A Legend Gives Back

You hear Eldora Speedway and most of us automatically think “World’s Greatest Dirt Track.” However, there is another side of Eldora that many of you may not be familiar with, but should be.

Ever since its beginning in 1954, Eldora has been finding ways to give back and partner with local organizations. I recently spoke with Larry Boos, an employee of Eldora Speedway since 1991, regarding Eldora and its long history of generosity. Larry explained it all started with Earl Baltes, who was a very giving person and would participate with a lot of requests from different area groups for auction items. He did not boast about the donations he would offer and instead chose to keep it low key. Tony Stewart became the owner of Eldora in 2004, and with his existing record of humanitarianism brought Eldora’s ability to participate with charities and non-profit organizations to a higher level. One example of this is the Prelude to the Dream, an all-star dirt late model race held at Eldora from 2005-2012. In that 8 year span, the Prelude raised more than $4 million for charity. Through different fundraisers, Eldora gives some of its proceeds to the Tony Stewart Foundation, which directly benefits critically ill or disabled children, at- risk or endangered animals, and drivers injured in motor racing. Eldora also has a long-standing partnership with the Community Blood Center out of Dayton, and Racing 4 Relief, a local organization out of St. Henry, OH that has recently given proceeds to the Mercer Co. Fire Department, Mercer Co. EMS, and American Red Cross.

When I asked why Eldora continues to find it important to participate with local non-profits and charities, Larry stated, “It’s important because that’s what we are all here for and it’s the story of life for everyone to work towards a good cause. If it’s within our parameters at Eldora we will want to jump on board to offer help.” Since 2015, Eldora has partnered with State of the Heart Care and allowed us to hold our annual 5K race, the Heart and Sole 5K, donating the use of their grounds and Ballroom. When asked why Eldora was first interested in partnering with State of the Heart Care Larry said, “Everyone has an awareness of hospice and the good things hospice provides. When we were approached to host the event 5 years ago we jumped on it because State of the Heart Care is such a recognizable and reputable group and we feel honored to work with you.”
Larry hopes for another good turnout at the 5K this year and said, “We are happy to help host the event and to work together towards a great cause. The reward is watching smiles on the participants knowing they have just completed the 5K and also contributed to a good cause.”

We would love for you to join us at Eldora Speedway for State of the Heart Care’s 6th Annual Heart and Sole 5K on Saturday, April 6th, 2019. Proceeds from the race benefit our Care Center, located on the 4th floor of Wayne Healthcare. You can find a link to register at www.stateoftheheartcare.org or at https://runsignup.com/Race/OH/NewWeston/HeartandSole5KOH. The Heart and Sole 5k is the first race in the Darke County Wellness Challenge. For any race day questions, please contact Erica Wood, Race Director, at ewood@stateoftheheartcare.org or 937.548.2999.