The spirit of the season shined bright Thursday evening as Speedway Children’s Charities (SCC) North Wilkesboro chapter hosted its annual Night of Joy Celebration presented by GFL Environmental. More than $200,000 was raised by the chapter in 2025 and distributed to 14 local nonprofits supporting children and families across Wilkes County.
As nearly 200 attendees — including grant recipients, children, families, supporters and even Santa and Mrs. Claus — gathered at historic North Wilkesboro Speedway, the evening was filled with holiday cheer, heart-warming moments and ride-alongs around the famed short track. The celebration capped another impactful fundraising year as SCC North Wilkesboro continues expanding its reach and strengthening its commitment to meeting the most urgent needs of local children.
This year, SCC North Wilkesboro generated support through a variety of community-driven initiatives, including the 50/50 raffle at the sold-out NASCAR All-Star Race, the Window World Bootleggers Cup Golf Tournament, the Trunk or Track Speedway Bash and countless hours contributed by dedicated staff and volunteers.
“Having the Speedway back these last few years has made a tremendous impact on the community. What’s so exciting is seeing how the events we host here at the track directly benefit children and families through Speedway Children’s Charities,” said North Wilkesboro Speedway Executive Director and SCC North Wilkesboro Trustee Graig Hoffman. “Since 2022, we’ve been able to give more than three-quarters of a million dollars right back into Wilkes County. Having a deeper involvement with SCC and seeing the difference we can collectively make here in our community is truly special.”
This year’s grants will empower organizations that provide critical services ranging from housing support and emergency care to mental health resources, youth development and family assistance. The 14 nonprofits receiving life-changing funding include:
- Catherine H. Barber Memorial Shelter
- Ebenezer Children’s Christian Home
- Guardians of the Children High County Chapter
- Hospitality House of Northwest North Carolina
- NC Baptist State Convention / Wilkes Ministry of Hope
- Safe Kids Wilkes County Inc.
- Samaritan Kitchen of Wilkes
- Scouting America Old Hickory Council
- Unified City Church Justice Project
- Wilkes Community College Foundation Inc.
- Wilkes Community Partnership for Children
- Wilkes Dental Consortium
- Wilkes Youth Life Development
- YMCA of Northwest North Carolina
Collectively, these organizations serve hundreds of Wilkes County youth facing challenges such as food insecurity, abuse, mental health needs and substance-use-impacted environments.
Among the 14 grant recipients, Sherry Reeves, associate director of Ebenezer Children’s Christian Home, reflected on her 20 years of service and shared what this year’s grant will mean for the children they support.
“Being here means everything to us. We’re so excited to be part of this night, and we truly value the time we’ve spent together (collaborating with SCC). Safety is number one for us, just as it is for you. With this new grant, we can ensure we’re providing the protection and support these kids need,” said Reeves. “Our mission and Speedway Children’s Charities’ mission align so well — we all want to do everything we can to give these children the best possible future. Thank you, Speedway Children’s Charities, for being the hands and feet of Christ in our community.”
As the chapter looks ahead to the coming year, SCC North Wilkesboro is poised to continue growing its impact alongside the community it serves. The speedway’s ongoing revitalization has created new opportunities for fundraising and local engagement, helping SCC reach more children each year.
Adding to the excitement, track officials announced Thursday that the July 19, 2026, Window World 450 will now feature 450 laps, up from the originally scheduled 400. This announcement comes as North Wilkesboro Speedway prepares to host its first NASCAR Cup Series points race since 1996 — a milestone moment for the historic track and the region. The high-profile race will further elevate SCC’s platform to raise awareness and support for children and families across the community.
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ABOUT SPEEDWAY CHILDREN’S CHARITIES:
The mission of Speedway Children's Charities remains true to the ideals it was founded in 1982: To care for children in educational, financial, social and medical need to help them lead productive lives. SCC provides funding for hundreds of nonprofit organizations throughout the nation that meet the direct needs of children. Our vision is that every child has the same opportunities no matter what obstacle they are facing.