Norris and Bryan Smiley of McKenzie & Smiley Jewelers in Clarksville recently attended the semi-annual conference of the Independent Jewelers Organization in Charlotte, N.C., home of Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

It has been IJO’s practice to raise funds to benefit a cause in the city they visit.

The Jeff Gordon Foundation is the recipient of the fundraising proceeds. The NASCAR racer made it his personal mission to help provide financial and advocacy support to children facing adversity when he witnessed his former crew chief’s son, Ray, struggle through years of chemotherapy and treatment after being diagnosed with leukemia.

“We chose Jeff Gordon’s foundation because he is a man who has put his name and money towards an unbelievable fight against pediatric cancer, a horrible disease for anyone to endure and one that should just never fall upon a child,” said IJO Conference Director Jennifer Herold. “We set up a treasure chest for our members to deposit whatever quantities of scrap gold they wished to donate, and we compiled enough to make an impactful contribution.