Speedway Road Rally

A few weeks ago, the Duke Children’s Development team took the streets for the first ever Speedway Road Rally. We divided into six teams and set out to conquer the state–or, rather, as many Speedways as we could! Teams headed South to Fayetteville, east to Goldsboro, Wilson, and Rocky Mount, and west to Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, and Wilkesboro. All together, we visited 82 Speedways!

Here is what a few of the teams had to say about their visits:

“Speedway store 7959 had festively decorated Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals coin canisters displayed at their check out. A little boy was at the counter and tried to buy something, only to find out that he did not have enough money. His mother walked up behind him and told him to put his money away, and she paid for the item. As the little boy was putting his money away, he saw a canister featuring the current Speedway Champion, Aubrey. The little boy proudly declared, ‘I want to help,’ and happily placed his money into the canister.” 

“Our first stop of the day was in Holly Springs. Richard, the store manager, set the bar high!  He welcomed us warmly and talked about his store’s plans to raise even more money this year for CMNH and Duke Children’s. His energy and enthusiasm were contagious!!”

“We were especially moved by store 6954 in High Point. The whole team was there wearing yellow shirts or ribbons in tribute of pediatric cancer. The store manager, Renee, had lost a grandson to cancer, and he had been treated at Duke Children’s. The whole team seemed committed to raising money for the patients of Duke Children, and that enthusiasm and purpose was evident in every conversation we had. It was a deeply meaningful visit. We had a great visit with Von, who we met on his first day at store 8201 in Winston-Salem. Von is also his area’s CMNH Leader, and was excited to begin fundraising for Duke Children’s. We also have to shout out store 7926 in Thomasville. Pamela and Martha were so friendly and welcoming, and we definitely appreciated the free drinks and donuts!”

The Speedways got into the Road Rally spirit as well, and raised over $4,000 for Duke Children’s over the course of the day! Speedways in our area raise money year-round for Duke Children’s by asking customers for donations at the register and displaying Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals coin canisters. Please consider supporting your local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital next time you visit a Speedway!

A huge thank you to all the Speedway stores, managers, and associates for welcoming us during our Road Rally. We truly enjoyed meeting these individuals, and thanking them in person for all they do for Duke Children’s.