Common Heart targets $125K with Weddington gala Oct. 2

Common Heart wants to raise $125,000 through its Love in Action campaign to fund food assistance and economic empowerment programs in Union County.

The month-long campaign wraps up with a masquerade-themed gala in Weddington. Coca-Cola Consolidated is the presenting sponsor.

The Charlotte Weekly first reported on the campaign Aug. 30, profiling one participant's path through Common Heart's programs. The Indian Trail-based nonprofit is now in its 20th year of serving Union County neighbors.

Executive Director Keith Adams said the money supports families squeezed by rising costs.

"It's hard to get ahead when getting by keeps getting harder," Adams told the Charlotte Weekly in its Aug. 30 report. "Groceries and housing remain expensive, while gas, utilities, childcare and everyday expenses leave little room when something unexpected happens."

Adams said Union County continues to lag behind the Charlotte region in improving upward mobility for families experiencing generational poverty. That gap, he said, makes local support through the campaign especially important.

How the money is used

Common Heart runs an evening food pantry and two economic empowerment programs funded by the campaign.

The Getting Ahead program is a 17-week, 45-hour work group that helps families living in poverty build skills and plan a path forward. Peggy Barrett, a senior on a fixed income, first came to Common Heart's pantry when rising grocery prices strained her budget. She completed the Getting Ahead program and is now enrolled in the Emergency Savings Incentive Program, which lets graduates earn a $500 emergency savings account as they develop financial skills, according to Common Heart's website.

Through workshops and coaching, Barrett has gained tools for budgeting, saving and reducing expenses, the Charlotte Weekly reported.

Gala details

The Love in Action Gala runs from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2, at Threshold Church in Weddington. The evening features a buffet dinner catered by MTC Events, live music from Flashback the Party Band, a silent auction and a raffle. Common Heart will also present LIA Awards to honor volunteers.

Tickets cost $125 per person or $800 for a table of eight. Tickets, donations and sponsorship details are available at LoveinAction.CommonHeart.org. Residents can also contact engagement director Dana Bouque at 704-815-4681 or [email protected].