NC Nonprofit News: In Brief

United Way of York County, S.C., and US Postal Service collecting bags of food items left at mailboxes by consumers May 10 to be donated to food banks.

Gianna Manes, senior VP of regulated portfolio optimization and fuels, Duke Energy's U.S. Franchised Electric and Gas, named to board, Classroom Central, Charlotte.

Goodwill, City of Charlotte, Workforce Development Board launched Youth Job Connection, service providing summer jobs for youth ages 14-21; online registration now available.

John Rex Endowment, Raleigh, published 2007 progress report, ‘Joining Forces,' awarded total of over $6M to 39 projects during year.

Crisis Assistance Ministry, Charlotte, published 2007 annual report, noting group served 42,334 people during fiscal year.

Eastern N.C. Chapter of National Multiple Sclerosis Society raised over $550,000 during 2008 Walk MS May 3 in Raleigh.

Margaret Stover Mertz, executive director, Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts, Winston-Salem, received award from International Baccalaureate in recognition of service to the group.

N.C. Prevention Partners received two Hermes Creative Awards from Assoc. of Marketing and Communications Professionals: Platinum Award for 2008 Prevention Report Card, and Gold Award for "Starting the Conversation" tools.

N.C. Prevention Partners received two Hermes Creative Awards from Assoc. of Marketing and Communications Professionals: Platinum Award for 2008 Prevention Report Card, and Gold Award for "Starting the Conversation" tools.

Catawba Lands Conservancy hosting annual meeting, land conservation celebration, featuring guided nature walks, hayrides, geo-caching and orienteering, live music, blacksmithing, and storytelling, as well as children's activities; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., May 31, Redlair Farm and Forest, Gastonia.

Audra Marotta, accounting supervisor II in Global Finance and Strategic Support, Caterpillar, named to board of Ten Thousand Villages, Raleigh.

Career Connections & Prosperity Center, Winston-Salem, holding grand opening, open house, May 21, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

On May 6, 120 restaurants participated in Serving Greensboro Together, event aiming to raise $25,000 for Greensboro Urban Ministry.

Addison Ore, executive director, Triad Health Project, received Pam Herriott Award from UNC Center for Infectious Diseases, UNC Center for AIDS Research for contributions to fight against HIV/AIDS.

AmeriCorps members and alums in Charlotte constructing mosaic mural symbolizing peace, community and compassion in Enderly Park neighborhood to celebrate AmeriCorps Week, May 11-18; May 16 will be service projects day in support of Hyaets, nonprofit founded by AmeriCorps alumni.

Inter-Faith Council for Social Service partnering with Town of Chapel Hill, UNC-Chapel Hill, United Church of Chapel Hill, to build new men's homeless shelter.

Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro introducing "Phil the Philanthropy Pig" to encourage all to participate in giving, promote message that community philanthropy is way to address issues critical to Greensboro's future.

Julia W. Taylor, president and CEO, Mechanics and Farmer's Bank, received Banking Legend Award at Women in Banking Conference.

Nicholas Marriam, 15, Clayton and Garrie Brocato, 13, Charlotte, received $1,000 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards for volunteer efforts.

Natalie Leek-Nelson, president and CEO, Providence House, named to advisory board, Prevent Child Abuse Ohio, Cleveland.

Literacy Council of Wake County announced sponsors for 4^th Annual Black, White & Read All Over fundraiser: FFG Companies, platinum sponsor: Mulkey Engineers and Consultants, silver sponsor; News & Observer, A Perfect Day DJ, Progress Energy, WRAL5, bronze sponsors.

N.C. Council of Churches presented 2008 Distinguished Service Awards to Vernon Tyson, David Forbes, Jimmy Creech.

Hunt Broyhill, with Broyhill Asset Manageemnt, Lenoir, named board chair, N.C. Community Colleges Foundation, Raleigh.

Patricia Pleasants Lawler, former consultant, named southeastern regional associate, North Carolina Community Foundation, Wilmington.

Cameron Art Museum, Wilmington, received grant from Corning Inc. Foundation for Kids@CAM, monthly family-education program.

