PPG supporting Speedway Children's Charities with track walk fundraiser

PPG Automotive Refinish continues to support Speedway Children’s Charities (SCC), teaming up with the organization’s New Hampshire chapter to present the 2015 Track Walk on Saturday, July 18, at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) in Loudon.

The walk takes place during the upcoming NASCAR weekend at the 1.058-mile racetrack, popularly known as the Magic Mile, and will be led by NASCAR driver and Daytona 500 champion Joey Logano. The event is set for 7:00 p.m., the night before Sunday’s New Hampshire 301. Logano drives the No. 22 Ford Fusion in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for Team Penske and is currently fifth in the series point standings.

“Usually I drive around these tracks,” said Logano. “But this is one walk I’m happy to take. I hope a lot of fans come out and join me.”

PPG has been a major supporter of SCC since 2009, helping the charity organize and sponsor fundraising events.

“We take great pride in presenting this year’s Track Walk,” said Mike Patenaude, PPG regional sales manager. “The people at Speedway Children’s Charities are enthusiastic, motivated and work very hard. They really care about the kids they help. Together, we’re raising money for a worthy cause, and all of us at PPG are excited to be involved. We’re pleased Joey Logano will be walking with us.”

According to Cheryl LaPrade, executive director of the New Hampshire chapter of the SCC, more than 200 people took part in the 2014 Track Walk that raised nearly $13,000 for the charity. She urges everyone interested in the event to visit http://newhampshire.speedwaycharities.org/events/track_walk/ to learn more or to register. On-site registration and check-in is also possible Saturday at the SCC tent located in the display lot at NHMS. LaPrade emphasizes that all proceeds will benefit the SCC New Hampshire chapter.

SCC is based in Charlotte, N.C., and provides funding for hundreds of nonprofit organizations across the United States that meet the direct educational, medical, social and financial needs of children. SCC annually supports more than 400 organizations with generous grants provided through its eight chapters, with each chapter determining the needs of its surrounding communities and helping fund local organizations.

The organization was founded in 1982 by Bruton Smith, chairman of Speedway Motorsports, Inc., (SMI) and Sonic Automotive, as a tribute to Smith’s son, Bruton Cameron Smith, who died at a young age. The elder Smith was passionate about wanting to help children in need and established SCC to support local charities in communities around his SMI racetracks. Since it started, SCC has funded thousands of organizations that help children lead productive lives.

For more information about PPG, call (800) 647-6050 or visit the PPG Automotive Refinish website at www.ppgrefinish.com. For more information about Speedway Children’s Charities, visit www.speedwaycharities.org.