Last year was an incredible year for J. Leigh Events, and we were really able to dive deep into community event planning with a variety of clients. We had the opportunity to curate engaging get-togethers and also focused on charitable causes that directly affect our neighbors. From cultural events to partnerships with nonprofits, below are a few of my favorites. Be on the lookout for more events like these in 2023!
Digibridge, a local nonprofit bringing STEAM (Science, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) access to children throughout Charlotte, hosted its annual robotics competition in the spring. Demonstrating their ingenuity, children from Governer’s Village STEM Academy, Northridge Middle School, and Renaissance West STEAM Academy gathered in Southend at the new LendingTree headquarters. There they presented their Lego robots to judges and offered up their solutions for Cargo Connect - an initiative to utilize robotics for global supply chain and freight issues. A Resource Fair at the end of the day offered students and their families a chance to connect with additional programming and high school options that might interest students.
An event close to my heart, J. Leigh Events and OneBlood came together to host a blood and platelet drive. Based in multiple Charlotte locations, the drive brought awareness to Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia (NAIT), a blood-related disease causing the platelets between mother and baby to be incompatible. This was a disease my son was diagnosed with at birth, so we saw firsthand that finding the right match for a newborn can save a life. I’m so grateful for the donor who saved my son, so partnering with OneBlood to help other babies was an emotional and healing experience. Seeing the Charlotte community come together for this cause was inspiring.
Highlighting black chefs and beverage experts from North Carolina and beyond, the annual BayHaven Food and Wine Festival brought something to the table for everyone. Husband and wife pair Gregory and Subrina Collier were inspired by the Harlem Renaissance, a coming together of social and artistic advancements in 1920s Harlem, New York City. Wanting to create an immersive experience that transcended food, their mission is “economic empowerment and community development through the hospitality industry.” Each night featured a different concept, including seafood dinners, vegan nights and boozy brunches, all around the theme of "Homecoming." These multi-course dinners and wine pairings were prepared by some of the most talented chefs in the industry.
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