Abena Asante, former program officer, Moses Cone-Wesley Long Community Health Foundation, named program officer, Health Care Division, Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust, Winston-Salem.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools named "Corporate Champion Of The Year" by Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont for support of Goodwill's mission, "changing lives through the power of work."

N.C. Zoological Society seeking $6M from N.C. legislature to expand polar bear exhibit, construct children's zoo, plan improvements to African Pavilion; Society will provide $4M in private donations.

Meg Kluttz Dees, former assistant director, North Carolina Department of Commerce's Main Street Program, named VP of development, Foundation For The Carolinas, Charlotte.

Students in Global Executive program at Fuqua School of Business, Duke University, donated $10,000 to Bhagwan Mahavir Viklang Sahayata Samiti, Indian nonprofit offering free artificial limbs.

Mint Museum, Charlotte, named new staffers: Annie Carlano, Stacy Jesso, former vice presidents for development at Elon Homes for Children, named director and director of development respectively; Kristen Watts, former associate registrar for museum, named director of special projects and exhibitions.

Greensboro Urban Ministry collected $2,470.75 at Bruce Springsteen and E Street Band concert April 28^th at Greensboro Coliseum.

S. Parker, vice president for special operations and community health, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, to serve on North Carolina Health and Wellness Trust Fund Commission.

Duke Energy Carolinas partnering with North Carolina Bankers Association to support Camp Challenge, which trains middle-school students in financial literacy, reading, citizenship, leadership, speaking skills.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation kicking off fourth year of Front Porch Grants program May 13, awarding grants up to $2,500 to small projects.

Community Blood Center of the Carolinas holding blood drive 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 16-17, Harrison United Methodist Church, Pineville, for Adam Tanksley, four-year old with kidney cancer; call 704.972.4700 or visit website and enter sponsorship code "Adam."

Eastern NC office of Teach for America relocated to 324 Blackwell St, Bay 11, Durham, NC 27701; phone 919.597.7200, fax 919.597.7272.

Credit Suisse named 2007 Special Olympics North Carolina Chairman's Award in honor of commitment to Special Olympics during 2008 Plane Pull.

Marsha Stayer, Triangle-based professional organizer, named president, N.C. chapter of the National Association of Professional Organizers.

Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce received Siemens Sustainable Community Award for Midsize Community.

First Horizon celebrating breast cancer survivors with survivor trolley at Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation's 9th annual NC Triad Race for the Cure, May 3, Winston-Salem; offers ride to start line and around race track for survivors.

United Arts Council for Greater Greensboro and High Point Area Arts Council voted to support quarter-cent sales-tax referendum.

Goodwill Industries' "Cars For Work" partnering with WISH to help Charlotte's working poor with transportation needs through gas cards, bus passes, insurance assistance, money for repairs.

Enriqueta Bond, president, Burroughs Wellcome Fund, received Order of Long Leaf Pine award from state of North Carolina.

Merancas Foundation named 2008 recipient of National Assistance League School Bell Award; foundation has donated $89,000 over last 10 years.

Shodor's "Pathways to Cyberinfrastructure" program received "Partnership Award in Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education" from N.C. Science, Math and Technology Education Center.

Harris Teeter Spring Golf tournament, Charlotte, raised $215,000 to be donated to food banks across U.S.

Raleigh-Wake Human Resource Management Association received superior merit chapter designation from Society for Human Resource Management.

Truliant Federal Credit Union to hold a mini-grant information session at Haywood Duke Hall of Holy Trinity Church, Winston-Salem; to register, email majorie.rorie@truliantfcu.org.

Alice Lutz, president, Raleigh-based Oxygen: Business Planning & Development, earned Certified Fund Raising Executive certificate, recognition for fundraising professionals who show knowledge, skills, commitment to high standards of ethics in philanthropy sector.

Burke Communications developed new websites for Carolinas HealthCare Foundation to promote commitment to community, serve as primary online fundraising mechanism: http://www.givechf.org/, http://www.lchchildrensfund.org/.

