Officials from the Bristol chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities (SCC) announced Thursday evening that it distributed a grand total of $676,436.88 in 2022 to support many of the rural-area child-focused agencies throughout Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.

In the mobile event, all cars toured the Pinnacle Speedway In Lights and then made a stop in the BMS infield to receive their grants from SCC-Bristol executive director Claudia Byrd.

“We’re so thankful to everyone who donated and volunteered this year so that we are able to provide this much-needed support to the wonderful children in our region,” Byrd said. “There's no greater blessing than to be here at the Night of Smiles presented by Food City and help give away all of this money raised to assist area agencies throughout our community with their missions.”

LXI, a Johnson City-based agency who works with youth to create holistic change and healing in their relationships with friends, family and God, received the prestigious Jeff Byrd Grant. Presented in honor of the late president and general manager of Bristol Motor Speedway, the $50,000 award will go to the organization's efforts to create an activities space on their campus adjacent to the basketball court that would also be available to the extended local community. The space would include an expanded area for other games and activities and for families to hang out in a safe environment.

Night of Smiles presented by Food City is the culmination of a year of SCC fundraising events, including The Pinnacle Speedway in Lights, which opens for its 26th season on Friday, Nov. 18 at 6 p.m.