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INSIDE ▼ Pat's Place reaches 20-year mark PAGE 3A Friday, August 8, 2025 • Vol. 25 • No. 32
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SouthPark businesses support Communities in Schools CHARLOTTE – Charlotte Marriott SouthPark was scheduled to transform into a pop-up supply shop and celebration for Communities In Schools of Charlotte-Mecklen burg coordinators on Aug. 6 thanks to the support of the SouthPark business community’s giving group, SouthPark Serves.
Each coordinator was expected to leave the event with classroom incentives, student resources and supplies they have personally selected to create positive, engaging
learning environments. “SouthPark Serves embodies the spirit of our community, bringing people together for a meaningful cause that strengthens our neighborhoods,” said Adam Rhew, president and CEO of SouthPark Community Partners. “We are proud to partner with CIS to support students and families across Charlotte, and are grateful to the SouthPark business community for its enthusiastic participation.” Participating companies include AC, Marriott & Renaissance
SouthPark, Albemarle Corporation, Allen Tate Real Estate | Howard Hanna Charlotte-SouthPark, Awedience Media, Calle Sol Latin Café, Carolina Ascent FC, Coca-Cola Consolidated, Courtyard Charlotte SouthPark, DoubleTree Suites Charlotte SouthPark, Elements Massage SouthPark, FA Wealth Advisors, Field Pea Catering, Food Lion, Golden Cow Creamery, Huntington Bank, Hyatt Centric SouthPark, The Indigo Road Hospitality Group’s Mizu & Oak Steakhouse, The Ivey, Kendra
Scott SouthPark, Nucor, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, Simon Property Group, SouthPark Community Partners, SouthPark Magazine, SouthState and Wastequip. “These SouthPark companies are pillars of our community, and their investment sends a powerful message,” said Rhonda Bishara, director of institutional giving and communications of Communities in Schools of Charlotte-Mecklenburg. “Our students are the future workforce, and when they see local
companies showing up, they begin to see themselves in those spaces. Talent exists in every corner of our community. This kind of partnership helps make sure opportunity does too.” Communities In Schools places full-time staff inside Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to connect students with the relationships, resources and encouragement they need to succeed. This year marks the nonprofit’s 40th anniversary. It has worked alongside more than 100,000 students over the decades.
24 Hours of Booty raises $1.69M in 24th year CHARLOTTE – 24 Hours of Booty celebrated its 24th year with $1.69 million raised to date to help support cancer survivorship and patient navigation programs. Since its inception in 2002, the event has raised more than $30 million to change the course of cancer.
“We are so grateful to every rider, walker, runner, rucker, volunteer, survivor, sponsor and supporter who showed up with heart and purpose – even in the heat – to help us make an immediate impact in our cancer community,” said Katherine Murphy, executive director of 24 Foundation. “The funds raised will fuel essential cancer navigation and survivorship programs across the region.” The event brought together 1,100 registered participants and 109 teams from 23 states and three countries. They cycled, walked, ran or rucked July 25 and 26 through Charlotte’s Myers Park neighborhood. When not on the course, participants hung out in “Bootyville” (the Queens University of Charlotte soccer field) for camping, food, fun and camaraderie. There was also an ‘UnLooped” version of the event where participants created their own virtual 24 Hours of Booty experience from afar. 24 Foundation prepared for the summer heat. Cooling measures included misting fans, hydration stations, a fan wall, ice baths from Sauna Culture and 24-hour on-site medical support managed by the Charlotte Fire Department. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officers were stationed along the course to ensure the safety of participants and direct motorist traffic. Hundreds of 24 Hours of Booty volunteers powered the event. Funds raised support local cancer beneficiaries, including Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute and Levine Children’s Hospital. Donations are still being accepted for 2025 and can be made online at 24foundation.org. The top fundraising award winners include: • Team Amwins was the top team with $176,355, followed by GreerWalker
Katherine Murphy, executive director of 24 Foundation, describes 24 Hours of Booty as “a movement rooted in resilience, connection and compassion.” Photos courtesy of 24 Foundation
($78,138) and ASSA ABLOY ($69,795). • Katie Bleau broke the event record for individual fundraisers at $131,860, followed by Gary Parker ($32,570) and Perrin Desportes ($29,875). • Will Jones was the top youth fundraiser with $14,275, followed by Anna Tabor ($8,560) and Emily Walker ($5,580). • Sam Mazoway was the top child fundraiser with $16,825, followed by Patrick Reen ($6,000) and Leighton Jones ($3,645). Levine Cancer Institute was the event’s presenting sponsor. Several other companies supported the cause. Next year’s event will take place July 24 and 25.