Volunteer Office at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center holding 40^th anniversary luncheon May 1, Bridger Field House, Winston-Salem.

Wake Radiology Oncology Services sponsoring American Cancer Society's 2008 Wake County Relay For Life events.

N.C. Community Development Initiative, Raleigh, welcomes new staffers: Angela Poole, former audit manager at Cherry, Bekaert & Holland, named chief financial officer; Aundra Wallace, former executive director of Miami Dade Empowerment Trust, named senior VP of commercial real estate; Sherrill Hampton, former executive director, Neighborhood Housing Services, named senior VP of residential development.

YWCA Central Carolinas raised $8M for YWCA Families Together homeless housing program, exceeding goal by $500,000.

Blue Water Spa sponsoring Strut 08, fashion event benefiting Interact of Wake County, nonprofit serving victims of domestic violence, sexual assault.

Tiffany & Co. hosted Dinner of Champions "Keys for a Cause" April 12 to raise money for multiple sclerosis in Charlotte.

Crisis Control Ministry celebrated 35^th anniversary with April 5 Gala; board member J. Kirk Glenn recognized for service, dedication.

Stop Hunger Now, Raleigh-based international relief group, sent shipment of 278,000 meals to Haiti in response to food crisis, riots.

Black Family Land Trust, Durham group working to preserve black-owned land, North Carolina land trust coalition.

Teach for America Week, April 14-18, features North Carolina leaders as guest teachers in state's lowest-income communities; participants include Rep. Walter Jones, Burt's Bees CEO John Replogle, Progress Energy executive Hilda Pinnix-Ragland, Julius Chambers, founder of state's first integrated law firm.

Susan Jenkins, executive director, Cherokee Preservation Foundation, received Louis T. Delgado Distinguished Grantmaker Award from Native Americans in Philanthropy.

Fifth Letter, graphic-design studio, Winston-Salem, launched grant program for nonprofits; applications due May 30.

YWCA Families Together, housing program for homeless families, YWCA Park Road facility, Charlotte, holding ribbon-cutting April 15.

Maya Angelou, poet, named honorary member, board of trustees, North Carolina School of the Arts, Winston-Salem.

North Carolina Zoo, Asheboro, named 2008 recipient of North Carolina Sustainable Energy Champion Award at N.C. Sustainable Energy Conference in recognition of nearly 20 years of environmental stewardship, energy efficiency, alternative fuels, renewable energy.

Durham's Partnership for Children, Volunteer Center of Durham hosting early-literacy effort during Week of the Young Child April 13-19; volunteers to read to young children across Durham County.

State Employees' Credit Union Foundation, Raleigh, partnering with North Carolina National Guard Educational Foundation to provide $10,000 scholarship at UNC System school and $5,000 scholarship to school within the North Carolina Community College System.

Charlotte Lesbian and Gay Fund accepting grant applications from nonprofits supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender community.

Festival in the Park, Wing Haven Gardens & Bird Sanctuary, Carolina Raptor Center, received 2008 Stanford Financial Excellence in Culture Awards, including total of $45,000.

House of Mercy, Charlotte, raised over $32,000 during 15^th Annual Walk for AIDS, held April 5^th.

Laura Lewis, top assistant technology specialist, Wake County Public Schools, named Kenan Fellow for 2008-10 in Kenan Fellows Program, New Voices Foundation Partnership.

Presbyterian Hospital and Novant Health employees, Charlotte, celebrated 10th anniversary by building Habitat for Humanity house.

Alexander Youth Network fundraising luncheon raised over $620,000 for children's mental health services in Charlotte.

Babcock Graduate School of Management, Wake Forest University, hosted Elevator competition in which MBA students prepared two-minute "elevator ride pitches" for venture capitalists.

Stone Circles and OpenSource Leadership Strategies launched "Sustainability and Solidarity: Deepening Social Justice Leadership for These Times," program to strengthen ties between 18 North Carolina social-change agents.

Ravanel B. Curry III, president and co-founder Eagle Capital Management, named trustee, The Duke Endowment, Charlotte.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation launched new website.

