NASCAR community supports relief efforts for Gatlinburg, Sevier County – Nascar

The NASCAR Foundation has joined efforts to support a comprehensive relief campaign for those affected by the recent tragic fires in Sevier County, Tennessee, with a contribution to the Food City Charitable Foundation.

Led by Food City’s President and CEO Steve C. Smith, action was taken quickly to build a response to the tragedy through the Food City Charitable Foundation. Bristol Motor Speedway contributed to the effort with a company-wide fundraising campaign. Through these combined efforts, $750,000 has been raised to date to provide relief for those in need.
 
Food City has designated $500,000 to benefit the Gatlinburg Relief Fund, while the remaining $250,000 is directed to the Dollywood Foundation My People Fund. The Gatlinburg Relief Fund will provide financial assistance directly to the immediate families of each individual who lost their life due to the fires, and to those who are unemployed due to the fire destroying their place of business or employment.

From December 2016 to May 2017, the My People Fund will provide $1,000 each month to every family who lost their primary residence in the November wildfires, according to a Food City press release. Through just four days, 884 families received support payments through the My People Fund.
 
Food City has long had ties with Bristol Motor Speedway and NASCAR through its sponsorship of the track’s spring event, which stretches back 25 years and is the second-longest race entitlement in NASCAR. The company also sponsors the NASCAR XFINITY Series’ August race at Bristol.

RELATED: Learn more about Food City’s partnership with Bristol