Officials from the Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities unveiled a very special piece of art today that will hang prominently in the Bruton Smith Administration Building lobby to serve as a continual reminder as well as a visual celebration of the special sponsors, friends and donors who provide much needed support for the chapter’s ongoing mission to help children in need.

The new Changemaker Society Mural will greet all guests who enter the building with its bold colors and unique design. The Mural, which was crafted by local artist Lea Utsman, will provide a spectacular backdrop to showcase all of the different levels of major supporters for SCC-Bristol’s chapters, from the Pit Crew Patrons ($2,500-$4,999) all the way up through several additional levels to the top of the line Legacy Legends ($25,000-plus). The Mural will be updated each year with new donors as an official thank you from Speedway Children’s Charities.

The Mural design is best described as childlike and exudes happiness with a colorful sunburst over the mountains of southern Appalachia. The geometric shapes in the design look like comfortable quilting pieces with colors that remind all of the vast beauty of the Appalachian Highlands region.

The names of all of the donors and friends are listed on an attached transparent cover, allowing the Mural to shine fully in the background.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the design that Lea has provided for this project,” said Claudia Byrd, executive director of Speedway Children’s Charities Bristol chapter. “It fit our vision for this perfectly, showcasing the Changemakers as bursts of sunshine, recognizing the impact that they have made through their dollars of support to help these kids in need.”

Utsman is an art teacher in the Bristol, Tennessee School system and is a very passionate supporter of children in the community.

“We are so fortunate to have Lea bring this beautiful Mural design to life,” said Betsy Holleman, senior manager of business and events for Speedway Children’s Charities Bristol chapter. “She did an amazing job and we are so proud to have this Changemaker Society Mural prominently on display to serve as a glowing tribute to our incredible friends and supporters.”
 
For more information about the Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities, visit speedwaycharities.org/bristol.

Below is a breakdown of the 2023 SCC-Bristol Changemaker Society:

Legacy Legends ($25,000 – plus)
Ballad Health
Food City
Hard Rock
Jersey Mike’s
Pinnacle Partners
Pizza Plus
US Army

Victory Visionaries ($15,000 -- $24,999)
Baker’s Construction Services
Bristol Tennessee Essential Services
Citi Bank
Gatlinburg CVB/Ripley’s Aquarium
Hardee’s Restaurants
Mycroft Signs

Champion Contributors ($10,000 -- $14,999)
Arby’s
Bojangles
Can Do Enterprises
Cline Holder Electric
Mike and Debbie Quillen
Mountain Empire Chevy Dealers
Ohio Logistics
PPG
State Water Heaters
Stateline Services
Tri-Cities Airport
TVA
Universal Fibers
Visit My Smokies

Acceleration Ambassadors ($5,000 -- $9,999)
Acorn Electrical
Barter Theatre
East Tennessee State University
Hayley Dietrich
Home Trust Bank
Neil and Elizabeth Poland Foundation

Pit Crew Patrons ($2,500 -- $4,999)
AO Smith
Drake’s
Comfort Systems USA
Ear Nose and Throat of Johnson City
First Horizon
Gretchen and Jamey Bowling
H.S. Williams
J.A. Street and Associates
Sturdy Life