LEARN NC website development team received 2008 21^st Century Best Practice Distance Learning Award from N.C. Distance Learning Association.

Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, Wake Education Partnership to propose inter-local agreement between Board of Education, Board of Commissioners to focus on student performance for all students, strengthen commitment to improve student achievement, close achievement gaps, align responsibility and accountability for growth.

Mort Congleton, executive director, Wake Tech Foundation, named vice president of development.

Sean Graham, former senior vice president, French West Vaughan Public Relations, named communications strategist, Cary Visual Art.

Lisa Van Deman, former senior consultant, National Children's Museum, named executive director, North Carolina Arts in Action, Chapel Hill.

 

GrantProse Inc., Garner, launched new website with links to web resources, forum.

Spare Some for Autism, Raleigh, raised $25,000 at first Celebrity/CEO Kids Bowling Challenge with live, silent auctions.

Carolina for Kibera to receive "Reflections of Hope Award" from Oklahoma City National Monument and Museum in recognition of  work in ethnic reconciliation and humanitarian work in Kibera, Kenya.

Cape Fear Literacy Council seeking volunteers to tutor adults in reading, writing, math or English as second language; council to provide training, learning materials, study rooms, resource library, computer lab.

Leadership Greensboro Seniors collected 28,355 pounds of food, $1,288 at grocery stores for food drive benefiting Greensboro Urban Ministry; second food drive scheduled for April 4-5.

N.C. Center for Nonprofits accepting nominations for 2008 Nonprofit Sector Stewardship Awards; applications due April 30.

Gopal H. Badlani, vice chair of urology, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, honored by International Volunteers in Urology for contributions in India, Africa, South America.

Employees of Hutchens, Senter and Britton law firm raised $1,313 for cancer research during V Foundation "Show Your Spirit" campaign.

United Way of Greater Greensboro's African American Leadership partnering with Belk to provide prom ensembles for local girls in need, Belk Charity Day, May 3.

Melva Fager Okun, director of NC Preventions Partners' Healthy Hospital Initiative, named Health Hero by Triangle Business Journal.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation accepting grant applications from nonprofits serving area children; applications online.

Rural Venture Fund, N.C. Rural Economic Development Center, Raleigh, investing $350,000 in VX Aerospace Corp. of Morganton; investment is fourth from Rural Venture Fund.

Olivia Davis, Spanish and health teacher, Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Coalition of North Carolina, Durham, named Hispanic outreach coordinator.

Artspace sculptor Paris Alexander completed sculpture of North Carolina imagery in collaboration with fourth graders at Raleigh's Hope Elementary; sculpture presented to school as gift.

George H. Franck, retired director of employee and occupational health services, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, received 2008 Meritorious Service Award from American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

Winston-Salem State University named to President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll by Corporation for National and Community Service in recognition of service efforts on behalf of disadvantaged youth.

Transforming Our Community Charity Auction raised more than $30,000 for Family Violence and Rape Crisis, Chatham County Arts Council.

New Kraft Family YMCA, Apex, to hold ribbon-cutting ceremony, March 28; facility opens April 1.

United Way of Central Carolinas and Family Financial Literacy Coalition hosting Refund Roundup Days, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., March 29, April 19; individuals can receive free tax preparation.

Wake Education Partnership launched 2008 Annual Campaign of Public Education with goal of raising $1M by June 30.

Former Gov. Jim Holshouser, and Ron Kimble, deputy city manager of Charlotte, named to board of directors of N.C. League of Municipalities Local Leadership Foundation.

2008 Project Homeless Connect, workshop featuring housing-crisis services, to be held April 9, LJVM Coliseum Annex, Winston-Salem, with goal of helping people who are homeless or experiencing housing crisis.

Edwin L. Welch, Jr., received 2008 Paul Fulton Tocqueville Leadership Award from United Way of Forsyth County; B/E Aerospace received 2008 R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Community Service Award.

Edwin L. Welch, president of I.L. Long Construction Company, named board chair, United Way of Forsyth County.

Michelle Speas, vice president of development and external relations, Old Salem Museums and Gardens, received two awards: named "Fundraiser of the Year" by Fundraising Success; named one of the"40 Leaders Under 40" by Business Journal of the Triad.

