Sustain Charlotte honors top sustainability leaders at annual Charlotte Sustainability Awards

Each year we honor local sustainability leaders who are leading the way for a more sustainable future through our Charlotte Sustainability Awards. We are proud to have been able to honor 38 incredible nominees at our 2018 event, on April 25th. Of those 38 nominees, five were selected by our independent panel of judges as winners, and were presented with awards by NC Senator Jeff Jackson.

Charlene Mack, Chair of Equitable Transportation Team of the West Boulevard Coalition

Inspiring Business:
LUCKY CLAYS FARM

Inspiring Government Agency:
CHARLOTTE AREA TRANSIT SYSTEM (CATS)

Inspiring Individual:
DONALD GREEN

Inspiring Nonprofit:
FAMILY AGRICULTURE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SERVICES (F.A.R.M.S.)

Inspiring Project:
THE RENAISSANCE LEED NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT

Nearly 400 people joined us for the event to celebrate these incredible smart growth leaders and support Sustain Charlotte. Matt Olin, co-founder of Creative Mornings Charlotte, acted as emcee for the night and provided lots of laughs and inspiration for attendees. We also had a very special performance by local teen Kevin Siczek, who performed his original spoken word, Calm the Traffic, created to honor Sustain Charlotte.

The event closed with an incredibly powerful story shared by Charlene Mack, Chair of the Equitable Transportation Team of the West Boulevard Neighborhood Coalition. She spoke about the many challenges her neighborhood faces, and how Sustain Charlotte is empowering residents to tackle those challenges. Her words captured the depth of emotion felt by people who face unsafe streets and lack of transportation options. Charlene put a face on the work that Sustain Charlotte is doing to live out its mission in our community.

Attendees also enjoyed a fun live auction and raffle drawings, live bluegrass by the Rocky River Wobblers, and a delicious meal by Something Classic Catering. We are thrilled to announce that the event raised over $45,000 to advance Sustain Charlotte’s mission, thanks to the generosity of our attendees, sponsors, in-kind donors, and everyone who helped make the event a success.

You can see the event photos here. Check back soon to see the event video!

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