presenting sponsor
Each year, Care Ring brings together our top supporters from across the private, civic, faith, nonprofit, medical and corporate sectors to "Hob Nob" with us and celebrate the difference they are making in reducing disparities for, and improving the health and vitality of, underserved neighbors in our Charlotte community. At this free, by-invitation-only event, guests are treated to delicious local
food and beverages, music, and a program highlighting the work we've been able to accomplish thanks to their contributions.
This year's event, presented by Novant Health, was on Thursday, October 24, 2024 at The Union at Station West, one of West Charlotte's newest event spaces and home to a former train route stop. The theme was "Making Moves," to reflect the ways Care Ring has evolved this year to meet the needs of our community, which includes our impending move into our new home.
Check out this year's highlights and event photos below.
Highlight video by Duvale Murchison Videography.
Scroll down for Photo Gallery.
The Program
The evening's program was opened by Care Ring Board Chair Michael Tomsic, who thanked our stakeholders and event sponsors for their generosity during a major growth year for the organization, and introduced our brief "Year in Review" video.
Care Ring CEO Tchernavia Montgomery then took the stage to review some of the many goals, outcomes, and accomplishments that Care Ring was able to achieve, thanks to our supporters and partners, such as the hosting of our first annual Black Maternal Health Conference, establishment of our new Healthy Start program, expansion of our A Guided Journey team, and the successful capital campaign that is allowing us to relocate to a larger, more fiscally efficient home in 2025.
Tchernavia then introduced our two Client Testimonies - Shazlyn Barnette, for our Maternal-Child Health programs, and a video of Hiba Salih and her mother, for the Access to Care programs.
Year in Review
Video by Duvale Murchison Videography.
Client Testimony
Shazlyn Barnette spoke about her experiences as a graduate of the Nurse-Family Partnership program, along with her daughter Mikailyn. She shared that her experience was so impactful, that when a position became available on the NFP team, she applied and has enjoyed being able to support other mothers to be their best, just as she was by her nurse.
Hiba Salih and her mother, an elder refugee from war-torn Sudan, talked about the healthcare services she was able to receive.. Hiba is also with our partner organization, LISC Charlotte, and talked about the free Uber Health rides program for our patients.
Special Recognition
Care Ring Director of Individual Giving, Jennifer Frey, recognized and honored our donors who have given for 20 consecutive years to the organization: Dr. Kaaren Sailer (2nd from left) and her husband Toan Huynh, MD; and the United Way of Greater Charlotte, represented by Marlin Wilson and Jamese Ivy (center, 2nd from right). Also recognized were Andrea and Chris Flynn, who were unable to attend.
A Word from our Sponsors
Some of our top sponsors were invited to make remarks about their support of Care Ring and their mission. Dr. Heather R. White, who also serves on the Care Ring Board of Directors, kicked off the remarks on behalf of Presenting Sponsor, Novant Health. There were also representatives from Atrium Health, Bank of America, and UnitedHealthcare who made remarks and helped us draw door prizes for guests.
Award Presentations
Dr. Derek Raghavan, retired, was presented with the Maribelle Connerat Award, named after our founder. He was honored for his support of Atrium Health's Levine Cancer Institute joining PRO while he was at the helm, his many years of health equity and community health work, and his volunteer oncology service to the Veterans Affair Hospitals. Several of his former colleagues from LCI were also in attendance to cheer him on.
Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center was presented with the Physicians Reach Out (PRO) Practice of the Year Award for their outstanding, multi-year commitment to seeing an unlimited number of our PRO patients. Drs. Gray Norris and Emily Langley, along with Tiffany Wade accepted the award on behalf of the practice.
The Big Reveal
We wrapped up the evening by inviting those involved with the Physicians Reach Out program to come up and help us reveal how much in total donated charges have been accumulated since the program began in 2004. Pictured: representatives from Care Ring, Carolina Asthma & Allergy, Levine Cancer Institute (Atrium Health), Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates (Dr. Jewel Greywoode who also serves on our Board), and Novant Health. Pictured second from right is Dr. John Klimas, retired, who co-founded PRO.
Happy 20th Anniversary to this life-saving, life-changing program!
Other Fun Stuff
Local Charlotte entertainer, DJ Cherie Amour, kept the party flowing with her mix of old school and new school hits.
Ohh Snaps Media Group returned with their unique 360 degree videos for guests to strut their stuff and take home a unique, free souvenir.
Our small, curated silent auction featured exciting experiences and items, generated fierce competition and over $3,200 to help offset event costs.
Bites & Bevs
The Union at Station's West talented in-house chef served a delicious array of hearty Fall dishes for our guests to enjoy.
Cupcakes by local baker Sweet Pavilion added a sweet finish.
Guests imbibed with craft beer, donated by Fonta Flora Brewing, Birdsong Brewing and Adams Beverages, and fine wines donated by our Board member Stephanie Appling and her husband Damon. Non-alcoholic options were also provided.
Photo Gallery
Photos by Michelle Murchison Photography
Our events are made possible thanks to the support of our Corporate Champions. Our top investors are below.
Check out the full list here.
Thank you to our civic partner:
donated by TCHERNAVIA & WILLIAM MONTGOMERY
Thank you to our door prize donors:
If you have any questions about this event, contact jandrews@careringnc.org.