Winston-Salem District Women's Home, Overseas Missionaries Society of St. John AME Zion Church collected 230 used cell phones to be refurbished and donated by Verizon Wireless to domestic-violence agencies.

Holy Angels, Belmont nonprofit serving mentally, physically disabled, announced staff changes, promotions: Kerri Massey named chief program officer; Shannon Prince named vice president of clinical services; Nancy Nance named vice president of community relations; Jennifer Sheely named vice president of Holy Angels Foundation; Gaye Dimmick named director of creative arts.

Durham's Partnership for Children, Blue Cross Blue Shield of N.C., held corporate champions for children forum for local businesses, early childhood education.

RoxAnne Miller, former executive director of conservancy, Kansas Land Trust, named chief operating officer, Catawba Lands Conservancy.

Old Salem Museum and Gardens, Winston-Salem, received three awards from North Carolina Museums Council: 2008 Service Award for Staff Contributions for work of Harold Eugene Moore; Best Exhibit Catalog award; Best Event Promotion award.

Triangle United Way honored companies who aiding in its annual campaign at Happy Ending Celebration and Annual Awards Event.

Robertson, Medlin and Blocker PLLC, Greensboro, coached students involved in the Wade Edwards High School Mock Trial Competition.

Ray Price Harley-Davidson, Raleigh, conducting second annual Easter-basket drive benefiting local underprivileged children through March. 21; baskets to be distributed during police-escorted motorcycle ride.

Kate Dixon, former director of Land for Tomorrow, named first executive director, Friends of Mountains-to-Sea.

Leadership Greensboro Seniors conducting semi-annual food drives benefiting Greensboro Urban Ministry, March 28-29, April 4-5; volunteers collecting food at participating grocery store locations in Greensboro.

Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts, Winston-Salem released biennial report. 

Jim Fryling, associate general counsel and senior litigation manager, Redwoods Group, named to corporate advisory board, Action for Children N.C.

James C. Harper School of Performing Arts to move offices, programs to former education building of College Avenue Baptist Church in Lenoir.

Volunteer Center of Durham to coordinate county-wide Personal Hygiene Drive for children in Durham County in April.

Assistance League of Charlotte hosted a group of political, social women leaders from Iraq to discuss philanthropic goals.

Carolina for Kibera named recipient of 2008 Reflections of Hope award by Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum.

N.C. Attorney General Roy Cooper to present Donna Stone and Blue Ribbon Parent Awards at Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina's statewide conference.

Ken Thompson, President and CEO, Wachovia, named board chair, Foundation For the Carolinas, Charlotte; three board members named: Angela Bower, Union County civic leader; James E. Rogers, Duke Energy president and CEO; Lori Levine Sklut, Mecklenburg County civic leader.

YWCA of the Greater Triangle hosting reception for Folami Bandele, new executive director, March 25, 4:30-6 p.m., 554 E. Hargett St., Raleigh; RSVP to dwatkins@ywcatriangle.org.

Room At the Inn, Charlotte maternity, aftercare program, named five to board of directors:

- Colleen Brannan, president, BRANSTORM PR & Marketing

- Catrina Conway, training, development analyst, Hewitt Associates

- Lacy Dodd, business solutions manager, Bank of America

- Thomas McGahey, audit director, Wachovia

- Daniel O'Neill, corporate and investment banking technologies representative, Wachovia.

Food Shuttle, Durham, partnering with Share Our Strength, national childhood hunger organization, to launch Operation Frontline nutrition education program benefiting low-income communities throughout central North Carolina.

Durham's Partnership for Children received clean audit rating by Office of State Auditor.

Gregory Poole Marine, Beaufort marine pleasure-craft dealer, sponsoring RHA Howell Care Center's "Kicking Back at the Vineyard," fundraiser, May 10, Pine Level.

Sam Atkins promoted to assistant vice president of North Carolina Bankers Association, Raleigh; also serves community affairs coordinator, editor of Carolina Banker magazine.

