Airport Community Partnerships, supported by Charlotte Douglas International Airport, raised a record $115,384 for Freedom School Partners Summer Literacy Program at Renaissance West STEAM Academy.
Fifty-one companies, including American Airlines, Aviation Consulting Engineers, Paradies Lagardère, HMSHost and Siemens Logistics, sponsored the 2023 golf tournament, held April 2 at Ballantyne Country Club. The event sold out with 144 golfers. The City of Charlotte Aviation Department served as an in-kind sponsor, providing staff support to the planning committee.
“We are grateful that ACP chose to support Freedom School Partners and our Renaissance West scholars through this year’s golf tournament,” said Glenda Bernhardt, CEO of Freedom School Partners. “Because of the generosity of the sponsoring companies, we will be able to provide an incredible experience to 70 children who otherwise would not have access to a summer learning and enrichment program.”
Airport Community Partnerships (ACP) is comprised of companies that operate out of, are based in, or have business with Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The Airport and its business partners come together through the ACP to make a difference in the community.
The STEAM Academy serves young students from multiple schools and neighborhoods surrounding the Airport. ACP’s goal has always been to support programs that help Airport neighbors. The site at Renaissance West STEAM Academy is Freedom School’s largest, serving students from across west Charlotte. More than 84% of children maintained or gained reading ability during Freedom School in 2022. After attending Freedom School, 97% of parents reported an increase in their child’s confidence in their reading ability.
The CLT Charity Golf Tournament has raised nearly $362,000 for local nonprofit organizations since it first teed off in 2019.