Coca-Cola 600 Partners Team Up to Provide Repairs to Veteran Homeowner Through RTGC
A video by Coca-Cola consolidated of the veteran home repair project through Rebuilding Together of Greater Charlotte with Charlotte Motor Speedway, Coca-Cola Consolidated, and NASCAR volunteers ahead of the Coca-Cola 600.
Portions of this story first appeared on CokeConsolidated.com, highlighting Coke Consolidated’s efforts to honor veterans in the lead up to and during the Coca-Cola 600.
In the week’s leading up to the Coca-Cola 600, the longest race on NASCAR’s schedule, partners in the race teamed up with Rebuilding Together of Greater Charlotte to provide critical repairs for a veteran homeowner in need.
Held on the Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend every year, the Coca-Cola 600 honors military members in multiple ways. By partnering with RTGC, volunteers from Charlotte Motor Speedway, Coca-Cola Consolidated, and NASCAR provided a safe and healthy home for Ms. Stewart, a U.S. Army veteran.
Before and After Repairs
Volunteers performed various tasks to fix issues identified in RTGC’s 25-point Safe and Healthy Home inspection, including removing carpet; installing LVP flooring; cleaning gutters and installing gutter guards; installing smoke alarms; installing new kitchen cabinets; replacing door handles; replacing light fixtures; and more.
Ms. Stewart’s kitchen before repairs.
Ms. Stewart’s bathroom vanity before repairs.
Ms. Stewart’s kitchen cabinets after repairs.
Ms. Stewart’s bathroom vanity after repairs.
Reflecting on the repairs provided to her by RTGC and Coca-Cola 600 volunteers, Ms. Stewart said she’s grateful for having a safe and healthy place to call home.
“I love it. I can’t believe this is happening,” said Ms. Stewart. “I really, really appreciate it. I wish I could do more and say more, but I love it. Thank you.”
Sacrifice and Service
For the volunteers who participated in this project, providing repairs allowed them to give back to someone who has sacrificed a lot to serve others.
“Supporting veterans, military members, and their families is a core pillar of how we give back at Coca-Cola Consolidated,” said Director of Community Programming and Projects Jennifer Rothacker. “Teaming with our partners at NASCAR and the Charlotte Motor Speedway to help repair Deborah’s home was a great opportunity not only to perform a community service, but also to honor and thank Deborah for her service to our country.”
Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Executive Vice President and General Manager Greg Walter found the project honored Memorial Day’s recognition of sacrifice and service by “being able to lean in and help a veteran lead a better life.”
“It’s the least we can do to show our appreciation for what Deborah and folks like her have done for our country,” said NASCAR’s Senior Director of Marketing Strategy Lindsay Hall.
These repairs are vital to helping homeowners on limited incomes in the Greater Charlotte area, who could not afford the repairs we provide at no cost.
“It’s really important to be able to live in a safe and healthy home and not have to choose between putting food on the table or taking care of a critical repair,” said RTGC Executive Director Beth Morrison. “With these repairs, Ms. Stewart can safely and confidently stay in her home and community.”
Partner With Us
Ms. Stewart is just one of many of our neighbors in need RTGC intends to serve this year. Partners like Charlotte Motor Speedway, Coca-Cola Consolidated, and NASCAR, who join our mission of repairing homes, revitalizing communities, rebuilding lives, make it possible for us to progress toward our vision of safe and healthy homes for everyone.