MASONIC HOME FOR CHILDREN AT OXFORD 150TH ANNIVERSARY CAR UNVEILED AT NASCAR HALL OF FAME TO FANFARE AND SUPPORT

With the backdrop of historic cars from NASCAR’s past, a large crowd gathered to view the newest paint scheme to hit the track and one highlighting a special milestone in the history of childcare in North Carolina. Special guests, including children of The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford (MHCO) waited with anticipation to have the first look at the 150^th Anniversary wrap. A very special host, Executive Director of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Winston Kelley, welcomed all present for a truly special unveiling taking place in their iconic Great Hall.

Prior to the unveiling, the driver of the historic scheme, Xfinity winning racer Jeremy Clements, along with home supporters and sponsors of the car, Jimmy and Beverly Moore and Bonnie Hunt of Wilmington, North Carolina, shared their inspiration and special relationship in sponsoring the car and in sharing its meaning with Clements. With an idea of creating awareness and generating fundraising support during this anniversary year, Jimmy Moore, with friend and Masonic brother Marty Hunt who passed unexpectedly this past December, approached Clements in the fall of 2022.Their idea, as previous sponsors, was to utilize this year’s May race in Charlotte to recognize and promote North Carolina’s first charitable home for children on its significant milestone. With Marty’s passing, his wife Bonnie knew that the belief and commitment of her husband must continue with the sponsorship and in sharing the home and its mission to all.

On May 17 that idea and the passion behind it came to reality as Clements, the Moores, and Mrs. Hunt joined residents of the home in unveiling the beautiful red and white Chevrolet of Clements, adorned with MHCO logos celebrating the home and its century and a half of caring for children in need, providing a place for growth, support, and hope.

With the car in full sight and surrounded by children and friends of the home, Clements encouraged all to not only watch next weekend’s race, but to find out more about one of the state’s oldest charities. “I hope folks will visit the website (www.mhco51.com) to find out more about the children’s home, the car and our sponsors who were the inspiration for this project and how they can join us in supporting the help given to children who live there every day.”

A special sponsor and donor event followed the unveiling sharing a number of auction items associated with the car, including the hood, deck lid, and tv panel. The auction, along with themed merchandise highlighting the car and its association with the home are available online at www.mhco51.com.All proceeds from the auction and merchandise will benefit the children’s home now and following the race.

Kevin Otis, Administrator of MHCO, joined the sponsors and Clements for the unveiling and shared his thanks on behalf of the home to Clements and the sponsors in taking this opportunity to share the celebration and the opportunity to become a part of the home’s family of supporters.

“We’re looking for a good run in Charlotte and to have the MHCO 150th car up front for the kids and all who support this wonderful home, both past, present, and in giving today and for the years ahead,” Clements said.

FOR THE RACE ….

ALSCO UNIFORMS 300
NASCAR Xfinity Series
Track: Charlotte Motor Speedway
Qualifying: May 26 at 4:05 p.m.
Race: May 27 at 1 p.m.
TV/radio: Fox Sports 1; Performance Racing Network; SiriusXM Ch. 90
Tickets: www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/events

Picture credits: Thomas Pope, Gil Haywood Jr., Jeremy Clements Racing, Tina Gilreath