MIS serves as community fund-raising platformSpeedway, Americrown dole out more than $618,000 to local service groups in 2011Brooklyn, Mich. (Dec. 22, 2011) – The spirit of giving isn’t just a seasonal belief at Michigan International Speedway; it’s the racetrack’s way of life, providing a valuable fund-raising platform for the community.
In 2011 alone, Michigan International Speedway and its catering and concession partner Americrown donated or paid out more than $618,000 to local charities and service groups through cash donations and work programs.
The speedway and Americrown annually work with service groups, church groups, Kiwanis, Rotary and Lions clubs, masons, high school sporting clubs and a host of other non-profit organizations to provide a platform for those groups to earn money for their causes and programs during the racetrack’s events.
Imagine how long it would take a high school cheerleading team to generate more than a half-million dollars. That’s a lot of bake sales, car washes and lemonade stands.
“We provide many annual opportunities for local clubs to earn some money for their groups,” speedway President Roger Curtis said. “We couldn’t run our business without the help of these clubs; but they certainly couldn’t raise the money they need without us, either.”
Service groups annually and frequently assist MIS in a number of ways including tram drivers, car parkers, ticket stubbers, program sellers, T-shirt folders, gate staffers, hamburger flippers and soda jerkers.
Members of Acts 4:9 Church, a Jackson, Mich., church and Bible study group, drive trams at MIS on race weekends so they can earn money to fund projects in the community. They adopt deployed soldiers and their families for Christmas, buy Thanksgiving and Christmas turkeys for local families in need and, most recently, enclosed a screened-in porch of a local food bank so the food bank could use the new space for much-needed storage with some of the funds they raised.
“By far, the most money we raise is at MIS,” Tim Lamphere, treasurer and project coordinator for Acts 4:9, said. “We would never be able to make as much money as we do to fund these important projects or make the impact that we do without the speedway. And we have fun while we’re there, too.”
The group has been working at MIS for about six years, though many of the members have worked at the racetrack for much longer.
Additionally, MIS Cares, the speedway’s charity arm, recently awarded $75,000 in cash donations to local charities through its annual grant program. Another $50,000 was awarded through sponsorships and tickets that groups raffle off, also to raise money for their clubs.
Service groups interested in assisting at MIS for future events may call Tim Booth, director of Guest Services, at 517-592-6666 to place your service group on a list.
Groups looking for grants or financial assistance should log onto www.MISpeedway.com and click the MIS Cares link at the top of the page.
Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is the Great Escape, a venerable NASCAR national park where fans can get away and enjoy the very best in racing and camaraderie. It’s the love of racing and the thrill of a great time for race fans and drivers alike.
The best, guaranteed lowest prices in 2012 will go to customers who make a $10 goodwill deposit. New customers can log onto http://www.MISpeedway.com or call 800-354-1010 to leave a deposit by Jan. 31. That deposit ensures race fans get the best pricing for 2012.
All other tickets go on sale Feb. 1.
Michigan International Speedway 2012 Schedule
Saturday, May 19 Great Lakes Wine Fest presented by Jackson County CVB
Friday, June 15 ARCA Racing Series RainEater Wiper Blades 200Saturday,
June 16 NASCAR Nationwide Series Alliance Truck Parts 250Sunday,
June 17 NASCAR Sprint Cup SeriesFriday,
Aug. 17 Gatorade Pole DaySaturday,
Aug. 18 NASCAR Camping World Truck SeriesSunday,
Aug. 19 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Tuesday, Sept. 11 Spirit of America Blood Drive
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MEDIA CONTACT:Sammie Lukaskiewicz, senior director of Marketing and Communications, 517-592-1208, slukaskiewicz@MISpeedway.com
