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Leadership Charlotte Class of 2026

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 Leadership Charlotte – Class of 2026

Our Mission


As members of Leadership Charlotte Class of 2026, we are proud to give back to the community that we call home. Through teamwork and partnership with local organizations, we work to support projects that bring hope, healing, and positive change to Charlotte County.


Below are the projects at the heart of our mission, each one rooted in compassion, community, and lasting impact.




🐾 Animal Welfare League – Kennel Renovation Project

When selecting our class projects, we were drawn to the Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County because of the incredible impact they have on our community. Each year, AWL serves more than 3,000 animals and proudly maintains a remarkable 93% save rate, a testament to their dedication and compassion! As we learned more about their work, we also saw a critical need: their adoption kennels, now over 18 years old, are deteriorating and in urgent need of renovation. Bent metal, broken latches, cracking floors, and crumbling structures make it challenging to provide the safe, secure environment every animal deserves while waiting for their forever home.


Through this project, we are working to help AWL replace aging infrastructure with modern, safe, and comfortable kennel spaces that better support the health and well-being of the animals in their care. We believe every animal deserves a clean, secure, and compassionate place to stay while they await adoption, and we are proud to support improvements that will make a lasting difference for both the animals and the dedicated team who cares for them.

🦋 Valerie’s House – The Butterfly Garden

In addition to supporting animal welfare in our community, we were also deeply moved by the mission of Valerie’s House and the meaningful support they provide to children and families navigating grief. We chose to support their Butterfly Garden project, a peaceful outdoor sanctuary dedicated to Children’s Grief Awareness and the healing journey of grieving families. Centered around the blue butterfly, the national symbol of Children’s Grief Awareness Day, the garden will represent transformation, hope, and the powerful reminder that no child grieves alone. Families will also have the opportunity to honor loved ones through personalized memorial pavers, creating a lasting pathway of remembrance and love.


Through this project, we are proud to help create a space that is more than just a garden, it will be a place where healing can grow, memories can be honored, and children can find comfort in community. We believe in the importance of providing safe, meaningful environments for emotional healing, and we are honored to support a project that will offer lasting hope and support to families throughout Charlotte County.

Join the Fun & Make a Difference

 Join us for our first signature fundraising event, Home is Where the Heart Is - Corn Hole Tournament, hosted by Leadership Charlotte Class of 2026!
When: Sunday, March 29th at 5:00PM
Where: The Twisted Fork
 
We’re bringing our community together for an afternoon of fun, friendly competition, and giving back. Proceeds from this event (along with raffle tickets, sponsorships, and donations) will directly support our two class projects benefiting the Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County and Valerie’s House.
 
👉 Explore the opportunities below to register, purchase raffle tickets, sponsor the event, or make a donation.


 🌽 Cornhole Tournament


 Join Leadership Charlotte Class of 2026 for a fun, family-friendly Cornhole Tournament at Twisted Fork on Sunday, March 29! This laid-back community event is perfect for players of all skill levels, whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just playing for laughs. Registration is $25 per person (bring your own partner), and participants can enjoy cash prizes, great food, and an afternoon of friendly competition while supporting meaningful local causes. Every toss helps us move closer to building kennels for Animal Welfare League and creating a healing butterfly garden for Valerie’s House.

                      Click here for player registration!


Support our community while showcasing your business by becoming a Cornhole Tournament sponsor. Sponsorship opportunities provide valuable visibility at the event and help Leadership Charlotte Class of 2026 raise funds for Animal Welfare League and Valerie’s House. Whether you’re a local business or an individual looking to make a larger impact, your partnership helps turn this fun community event into lasting change.

                   Click here for Sponsorship opportunities!
 

 ❤️ “Home is Where the Heart Is” Main Event


  Save the date for our signature celebration, Home is Where the Heart Is, happening Saturday, June 13. This inspiring evening will bring our community together to celebrate compassion, hope, and new beginnings while raising critical funds for Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County and Valerie’s House. Guests can expect a memorable night filled with connection, purpose, and opportunities to directly support projects that will create safe spaces for both grieving children and animals in need.
 
More details coming soon!               


Click here to donate!
 

  🍾 Booze Wagon Raffle


Raise a glass for a great cause with our Old Fashioned–inspired Booze Wagon Raffle. This one-of-a-kind prize features a curated collection of premium bourbons, whiskeys, and spirits, along with the classic tools and ingredients needed to craft the perfect Old Fashioned at home. Raffle tickets are $20 each or 6 for $100, and every entry helps support Leadership Charlotte Class of 2026’s projects benefiting Animal Welfare League and Valerie’s House. The winner will be drawn at our June event, and you do not need to be present to win.


Click here to get your tickets now!
 

From all of us in Leadership Charlotte Class of 2026, thank you for visiting our page and supporting the work we are so proud to be a part of.  Your encouragement, generosity, and community spirit help turn these projects into lasting impact.


With sincere appreciation,

Leadership Charlotte Class of 2026


A program of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce