BREAKING NEWS: Chase Elliott Donates $10 Million Prize to Children’s Hospital in Hometown Dawsonville

In a move that has stunned the NASCAR world and touched hearts across the country, Chase Elliott, the celebrated driver of the No. 9 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, announced today that he is donating his entire $10 million prize money to a children’s hospital in his hometown of Dawsonville, Georgia.

The donation, one of the largest ever made by an active NASCAR driver, will provide critical support for children battling serious illnesses, particularly for families who cannot afford the cost of life-saving treatment. It is a gesture that goes far beyond the racetrack, reminding fans that the impact of success can ripple far beyond the finish line.

At a press conference held at the hospital’s main lobby, Elliott appeared visibly emotional, pausing several times as he addressed a crowd of doctors, nurses, patients, and local media. “I’ve seen too many families struggle simply because treatment was out of reach,” Elliott said, his voice cracking with sincerity. “I promised myself that if I ever had the opportunity to help in a meaningful way, I wouldn’t hesitate. Today, I have that chance—and I am taking it.”

For Elliott, the decision to donate was deeply personal. Growing up in Dawsonville, a tight-knit town known for producing some of the nation’s most talented drivers, he witnessed firsthand the struggles of families whose children faced critical illnesses. “I remember a friend’s child battling leukemia when I was 15,” Elliott recalled. “I saw how every visit, every treatment, and every procedure came with a weight that no child should bear. It stayed with me. It shaped my belief that success isn’t just about winning races—it’s about using your platform to make a difference.”

The hospital, which has long served the region but often struggled with funding for advanced equipment and comprehensive care programs, will see a transformative boost from Elliott’s donation. The $10 million will go toward three major initiatives: expanding access to life-saving treatments, acquiring state-of-the-art medical equipment, and establishing long-term support programs for children and their families.

Dr. Emily Carter, the hospital’s chief pediatric oncologist, described the contribution as “life-changing.” “This donation will allow us to offer treatments that were previously out of reach for many families. We can invest in the latest technology, hire additional specialists, and expand our patient care programs. Chase’s generosity will touch the lives of hundreds—maybe thousands—of children over the coming years.”

Elliott, who is known on the track for his precision driving and fearless competitiveness, revealed that his approach to philanthropy mirrors his racing philosophy: deliberate, calculated, and focused on long-term impact. “I wanted to ensure this money truly changes lives, not just makes headlines,” he explained. “It’s not about recognition—it’s about children having the care they need, when they need it.”

The announcement has sent shockwaves through the NASCAR community, with fellow drivers, team members, and fans expressing admiration for Elliott’s selflessness. Dale Earnhardt Jr., former driver and Elliott’s mentor, called the donation “a testament to the character of a true champion.” “Chase has always been about more than just racing,” Earnhardt said. “This is proof that he carries his heart both on and off the track.”

Social media erupted within minutes of the news breaking. Fans shared personal stories, tagging Elliott and the hospital, with messages of gratitude and admiration. “Chase Elliott is redefining what it means to be a champion,” wrote one fan on Twitter. “Not for the trophies, but for the kids who now have hope.”

The hospital’s pediatric wing, already bustling with activity, transformed into a scene of celebration following Elliott’s announcement. Children, many of whom have faced months or even years of medical treatment, decorated the walls with hand-drawn thank-you notes. One young patient, 7-year-old Liam Reynolds, shyly presented Elliott with a drawing of a racecar speeding toward a rainbow. “It’s for you, Chase,” Liam said softly. “Because you’re helping kids like me.”

Elliott knelt to accept the drawing, a wide smile breaking across his face. “Thank you, buddy. That’s going to hang in the hospital so everyone can see it. You’re going to inspire other kids, just like you inspired me today.”

Beyond the immediate financial support, Elliott’s donation is expected to have a ripple effect across the community. Local organizations have already pledged to match portions of the gift, while fundraising campaigns are being launched to further expand the hospital’s programs. “This sets a new standard for what athletes can do with their platform,” said Mayor Lisa Franklin of Dawsonville. “Chase’s generosity reminds us all that success comes with responsibility, and that we can use it to lift up those who need it most.”

The timing of the donation is particularly poignant, coinciding with Elliott’s preparation for the start of the NASCAR season. Despite a grueling schedule of practices, qualifying rounds, and media obligations, Elliott emphasized that the hospital and its children will remain a priority. “Racing is my passion, but making a tangible difference in these kids’ lives is what gives me true purpose,” he said. “Every lap I run, every race I enter, is for moments like this. For the smiles we see when families know their child will receive the care they need.”

Chase Elliott’s charitable act also highlights a growing trend among professional athletes using their success to impact society positively. However, few have made a contribution of this magnitude, particularly while still actively competing at the highest level of their sport. “It’s not just the size of the donation—it’s the courage to make such a bold decision,” said sports philanthropist Karen Mitchell. “He could have chosen to invest, save, or spend the prize money any number of ways. Instead, he chose to invest in life itself.”

For the families who will benefit from Elliott’s generosity, the impact is immeasurable. Single parents who had been forced to make impossible choices between rent and treatment, siblings who have watched loved ones endure painful procedures, and children who have faced the fear of uncertainty all now have a renewed sense of hope. “It’s like a miracle,” said Jessica Alvarez, whose 4-year-old daughter is undergoing treatment for a rare heart condition. “We didn’t know how we were going to manage everything. Chase Elliott’s gift gives us a future to look forward to. He’s giving our child a chance to just be a kid again.”

As the press conference concluded, Elliott took a quiet moment to reflect privately, staring out at the hospital wing filled with families, doctors, and children. “I hope this inspires others,” he said softly to a reporter. “Not just athletes, but anyone who has the means to help. There are so many kids out there who deserve a fighting chance. And if my success can give even a handful of them that chance, then every race, every practice, every sacrifice has been worth it.”

The story of Chase Elliott’s $10 million donation will undoubtedly become one of the defining moments of his career—both on and off the track. While fans will continue to cheer for his victories in the NASCAR circuit, this act of generosity ensures that his legacy extends far beyond racing statistics. It is a reminder that true champions measure success not only by trophies and accolades but by the lives they touch and the hope they bring to others.

In Dawsonville today, amid the laughter of children, the tears of grateful parents, and the hum of hospital activity, one thing is clear: a NASCAR superstar has shown the world that speed and skill on the track are powerful, but compassion and humanity off the track are transformative.

Chase Elliott may race for checkered flags, but today, he has won something far greater—a place in the hearts of families, a brighter future for children, and a shining example of how success carries responsibility beyond the finish line.