1 Million Donation AND the Alabama Gang Honored:

1 Million Donation AND the Alabama Gang Honored: In what is believed to be the largest single donation to a motorsports-related charity, officials from The Bennett Foundation presented Speedway Children’s Charities Founder Bruton Smith a check for $1 million today at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. On behalf of Mr. & Mrs. William Bennett (owners of the Sahara Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nev., and founders of The Bennett Foundation), Craig Hodgkins, president of the Sahara Hotel and Casino, made the check presentation to Smith. “Mr. & Mrs. William G. Bennett of The Bennett Foundation are thrilled to be associated with such a worthwhile and respected charity,” said Hodgkins. “It is their hope that this contribution to the Speedway Children’s Charities will make a profound difference in the lives of many children.” “Since the inception of Speedway Children’s Charities in 1984, we have made great strides in raising money that directly benefits the welfare of children across the country,” said Smith. “However, in all that we do, we strive to do better. This generous donation by The Bennett Foundation really takes us to the next level in our benevolent effort. The children are the real winners here, and I know they will appreciate this newfound support from The Bennett Foundation. “I am now going to personally guarantee that we will raise an additional $1 million in matching funds to support this tremendous gift from The Bennett Foundation,” added Smith. The Bennett Foundation was established in 1996 to benefit various charities and organizations in the Las Vegas area, including the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). Speedway Children’s Charities, with chapters located at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway and Sears Point Raceway, is a non-profit foundation dedicated to helping children in need of medical, social and educational services. Its primary mission is improving the quality of life for children through the distribution of grants to qualified non-profit charities providing those services effectively.(LMS PR) AND Each year the Speedway Children’s Charity Ball pays homage to a different part of NASCAR’s heritage. This year, the annual black-tie affair honored the legendary “Alabama Gang” from Hueytown, AL. The group consists of brothers Bobby and Donnie Allison, Red Farmer, as well as Bobby’s late son Davey and the late Neil Bonnett. They were all paid tribute for their contribution to racing on and off the track. The 21st annual gala was held Friday night at the Adam’s Mark Hotel in downtown Charlotte. Taking place at the center of the universe of stock car racing, the event always draws drivers, crew chiefs and owners from the community. To help kick things off earlier in the day, the Mr. & Mrs. William Bennett, owner of Sahara Resorts in Las Vegas, Nev., donated a record $1 million to the charity(NASCAR.com)(5-26-2001)