“PPG’s participation is huge for us,” said Cheryl LaPrade, executive director of the New Hampshire chapter of the SCC. “We work as a team, and PPG’s support has been instrumental in getting us to where we are today. We are able to help children in need and that could not have happened without our partnership with PPG. I can’t even begin to tell you how much that means to us.”
The Track Walk was not the only PPG-sponsored fundraising event of the weekend. During the first yellow-flag caution of the race, approximately 100 energized SCC volunteers—the Red Bucket Brigade—went through the stands passing a red bucket with PPG and SCC logos on it, giving racing fans an opportunity to contribute to the cause. Since 2011, the Brigade has added almost $130,000 to the chapter’s coffers. PPG lends support and resources to SCC, helping it organize and sponsor fundraising events.
“Working with the SCC is something we feel very strongly about,” said Mike Patenaude, PPG regional sales manager. “This is our community, we’re part of it, and while it may sound like a cliché, we want to contribute, to give something back. The good work done by the SCC cannot be overstated. These people care about the kids they help, and we are proud and fortunate to be able to be part of it.”
Popular NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Greg Biffle joined the walkers for the entire lap around the track. Also taking part in the day’s activities were former Fox Sports NASCAR reporter and long-time SCC supporter Dick Berggen, entertainment personality Meghan Lamontagne, and the New Hampshire track mascot, Milo the Moose. The SCC’s new executive director Gen. Chuck Swannack was also on hand to greet the public.
SCC is based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and provides funding for hundreds of nonprofit organizations across the United States that meet the direct educational, medical, social and financial needs of children. SCC annually supports more than 400 nonprofit organizations with generous grants provided through its eight chapters across the nation with each chapter determining the needs of its surrounding communities and helping fund local organizations.
The organization was founded in 1982 by Bruton Smith, chairman of Speedway Motorsports, Inc., (SMI) and Sonic Automotive, as a tribute to his son, Bruton Cameron Smith, who died at a young age. The elder Smith was passionate about wanting to help children in need and established SCC to support local charities in communities around his SMI race tracks. Since it was started, SCC has funded thousands of organizations that help children lead productive lives.
For more information about PPG, call (800) 647-6050 or visit the PPG Automotive Refinish website at www.ppgrefinish.com. For more information about Speedway Children’s Charities, visit www.speedwaycharities.org.
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