CWC Philanthropy Meeting Minutes April 2, 2026
Location: Uwharrie Bank 12:30-1:30
VP Rebecca Hart welcomed two new CWC Philanthropy Committee Members (Sandra Heinicke and Debbie Henderson) and invited all present to name their favorite Charlotte restaurants. These ranged from Café Monte, 131 Main and Azucar to Steak 48 for special occasions.
She then recognized Crystal Egbuna and Betty Blackwell for the great success of Casino Night and the record-breaking amount of funds raised for STEM. All present cheered them and their team for the very successful STEM fundraiser, Casino Night. There were many enthusiastic comments about the decorations, venue, food and good time they had!
Ceci Robinson asked about the actual profit for STEM from Casino Night after expenses. Crystal explained that the final account for the event had not yet been completed.
Becky drew a name for the online STEM Spa Basket Raffle winner: Rosalia Grisanti Peck!
Becky announced the open chair positions for the Philanthropy Committee. Barbara Guth had already volunteered to be co-chair to work with the new VP not yet named.
Volunteer Coordinators are needed for Safe Alliance and Classroom Central.
Volunteer Coordinator Reports & Upcoming Events:
Bright Blessings--website: www.brightblessingsusa.org
CWC Volunteer Coordinators: Gayle McKearin (gmckearin@gmail.com)
And Beth Daniels (elizabethndaniels@gmail.com)
Next Event: Thursday, May 14th
Classroom Central--website:classroomcentral.org
CWC Volunteer Coordinator: Barbara Hambacher (barbarahambacher@yahoo.com)
Next Event: Wednesday, April 8th
Dress for Success – website: charlotte.dressforsuccess.org
CWC Volunteer Coordinator: Marda Kornhaber (mjkornhaber@yahoo.com)
Next Event: Tuesday, April 21st
Lift Up Carolinas (formerly the Assistance League)—website: liftupcarolinas.org
CWC Volunteer Coordinator: Terri Fishman ( terrifish103@gmail.com)
April 2nd Mtg. & April 1-15th Collection Drive (see next page)/ May 8th
Promising Pages--website: www.promising-pages.org
CWC Volunteer Coordinator: Ceci Robinson. Email: Ceciplus1925@gmail.com
And Dorinda Jenkins / Next Volunteer Events: Thursdays, April 16th & May 21st
STEM for KIDS—website: www.stemforkidscharlotte.org
CWC Volunteer Coordinators: Crystal Egbuna, Betty Blackwell & Ruth Hood email:cegbuna66@gmail.com.
Safe Alliance - website: www.safealliance.orgWC Volunteer Coordinator: Kathy Marcello, email: rkkmsb6@yahoo.com
Today’s Program
LIFT UP CAROLINAS IS A NONPROFIT VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO IMPROVING THE LIVES OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES THROUGH OMMUNITY-BASED PHILANTHROPIC PROGRAMS
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Robin Meeks INTRODUCED LIFT UP CAROLINA executive director, Jessica Trosch
who presented a power point sequence highlighting the mission and numerous programs the non-profit organization offers. Here are some of the features emphasized:
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From our volunteer-run thrift store to our school-based initiatives and outreach efforts, everything we do is powered by compassion, collaboration, and a commitment to lifting up the community.
- Rebranding beginning with the new name, Lift Up Carolina previously a chapter of The Assistance League.
- Core of mission: to feed, clothe, mentor and educate the community it serves and has served for over 30 years.
- The Thrift Shop depends on an all- volunteers staff. There are only 3 paid staff members and 78% of operating budget goes directly to programs.
- Thrift shop = largest fund raiser with @ 3000 clients per week. Lift Up Carolina follows the principles of “Opportunities for Dignity” and “Gear up Carolinas” in support of the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
- LUC also supports many other non-profits through partnerships with schools and other non-profits. Last year it served over 33,000 children. See Website for complete information.
Lift Up Carolinas is collecting new craft supplies for children in grades K – 5:
- Crayons, markers, and colored pencils
- Construction paper, drawing pads and coloring books
- Stickers, stencils, and glue sticks
- Small craft kits or DIY project materials
- Small toys, card games, and board games
Donations can be dropped off (Or sent via Amazon) between April 1st and April 15th to: Terri Fishman: 17523 Meadow Bottom Road, Charlotte NC 28277
Members spent the remainder of the meeting assembling small coloring packets for the children.
May 7th: Final Meeting:
Philanthropy End of Year Brunch & Recognition of our Leaders
Pineville Library Community Room
505 Main Street
Suite 100
Pineville, NC 28134
Watch your email for more information.
Brunch menu assignments:
A-G: Salads (green, fruit, pasta)
H-L: Small sandwiches
M-Q: Drinks
R-Z: Desserts
Becky Hart will supply the paper goods.
THANK YOU TO UWHARRIE BANK, AND TO HELEN RAY (Minutes)
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