April is Autism Awareness month and 82 Speedway in Petty is hoping to help raise not only awareness but much needed funds for Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) this Saturday, Apr. 10.
Race car drive and mother, Ashley Malone, said she wanted to do something to help raise awareness and also money to be donated to the people who helped her daughter, Coeyn (Coco).
“When Coeyn was two-years old, I knew something was different because she wouldn’t speak. Her doctor recommended us to a speech therapist, which we did and really cared for our therapist but we were paying $500 a month with insurance and wasn’t seeing much progress,” said Malone.
Several months later, Coeyn’s doctor recommended more therapy and added occupational and sensory therapy to their schedule which Malone said would cost over $800 a month.
“I did my own research and discovered ECI. For 2-3 therapy sessions a week, with some of the best therapist, is only $45 a month! I couldn’t believe that our doctor didn’t recommend ECI, or that I’ve never heard of the non-profit group. They have helped our family out so much and I just want to return the favor by helping them raise funds so they can reach more families like ours.”
With so many local businesses wanting to help, Malone said her small idea turned into a $5,000 Factory Stock race at 82 Speedway as well as a silent auction with the proceeds going towards the ECI program.
“Its a $5,000 to win Factory Stock race, but we will also be running modifieds, sport mods, stock cars, eco stocks, eco mods, and sprint cars. The ECI program is going to do a silent auction on the grandstand side to raise more for the organization.”
Some of the items included in the silent auction are a gift cards to local boutique’s and restaurants, 1 drum of R1 racing fuel, cc powdercoated holley 500, seamless gutter job, tumbler cups and more.
The event starts at 7 p.m. at 82 Speedway located at 16369 US Hwy 82 in Petty.
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Event Sponsors are: S&S Fishing and Rental Inc, Buckmeyer Motorsports, Hicks Muffler and Tire, Whitaker’s Towing, Paul Peters Motorsports, LCC Trucking, K&M Roofing and Construction LLC, Coston and Son Ready Mix, Dirtydeeds Motorsports, Pitcock Wrecker Service, Ellison Motorsports, Outlaw Racecars, Dirt Defender, Spencer & Kerby Dentistry, IRP, Bulletproof Tees, Bo Day Racing, Swain Hardware, South Main Iron, C&C Rentals, Sister Babyz Boutique, Precision Automotive.
