As we bask in the warm afterglow of the 16th annual Santa’s Toy Run at Road Atlanta, our hearts overflow with gratitude for the incredible generosity, dedication, and hope that each one of you brought to this extraordinary event. Together, we have made a difference!
Your unwavering commitment has transformed Santa’s Toy Run into a beacon of hope, radiating joy to countless children in need this Christmas season. Your kindness, irrespective of the size of the gift, has illuminated the lives of over 300+ children in Domestic Violence Shelters, Homeless Shelters, Group Foster Homes, and more. Many would have gone without had it not been for your efforts to support Santa’s Toy Run this year.
Together, we achieved something truly magical. The outpouring of support resulted in over $10,900 in contributions, $3,400 in gift cards, and a wealth of toys, surpassing the totals from the previous year. Our raffle sales made a huge difference in this year’s totals. Special thanks to everyone who purchased tickets this year. In 2023, our combined efforts raised a little over $14,300, averaging $1,300 for each organization involved, along with $25 gift cards for every teenager 15 and up, and the moms in the domestic violence shelter with children. Our word of the year written on the Christmas cards given to the moms and teens with gift card this year is “Resilience” which is the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties.
The carefully chosen beneficiaries (A Friend’s House, Henry Haven House, Gateway Domestic Violence Center, Gwinnett & Fulton PADV, Peace Place, Salvation Army Red Shield Services, Hopewell Children’s Outreach Program, and VFW National Home) were selected through a meticulous grant process, ensuring that every contribution made is 100% tax-deductible and a trustworthy recipient.
Our deepest appreciation goes to Jim & Julie Pantas, directors of NASA-SE, for generously hosting this remarkable event for 16 consecutive years. We extend heartfelt thanks to all members, racers, crew, staff, fans, families, workers, security, and the countless volunteers who dedicated their time and resources to make Santa’s Toy Run an overwhelming success.
Special recognition is extended to our Partners: The Issa Castro Law Firm, Shift Brokers Insurance, Buzz Bike, Schultz Fuel Cells, Big Dog Drilling & Auger, Web Tech, CK Tech Check, MSVE, American Street Rodders, GA Law Enforcement Organization, Kids Stuff USA, Clark Station Baptist Church, Tony Parella, Michael Printup, Tim & Sharon Yoder, and Brian & Becky with Muscle Car Therapy. We also express our sincere gratitude to my beautiful wife Michele, my step-daughter Kimberly, granddaughter Lilly, and all individuals who played a vital role in this year’s success.
The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members. Your collective compassion has indeed elevated our community, making it a force for positive change, inspiration and hope. Your kindness has made a profound difference, and we look forward to creating more magic together in the years to come.
As we close the chapter on Santa’s Toy Run 2023, we eagerly anticipate the 17th annual event on December 7-8, 2024, at Road Atlanta. With your continued support, we are determined to break the STR track record and bring even more “Miles of Smiles” to children in need in 2024. Thank you for being the heart and soul of Santa’s Toy Run. Who’s with me?
