RECORD-BREAKING CHARLOTTE BALLET FUNDRAISER

Photos by Daniel Coston Photography

The Dancing with the Stars of Charlotte Gala was a record-breaking one for the fundraiser that’s now in its seventh year. The stars were six of Charlotte’s community and corporate leaders. They were paired with professional dancers from Charlotte Ballet to raise money for the ballet company and each star’s chosen charity. Held on the stage of Knight Theater, it raised more than $1.5 million.

The six pairs were:

Megan Hughes Allison of Genesco Sports Enterprises danced with Charlotte Ballet’s Colby Foss to benefit Pat’s Place.

John FitzHugh of Wells Fargo Securities danced with Charlotte Ballet’s Elizabeth Truell to benefit Novant Health’s Cancer Prevention & Early Detection Program

Erin Santos of the Isabella Santos Foundation danced with Charlotte Ballet’s Juwan Alston to benefit the Isabella Santos Foundation.

Carl Showalter of Showalter Construction danced with Charlotte Ballet’s Sarah Lapointe to benefit HopeWay.

William Smith of PNC Bank danced with Charlotte Ballet’s Amelia Sturt-Dilley to benefit Howard Levine Child Development Center at Renaissance West.

Dr. Courtney D. Stephenson of Atrium Health’s Charlotte Fetal Care Center danced with Charlotte Ballet’s James Kopecky to benefit The Cottie & Cake Fund.

People’s Choice Winner Carl Showalter, raised more than $592,000. The Judges’ Choice Winners were Dr. Courtney Stephenson and Erin Santos.

HOPEWAY'S INAUGURAL HANDBAG AUCTION

Photos by Daniel Coston Photography

The inaugural What Are You Carrying? designer handbag auction at Quail Hollow Club was an evening of education, awareness and fun. The 300 guests bid on a selection of designer purses with proceeds going to support the therapeutic programs and financial assistance at HopeWay, Charlotte’s mental health treatment center offering residential and day treatment for adults in a first-class setting.

Funds raised go to HopeWay’s financial assistance program that increases access to a wider population of men and women who need help. Since opening in November of 2016, HopeWay has provided over $1 million in financial assistance and served nearly 700 people.

The event committee included Amy Levine Dawson, Preeti Deshmukh, Emily Maynard Johnson, Kara Olsen, Taylor Russ, Laura Philipson, Lori Levine Sklut, and Nazy Weeks. A Challenge Grant from Lori and Eric Sklut matched direct contributions to HopeWay up to $20,000.

The event was a huge success and raised more than $111,000 for HopeWay.