Thompson is a local Charlotte-based organization serving families and children right here in our community. Thompson is a wonderful organization that works diligently to give children and families resources and support to combat abuse and neglect. Through the fostering of children, school-based interventional therapy, and varying levels of therapy, Thompson is making real and immediate differences in people’s lives.

~ Scott Addison

As a wife of a law enforcement officer, who continues to serve after 21 years in this career, I know first hand the sacrifices made by those that choose to serve and protect our community. I know the sacrifices that LEO families make and pray that I never face the loss that so many others have suffered when their loved one gives their life in the line of duty. Mentoring those that belong to the LEO family is a passion of mine and encouraging those to recognize the efforts and sacrifices that those in law enforcement make is of paramount importance. Please consider joining me in showing support and appreciation for those that tirelessly service our communities and especially to those that have given the ultimate sacrifice.

~ Noelle LeBlanc

Baseball For Life is the brainchild of longtime Charlotte Country Day baseball Coach Ed Walton and St Louis Cardinals minor league coach Mike Shildt. It is an organization focused on harnessing the collective breadth of the baseball community to enhance the lives of young people. Its mission is to: “enhance the lives of young people through a mentoring program that reinforces positive behavior and develops life skills through baseball.” The game of baseball has given much to me by way of friends, memories, and life lessons, so I think it is important that others have the same opportunity.

~ Kevin Pratt

Legal Services of Southern Piedmont’s mission is to pursue justice for those in need. LSSP provides a wide range of civil legal assistance to low-income people in the Charlotte metropolitan area and west-central NC.

LSSP accomplishes its mission through a variety of legal advocacy strategies including individual advice and representation, community education and outreach, representation of groups, self-help remedies, collaboration with other agencies, community economic development, legislative and administrative advocacy, and impact litigation.

~ Maria Ortiz

Holly Wade and her family are dear friends of mine. On July 1st, 2016, sweet 14 year old Holly lost her 7 month battle with brain cancer. Before her death, Holly and her mother Christine co-founded the Hands for Holly Fund. Holly saw first hand from her long stay in the hospital how many families struggled to care for their child and keep up with everyday expenses. Holly wanted to help the lives of families caring for seriously ill or injured children.

Hands for Holly Fund’s mission is to provide families in Mecklenburg County caring for seriously ill or injured children financial assistance for emergency expenses not covered by insurance, while respecting the pride and dignity of families in need.

~ Dori Cazorla

The 24 Foundation started in 2001 as one man on a bike pedaling for 24 hours around a Charlotte neighborhood with a goal to change the conversation about cancer. It has evolved into a national foundation playing a significant role in the revolution of cancer navigation and survivorship. My sweet Daddy-o passed away from cancer in 2011. Since that time, I’ve raised more than $50,000 in his memory for the 24 Foundation through its premier 24-hour cycling event, 24 Hours of Booty. I hope you’ll consider making a tax-deductible donation to this amazing charity. Who knows – your donation could be what funds the cure in our lifetime!

~ Kathleen K. Lucchesi

A21 has a mission to end slavery. It is a nonprofit organization fueled by the radical hope that human beings everywhere will be rescued from human trafficking bondage and completely restored. A21 are the abolitionists of the 21st century. They operate in eleven (11) different countries across the globe to free slaves and disrupt the demand; human trafficking is slavery.

The United States Government estimates that approximately 800,000 persons are trafficked across borders annually and a great many more are trafficked within countries.

~ Gwendolyn Lewis