In the wake of the devastating fires sweeping Gatlinburg and Sevier County, Tenn., Food City and Bristol Motor Speedway have teamed up to host a number relief effort initiatives.
Beginning Thursday, Dec. 1 and continuing through Wednesday Dec. 7, Food City locations throughout Kentucky, Virginia and east Tennessee will participate in a fundraising campaign. Customers wishing to make a monetary donation will be invited to do so at the checkout, with the contribution conveniently added to their order total. 100% of the funds raised will benefit the Gatlinburg/Sevier County Relief Fund.
Food City has pledged a $50,000 contribution to kick-off the fundraising efforts. Earlier in the week, the company also donated a tractor-trailer load of bottled water and Gatorade to assist local crews battling the raging fires.
"Many of our friends and neighbors have been devastated by these tragic fires, including a number of our Food City associates," said Steven C. Smith, Food City president and chief executive officer. "We have teamed up with our friends at Bristol Motor Speedway and a number of our media partners to provide some much-needed assistance with the relief efforts. We encourage our loyal customers and associates to join us in support of this critical mission."
BMS will also be collecting donations for the Gatlinburg/Sevier County Relief Fund initiatives from The Pinnacle Speedway in Lights (SIL) via red buckets at the holiday display ticket booths beginning tomorrow. The program will run through the end of SIL on Saturday, Jan. 7. In addition, BMS will match proceeds raised at this Thursday's The Pinnacle Speedway in Lights towards the relief efforts.
"While we can't undo the damage from wildfires, we can all play a major role in relief efforts by donating money," said Jerry Caldwell, executive vice president and general manager at Bristol Motor Speedway. "Gatlinburg and Sevier County hold a special place in the hearts of NASCAR fans, Food City and all of us at Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway. When you visit the Speedway this holiday season, we encourage you to bring along a little something extra to help our neighbors in need."
The Speedway has also opened the Medallion campground to the RV community / campers displaced by the fires. The lot offers complimentary camping spaces with full water and electrical hook-up at no charge. Those interested should contact the BMS ticket office at 423-BRISTOL.
"We would certainly like to thank Bristol Motor Speedway for their partnership on this critical initiative, as well as our media partners - WVLT, WIVK, WCYB, WXBQ and WYMT," said Smith.
Anyone interested in making a monetary donation via Bristol Motor Speedway can call or visit the main ticket office at the O. Bruton Smith Building during normal business hours. (Mon. -Thurs: 9 a.m.- 8 p.m., Fri: 9 a.m.- 7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.)