Oaklore Distilling Co. partnership Mecktoberfest season returns to OMB to expand distribution CHARLOTTE – Oaklore Distilling Co. has formed a strategic partnership with Johnson Brothers of North Carolina, a leading wine, spirits and beer distributor.
The partnership is aimed at broadening the availability of Oaklore’s premium spirits in bars, restaurants and retailers throughout the state. “We have seen a real trend of consumers actively seeking out local spirits as their go-to everyday selections, particularly in the whiskey category,” said Thomas Bogan, co-founder of Oaklore. “From our hometown of Charlotte to Raleigh-Durham, Asheville, the Outer Banks and beyond, we’re excited to see our core range of whiskeys and specialty releases available on back bars and liquor store shelves across the state through this new partnership with Johnson Brothers. This also will serve as the foundation of our sales strategy as we expand across the U.S.” North Carolina whiskey drinkers will be able to taste a spirit that represents the Piedmont. The region experiences broad temperature swings more frequently than in Kentucky and other regions. Company officials say this results in a more consistent, year-by-year aging process that allows for a more uniform whiskey profile, with truly developed character and a richer taste. The distillery offers a wide range of spirits, including its Four Grain Bourbon, 6-year-old
Neighbors Matt Simpkins and Thomas Bogan opened Oaklore Distilling Co. in 2022.
Photo courtesy of Oaklore Distilling Co.
North Carolina Straight Rye Whiskey and their Story Series limited-edition whiskey releases, along with vodka, gin and rum. In June, Oaklore launched a charitable initiative to support Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. For every Oaklore cocktail sold at select participating bars and restaurants in the Charlotte area, the company donated $5 to the Community Foundation of Henderson County up to $10,000. Will Clements, who is NC spirits director at Johnson Brothers, said his company is thrilled to bring Oaklore spirits to more consumers throughout North Carolina. “Their commitment to craftsmanship and community aligns perfectly with our values, and we look forward to a very successful collaboration,” Clements said. On the web: oakloredistilling.com
The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery’s Mecktoberfest festival will be held at its LoSo and Ballantyne locations. Photo courtesy of OMB
CHARLOTTE – Beer fans can celebrate Oktoberfest early with the arrival of The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery’s popular seasonal release, Mecktoberfest.
The Märzen-style amber lager is brewed with traditional Munich malt, noble hops and yeast from the world’s oldest brewery. Mecktoberfest is one of the Carolinas' top-selling seasonal craft lagers and has earned multiple international honors, including two European Beer Star gold medals. To celebrate the beer’s return, OMB’s signature Mecktoberfest festival will be held at both of its locations this fall.
The party kicks off with two weekends at LoSo (Sept. 12 to14 and Sept. 19 to 21), then heads to Ballantyne for two more weekends (Oct. 3 to 5 and Oct. 10 to 12). The annual celebration transforms OMB’s biergartens into a Oktoberfest destination, complete with live German bands and music, traditional fare like warm pretzels with bier cheese, bratwurst, schnitzel; and biergarten games including steinholding competitions and dunk tanks. An updated festival food and event menu will be announced closer to the event dates. On the web: ombbeer.com