Junior League of Raleigh received first Commitment Award from SAFEchild, Raleigh, for dedication to eliminating child abuse.

YWCA, Winston-Salem, to host "Enchanted Prom Memories Program," giveaway providing prom clothing for low-income girls, March 15, 29.

Class at UNC Chapel Hill accepting applications for grants of $2,500 or less through March 17 for education of low-income students, animal rescue; for info, email.

Three employees of United Way of Central Carolinas, Charlotte, completed Six Sigma training for organizational improvement: Janine Boudreau, director, research and strategic planning, received "black belt;" Diane Wright, senior vice president, resource development, Shannon Young, vice president, resource development, received "green belts."

N.C. Academy of Trial Lawyers, Raleigh, sponsored training for more than 100 attorneys to volunteer legal help for low-income families facing mortgage foreclosure; homeowners facing foreclosure can call Homeowner's Hope Hotline, 888.995.HOPE, Legal Aid of North Carolina, 866.219.LANC.

Nestlé Purina PetCare, International Kennel Club of Chicago raised record $322,863 for American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation, Raleigh.

United Way of America retained Clarity Group, Chapel Hill, N.C., to develop customer relationship management competency for national organization and 11 local groups nationwide; 18-month effort involves agencies in Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Cincinnati, Columbus, Ohio, Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Richmond, Va., and Tucson.

Triangle-based Child Care Services Association honoring two local elected officials, five educators for leadership, commitment to early childhood education: Durham County Commissioner Ellen Reckhow, Congressman David Price to be honored; educators to be announced at Annual Triangle Child Care Awards Breakfast, March 7, 8-9:30 a.m., Sheraton Imperial Hotel & Convention Center. Call Sarah Corica 919.969.1935.

Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust, Winston-Salem, published 2007 annual report; awarded 140 grants totaling $19.7M.

High Point University, Bob Brown United Way accepting applications from United Way clients, volunteers for four-year scholarship to High Point University through April 15; valued at $5,000 a year; contact Bobby Smith, 919.883.4127.

Arts & Science Council, Charlotte, raised $11,224,626 during 2008 Annual Fund Drive; drive co-chaired by Ann Caulkins, president and publisher of Charlotte Observer and Bob Hambright, CEO, Balfour Beatty Construction.

Wake County Weatherization Program providing free low-flow shower heads to homeowners at or below 150 percent of federal poverty level; can cut water use 50-70 percent, saving a family of four $250 annually.

Junction Gang Camp, Randleman, received $228,142.43 in proceeds from eBay auction of 43^rd 2008 Didge Challenger SRT8, purchased by Richard Martin, Delaplane, Va.

N.C. Outdoor Advertising Association donated 26 billboards to N.C. Bar Association to promote Public Service Days, April 4.

N.C. Prevention Partners, Chapel Hill, and State Board of Education announced resolution to reduce childhood obesity by improving schools' nutrition, physical education, environments, programs.

Robertson, Medlin & Blocker attorneys, Raleigh, donated time and money to support Wade Edwards High School Mock Trial Competition; Adrienne Blocker served as co-regional director and evaluative judge.

Greater Greensboro CROP Hunger Walk raised $185,000.

Bethlehem Center hosts information session on April 3 for Bethlehem Center Carolina Challenge, 12-hour dance event on Sept. 6 to raise funds for Bethlehem Center children.

Recruiting firm One Source, Raleigh, sponsoring 23^rd annual A Toast to the Triangle, fundraising event for Tammy Lynn Memorial Foundation, which supports Tammy Lynn Center for Developmental Disabilities.

Marbles Kids Museum, Raleigh, opening IdeaWorks gallery, with help from N.C. State's College of Design, March 8; exhibit encourages children to design, construct from imaginations, follow blueprints, plans.

Friends of Residents in Long Term Care, Raleigh, retained Paula A. Wolf as lobbyist for 2008 legislative session.

Hospice & Palliative CareCenter commemorated tenth anniversary of Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home, Winston-Salem.

