Kicking Off a Meaningful Partnership
NASCAR is more than just left turns and high octane; it's also about giving back. And when it comes to supporting veterans, the Petty family is shifting gears into partnership with Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) and Food City for an in-store donation drive. From July 1 to July 28, 2026, Food City customers will have the chance to donate at checkout, making every grocery run a bit more impactful.
The Muscle Behind the Mission
Richard Petty is a name that echoes in racing lore—a seven-time champion who’s swapped the driver’s seat for a cause close to his heart. Joining him this year, his son Kyle Petty revs up the initiative's engines. This father-son duo isn’t just bringing NASCAR flair to the table; they’re using their stature to fuel more than cars—fueling hope for veterans with spinal cord injuries and diseases like MS and ALS.
“For more than a decade, I’ve had the privilege of giving back,” Richard Petty states, adding, “Having my son join this year is just more gas in the tank.”
Impact That Speaks Volumes
Since 2011, Food City's checkout campaign has churned out over $4.5 million for PVA's mission. What are we looking at here? An investment not in stocks or bonds, but in genuine change for veterans. PVA ensures that disabled veterans get the healthcare and careers they’ve earned, along with community and support fit for heroes.
- Veterans with spinal cord injuries or diseases receive vital support.
- Local communities are strengthened through their generosity.
- NASCAR's involvement drives heightened awareness and donations.
Community and Corporate Co-Pilots
Steven C. Smith, CEO of Food City, acknowledges the backbone of their successful campaigns—the community and the employees. This isn't some fair-weather deal and he's rightly proud of the continued support year after year. There's a deep-seated value when your grocery list is more than just checking off items but ticking off contributions for societal good.
The Bigger Picture
PVA stands as a lifeline for veterans across the United States, Puerto Rico, and beyond. It’s their duty, if you will, to monitor the specialized care veterans receive while funding the search for cures and better treatments for paralysis-related conditions.
They’ve built a vast support network with over 70 offices and 33 chapters, ensuring aid finds its way where it’s needed. It’s easy to get lost in the technical jargon of charity and advocacy, but the crux is simple—PVA fights everyday battles so our veterans don’t have to fight their own.
Rowing the Boat Forward Together
With the roar of engines behind them, Richard and Kyle Petty aren’t just spokesmen. They’re part of an ongoing crusade to bring light to veterans' issues—those who have been handed a raw deal due to service-related injuries. But that’s just it—by donating a couple of bucks while buying your milk and eggs, you’re bringing a measure of justice back to those who need it most.
In a world where it's all too easy to speed past causes worth our attention, this collaboration underlines a truth we could use more of: not all heroes wear capes—some wear racing suits, some work at your local grocery store, and some, remarkably, use a checkout lane to make a real-world impact.
