The Martinsville and Henry County community stepped up in a big way during Thursday’s Celebration 2019, the annual Independence Day Celebration at Martinsville Speedway.
More than 1,000 non-perishable goods were donated to Grace Network of Martinsville and Henry County by visitors to the event. Coupled with the match from grocery store chain Food Lion, the total reached 2,144 cans during a time when Grace Network’s food pantry is most in need.
“This is huge for us,” Grace Network Executive Director Tracy Hinchcliff said. “This time of year with kids out of school our pantry really gets a workout. And traditionally donations are down in the summer because folks go on vacation and it’s not at the forefront but today made an amazing difference. This will help a lot of families.
“We are so excited about the turnout and all the donations. Thank you to Burton and Company for the 256 cans they donated. And Food Lion continues to be such a great community partner. Their match was a game changer. Most importantly, thank you – Martinsville and Henry County.”
While the canned food drive was a big part of Celebration, the event featured carnival rides, a concert and, of course, fireworks. All of which are free thanks to community sponsors.
Martinsville resident Dee Hann said that speaks volumes about the people and businesses in Martinsville and Henry County.
“We have three grandchildren visiting and we’re here to have fun,” Hann said. “It says there are some really wonderful people here who want to give back to the community”
For Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell, seeing the community come together is one of the highlights of the year.
“This truly is a community event that is for the community and by the community,” Campbell said. “For the businesses to step up and ensure this event remains free, to the people who donated canned goods to help out those in need, to the folks who just came out to enjoy the day and celebrate America and, just as importantly, our area, it’s just awesome.”
Sponsors for Celebration 2019 are: Adkins Construction , American Global Logistics, American National Bank, Ameristaff, Amy Pace Lampe, CPA, Appalachian Power, Applied Felts, Arconic, Bassett Funeral Home, Bassett Furniture, Bassett Office Supply, BB&T, Bea Frick, Beeson Industrial Supply, Blue Ridge Aquaculture, Blue Ridge Bank, Blue Ridge Gymnastics, Bubba Judy, Burton & Company Insurance, Chamber’s Partnership for Economic Growth, Campbell Family Group, Carter Bank and Trust, City of Martinsville, Collinsville Printing, Cool Knobs and Pulls, Cunningham Tire, Debbie’s Catering, David and Cindy Cunningham, Dillon Insurance, Doris Berry & Rod Berry, Eastern Panel, Eastman & Commonwealth Laminating, Faneuil, Fidelity Bank, First Piedmont, Food Lion Corporation, Frith Construction, G.S. Industries, Gary Collins of Stifel, Georgia Pacific, Henry County, Henry County Sherriff’s Department, Hooker Furniture, J&R Management, Jones & DeShon Orthodontics, King’s Mountain Animal Clinic, Light Electric Company, Lightning Transportation, Martinsville Bulletin, Martinsville Henry County Chamber of Commerce, Martinsville Smiles, Monogram Foods, Morris & Morris Dentistry, Nationwide Insurance, Brad Parker Insurance Agency, Nelson Automotive, One Hour Martinizing, Pepsi, Quirk Design and Build Construction, Raceway Ministries, Sarver Cleaning Service, Scott Insurance / Joel Nichols, Shenandoah Furniture, Southeastern Wood Products, Southern Virginia Properties, Southwestern Virginia Gas, Sovah Health, Stateline Heart & Vascular, Steve Martin Trenching, Stone Dynamics, Sunbelt Rentals, Tarheel Paper & Supply Co., The Greene Company, The Lester Group, The Results Companies, TR Properties, ValleyStar Credit Union, Virginia Mirror, West Window, Zenith Logistics, Martinsville Speedway