Stories

Like many organizations during this COVID-19 crisis, our friends at CREW Charlotte had to decide the best way to host their monthly luncheon while stay at home orders were in place in April. 

Across Charlotte, the necessity to cancel or reschedule in-person gatherings and events has created a huge gap in programming for countless organizations. Leaders are being forced to forgo the opportunity to bring their groups together, or get really creative in order to provide a meaningful, virtual experience. 

So that’s just what CREW Charlotte did. Instead of cancelling their luncheon, they encouraged their members to donate $40, the amount of money they would have spent to attend April’s CREW luncheon, to support a local nonprofit of their choice. Additionally, they invited SHARE Charlotte Marketing Director, Melissa Hovey, to be their special guest at their virtual luncheon, to share with CREW members how they could #ShareFromHome during the stay at home orders - a very creative and timely topic.  

The results? Forty participants gathered via Zoom on April 21 to learn about the many ways they can help local nonprofits from home, including volunteering virtually and shopping for much-needed items from nonprofits’ Amazon wish lists. Additionally, 18 local nonprofits received re-directed luncheon fees as financial donations. Those organizations include: 

• Ronald McDonald House

• Safe Alliance

• Florence Crittenton Services

• Pat’s Place

• Salvation Army

• GOTR

• Humane Society

• JDRF

• Red Cross

• Foster Village

• Charlotte Black Dogs

• Harvest Center

• Common Wealth Charlotte

• Loaves & Fishes

• Bright Blessings

• American Cancer Society

• DAR Service to America

• Baby Bundles

Robin Turner, President of the CREW Charlotte Board of Directors, made her donation to Ronald McDonald House. Robin says “When COVID-19 dramatically impacted our ability to meet in person, members immediately asked how do we help others through this crisis? Our first virtual event presented a perfect opportunity to challenge those members who were able to make a meaningful donation in lieu of paying a registration fee. SHARE Charlotte graciously became the platform by which our members gave back to the community.”

CREW Charlotte member Kelly Steele shared “ It was great to hear about the multitude of opportunities available through SHARE Charlotte. that included not only donating money or shopping (online) for necessary items for non-profits but some simple things you could do from home. I chose to give my luncheon fee to Safe Alliance because I’ve worked with them and know that uncertain and stressful times such as these leads to more abuse, especially when forced to stay in closer contact for longer periods with their abuser.”

If you have an event or gathering you need to repurpose while in-person gatherings are still discouraged, consider making the theme or topic all about how your audience can come together virtually and DO GOOD for our community!  Contact SHARE Charlotte for ideas, or to secure a GOOD speaker :)