Alexandra Forter Sirota, former Fellow in Economic Security, Action for Children North Carolina, named director of policy and research; previously served as community affairs analyst, Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

Autism Speaks, UNC-Chapel Hill to provide autism research update, April 5 at UNC-Charlotte; call 888.777.6227 x7357, or carolinas@autismspeaks.org.

Urban League of Central Carolinas, Charlotte, seeks nominees for Unsung Hero Award recognizing local people whose community commitment has gone unrecognized; see website.

United Cerebral Palsy Association chose Easter Seals UCP N.C., Raleigh, to participate in UCP Ticket to Work Project, employment program for people with disabilities.

IntraHealth International, Chapel Hill, launched $275,000 18-month media project to strengthen Rwandan government's commitment to family planning, reproductive health.

Winston-Salem State University's Division of University Advancement received Excellence Award from Council for Advancement and Support of Education in annual reports category for District III.

Students at North Carolina School of the Arts, Winston-Salem, excelled at Grammy Awards, Prix de Lausanne, Metropolitan Opera's National Council Auditions.

* Cellist Kendall Ramseur, violinist Angela Michelle Story played in 2008 Grammy Awards orchestra, Los Angeles

* Tenor René Barbera won Metropolitan Opera's National Council Auditions, New York

* Dancer Kyle Davis won Grand Prize at the Prix de Lausanne, Switzerland

Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle, Chapel Hill, hosting Competition for Young String Soloists, April 4-6, Meredith College Raleigh, with prizes totaling $15,000; sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of N.C. Details online.

2008 Kenan Writers' Encounters, Winston-Salem, to host all-star panel of writers, environmentalists April 12-22.

Landon J. Adams, former executive director, Triangle Lost Generation Task Force, joined Community Development Associates consulting firm.

Eighth annual "Art With Heart" auction, Charlotte, raised $138,000 for United Family Services' domestic violence program.

Triad Health Project's "Oscar Night America" party, Greensboro, raised over $4,000.

Urban League of Central Carolinas and Run and Shoot Fireworks Inc. sponsoring Charlotte African-American Film Festival, Sept. 19-21.

Historic organ to be rededicated at Salem Academy, Winston-Salem, in recognition of gift by James Andrew, Hancock family.

Rene Barbera, A.J. Fletcher Foundation Scholar at N.C. School of the Arts, named grand winner, Metropolitan Opera National Council grand finals concert.

WaterPartners International, Raleigh, raised more than $100,000 for clean water in developing countries at Triangle "Water for Life" event.

Myers Park Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, launched $30M campaign for local, global outreach, partnerships, campus expansion.

Randall Williams, Raleigh, received Humanitarian Award from Triangle Red Cross for efforts to improve healthcare in Iraq.

N.C. Treasurer's Office sponsoring NC Saves Week, Feb. 24 to Mar. 2, to encourage residents to save money.

United Arts Council of Raleigh, Wake County, and Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce presented Business Support of the Arts awards.

Child Care Services Association, Chapel Hill, recognized as Quality Assured agency by Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies.

Ten Thousand Villages of Raleigh was second highest-performing company store in U.S. for 2007.

United Way of Cumberland County named four winners for 2007-08 Community Impact Response Grants.

Ruth Shaw, of Duke Energy, and Harry Jones, Mecklenburg County Manager, received Whitney M. Young, Jr. Award from Urban League of Central Carolinas, Charlotte.

Thomas Walsh, retired UNC-Charlotte professor, to match dollar for dollar every donation to Crisis Assistance Ministry, Charlotte, until Apr. 30.

Regional AIDS Interfaith Network to mark Black Church Week of Prayer for Healing of AIDS with special worship service, Mar. 8., 7 p.m., Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Charlotte.

N.C. Center for Public Policy Research, Raleigh, named new board members: Betty Craven, Natalie English, Ken Eudy.

Alliance Medical Ministry, nonprofit serving working uninsured, opened new Raleigh facility.

N.C. Folic Acid Campaign won National Birth Defects Education, Prevention Award for its Latino Education Campaign.

Peter Pessetto representing Triangle Soccer Development Inc., Triangle Adult Soccer League, in seeking land for athletics complex.