway has as much intensity and drive as the newly established Speedway Children's Charities Chapter of New Hampshire.
I can proudly say that the New Hampshire Motor Speedway team has been working tirelessly to develop a chapter that will not only help the children of New England financially, but also create awareness within the community.
I am very excited about the progress this chapter has achieved thus far. Despite some difficult weather conditions, our dedicated fans, along with drivers Bobby Labonte, Sam Hornish, Jr., and Joe Nemechek, made our Track Walk in June a great success.
For our SYLVANIA 300 Race Weekend, we have two outstanding auctions in place. First, the Speedway Children's Charities Ride of a Lifetime provides bidders with the chance to ride in a parade lap vehicle during driver introductions and enjoy a pit tour on September 20th. The bidding begins online at newhampshire.speedwaycharities.org on August 30th and ends September 13th.
Our second event will be a LIVE Racing Memorabilia Auction at the speedway on September 19th. Race and sports fans have the chance to own autographed sports memorabilia and racing gear from their favorite athletes. All proceeds from both of these events will benefit area children.
Our new speedway mascot, MILO, the mile-oval moose, is thrilled to be recognized as the first Speedway Children's Charities-affiliated mascot. The SCC embodies two of MILO's favorite hobbies; lending a helping hand and spending time with fans and children.
As we move forward, we will be announcing our Board of Directors in the coming months. We have great plans for 2010, with our main goal being to give young people a hand up and ensure that they have the opportunity to become our next generation of leaders.
Live Free, Race, and "Thank God for Kids!"
Jerry K. Gappens
