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Upcoming Luncheons
October 8
John Ahrens
Chief Meteorologist
wsoctv.com
John Ahrens, an Emmy Award-winning meteorologist and AMS Certified Broadcast meteorologist, joined the Eyewitness News weather team in 2006. He has extensive experience covering severe weather events and became Severe Weather Center 9’s Chief Meteorologist in 2024. Outside work, he enjoys running, sports, and singing.
october 15
Dr. Sharon Gaber,
Chancellor, UNC Charlotte
Sharon L. Gaber, Ph.D., became UNC Charlotte’s fifth chancellor in 2020. As the university’s first female chancellor, she is leading the school in a 10-year strategic plan, elevating the university’s national ranking while actively engaging in community and national leadership roles. Gaber is the first UNC System chancellor to serve as a member of Excelencia in Education’s Presidents for Latino Student Success.
october 22
Andy ellen,
NCRMA President and general counsel
Andy Ellen, NCRMA President and General Counsel, leads efforts to promote a positive retail environment. He’s been repeatedly recognized for his lobbying effectiveness and achievements in the retail industry, both locally and nationally.
october 29
April whitlock,
Head of corporate citizenship, lendingtree; and Executive Director, LendingTree Foundation
April Whitlock is Head of Corporate Citizenship and Executive Director of the LendingTree Foundation, roles she has held since 2020. With over 20 years at LendingTree, she drives strategic giving initiatives and volunteers extensively in her community. April is a Duke graduate and an accomplished community leader.
2024 First Responders Scholarship Luncheon
The Rotary Club of Charlotte’s 22nd Annual 9-11 Scholarship Fundraising Event will be held Friday, September 13th at Charlotte City Club, 121 W Trade St, 32nd Floor.
Following the events of 9-11, Charlotte Rotary committed to providing support through a scholarship fund for the children of the first responders who protect and serve our community. Since 2002 our club has awarded over 90 multi-year scholarships to families of Charlotte-Mecklenburg first responders!
This year, our goal is to raise $75,000, and you can help through sponsorships, general donations, and attending this year’s scholarship luncheon.
Celebrating MECK-DEC Day
The Rotary Club of Charlotte celebrated Meck-Dec Day, May 20th.
The citizens of Mecklenburg County declared their independence on May 20th 1775, a full year before the nation as a whole did. The Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence was delivered to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia by Captain James Jack.
NEWS
Kim Brattain becomes
the 108th President of Charlotte Rotary
Since the Rotary Year run from July 1 to June 30, a ceremony was held on June 25, 2024 to celebrate President Edwin’s (Peacock) outstanding year, and to install President Kim (Brattain) as the 108th President of Charlotte Rotary.
Kim is the Founder, Owner, and CEO of Kim Brattain Media, a video and film production company in Charlotte, NC. Kim, a former Emmy Award-winning news anchor, founded Kim Brattain Media in 2008 to create compelling videos that elevate businesses. Under her leadership, the company has garnered 32 Telly Awards, nine Muse Awards, two Davey Awards, and numerous film festival accolades. Kim joined Charlotte Rotary on March 15, 2016. Since the beginning, she has been a dedicated and dynamic club member, bringing her leadership and vision to every project and Chair position she undertakes. Her commitment to service and community engagement is evident through her numerous contributions at both the club and district levels. Her passion for Rotary’s mission and her drive for excellence make her an inspiring leader, poised to lead our club to new heights. Kim is married to Allison Clark and is the mother of three grown children, including Sarah Kathryn Clark, a founding member of our satellite group, the Leadership Impact Group.