Community Involvement
Richmond International Raceway is not only known for great racing action, but
also for its extensive community involvement. Whether it's a monetary donation,
an in-kind gift, a fundraiser initiated by the staff, or staff members
volunteering their time, Richmond International Raceway is a prominent force in
the Henrico County and Greater Richmond Metropolitan communities.
Richmond International Raceway president Doug Fritz is on the Board of
Directors at the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce, the Richmond Metropolitan
Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Virginia Performing Arts Foundation and the
Richmond Sports Backers. He is also on the Henrico County Public Schools
Communication Committee, as well as the Advisory Board of The Salvation Army. In
April 2005, Fritz was named Henrico County Business Leader of the Year.
After being named track president Fritz formed a neighborhood committee to
facilitate better communication between the community and Richmond International
Raceway, encouraging neighborhood residents to voice their opinions and concerns
in an open forum. Furthermore, the track hosts a Neighborhood Picnic each year
during the summer in conjunction with National Night Out, an event that aims to
bring neighbors together, prevent crime and strengthen relationships between the
public and police officers. The picnic includes food, games, pace car rides,
activities for kids and tours of the facility.
The Richmond International Raceway staff has also initiated fundraisers and
volunteered to help in the community. The Faison School for Autism has benefited
from bowling and go-kart events held by the raceway and Virginia native and
NASCAR driver Hermie Sadler. The track conducts food drives to benefit the
Central Virginia Foodbank, providing more than 1,000 pounds of food to those in
need. Richmond International Raceway also annually serves as a dropoff point for
new, unwrapped toys for the Marine Toys for Tots campaign. Additionally, the
raceway donates a substantial amount of toys to this worthy cause. The Richmond
Raceway Complex also hosts benefit walks for the American Diabetes Association,
March of Dimes, Arthritis Foundation and National Kidney Foundation.
In the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and tropical storm Gaston,
Richmond International Raceway donated a sizeable amount of merchandise,
including clothing, blankets and water bottles to assist displaced families who
were relocated to the Greater Richmond Area. Richmond International Raceway also
responded to the devastation experienced by Hurricane Isabel and a subsequent
tornado in 2003, which resulted in severe, widespread damage to families and
homes in the surrounding areas. Raceway officials distributed more than 2,000
bags of ice, as it was one of the biggest needs for area residents following the
natural disasters.
The Richmond International Raceway staff also volunteers to deliver meals to
shut-ins and disabled persons through the Meals on Wheels program. During the
holidays, Richmond Raceway Complex hosts a Community Tree Lighting Ceremony,
featuring a grand illumination of an enormous holiday tree and holiday
entertainment from local elementary, middle and high schools.
Richmond International Raceway also gives back to the community through
monetary donations. In any given year, the track makes donations to
organizations such as: VCU Children's Medical Center, Central Virginia Foodbank,
The Faison School for Autism, Henrico County Public Schools, Greater Richmond
Chamber of Commerce, Richmond Sports Backers, Henrico Christmas Mother, American
Cancer Society, Virginia Performing Arts Foundation, Essex Village Community
Outreach Center, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Alzheimer's Foundation, North
Richmond YMCA, Virginia Home for Boys, Motor Racing Outreach, Medical College of
Virginia, William Byrd Community House, Boy Scouts of America, Henrico High
School, The Salvation Army, Meals on Wheels of Greater Richmond, Crippled
Children's Hospital, Greater Richmond Retail Merchants, St. Joseph's Villa and
many more.
Richmond International Raceway also annually donates in-kind gifts to more
than 120 organizations of non-profit status. Some organizations included are:
Victory Junction Gang Camp, Virginia Public Television, numerous private and
public schools, area churches, Richmond Symphony, Lupus Foundation of Virginia,
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Junior Achievement, Cystic Fibrosis
Foundation, American Cancer Society, Boy Scout troops, March of Dimes, Special
Olympics, Spalding Foundation for Injured Drivers, Virginia Home for Boys and
Girls, Toys for Tots, Habitat for Humanity and Speediatrics.
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