Sonoma's NASCAR weekend raises $212k for kids

Sonoma Raceway marshaled its better instincts to raise funds for Speedway Children’s Charities at June 22 banquet.|

Charitable programs combined to raise more than $212,500 for local youth groups during the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series weekend at Sonoma Raceway, June 22-24.

The majority of the proceeds raised during race weekend will benefit Sonoma County youth organizations through the Sonoma chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities (SCC). SCC has distributed more than $6 million to youth-serving non-profit groups since 2001.

The Children’s Champions NASCAR Banquet was held on Friday, June 22, at Cline Cellars in Sonoma, and featured Olympic Gold medalist Jonny Moseley. Moseley served as the Grand Marshal of the Toyota/Save Mart 350 where he gave the official command, “Drivers, start your engines!”

The sit-down dinner also featured a special Q&A session with FOX Sports commentator Michael Waltrip, NASCAR NEXT driver Hailee Deegan and Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver Matt DiBenedetto.

The live auction featured exclusive items, including Ride of a Lifetime Experiences with NASCAR drivers Kyle Busch and reigning Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Champion Martin Truex Jr., as well as a Danica Patrick Somnium wine package and a “Sip and Spin” with Ram’s Gate Winery. Overall, the banquet and live auction raised $181,450.

In addition, more than $6,000 was raised through various donations during the weekend, including a $5,000 donation on behalf of the Transporter Drivers of Motorsports Association (TDMA), which participated in the 8th annual NASCAR Hauler Parade in Sacramento on June 21.

For more information about the Sonoma Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities or to make a donation, visit SonomaRaceway.com/SCC, or contact Cheri Plattner at cplattner@SonomaRaceway.com.

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