by Maggy Castellaneta

For years, the South has been considered a gracious, giving place.  The term “Southern Hospitality” didn’t just fall from the sky.  Kind, gentle and never willing to let a friend or neighbor “go without,” these are the characteristics that described Southerners generations ago and it’s good to know that, though times change, human nature remains.

Charlotte has been named one of the top ten most generous cities in the United States, based on a study done by Intuit Inc. (creators of TurboTax).  Whether it means donating clothes or money, our charitable citizens really come through.  While there are a number of nationwide charities that do great things, Charlotte and the Carolinas have some pretty amazing local charities, the proceeds of which reach thousands of people.

Whether you’re an individual, corporation or non-profit organization, it’s important to make sure that you do what you can to make positive changes.  While donating (be it time, money or support) to any cause is a key part what makes us human(e), it’s good to get a little something in return for one’s good deeds.  One of the more favorable charity tax treatments comes from Foundation for The Carolinas.  As one of the largest community foundations in the country, the FFTC has been heavily involved in the growth of our community by pushing individuals to make the changes needed to better it.

“Task Force on CMS” is one of the FFTC’s newest undertakings, which will assist and hold accountable the public school system for the changes needed to accommodate its increasing student body (assuming 54,000 new students by 2015).  A strong union, it’s headed by 16 powerhouses from Harvey Gantt to Bank of America’s highest corporate members, ensuring strong leadership for a cause that will affect our community’s future.

The Foundation for The Carolinas’ first donation came nearly 50 years ago from the United Way.  Since its beginnings, the FFTC has teamed up with the United Way of Central Carolinas, focusing to improve the quality life for children in the area.  A major catalyst for this cause has been Success By 6, a program that ensures children under six years old are prepared to enter school, giving them a head start on a great educational future.  Success By 6 calls upon corporate executives, public officials and government figures to focus on early childhood development and make available the necessary tools for children to succeed.

United Way of Central Carolinas has a program called CommunityWorks, which will use its funding to strengthen the health and human services in Cabarrus, Union and Mecklenburg counties.  In past years, the organization used funds to educate staff, volunteers and the agencies being used to improve the community, to better-inform them of the specific needs in the area.  United Way of Central Carolinas also introduced the Motorsports Initiative, using the popularity of motor sports in North Carolina to gain awareness for United Way and hopefully further broaden the realm of donors, to the Fund.

Of course, charity is nothing new to motor sports.  A shining example is the Speedway Children’s Charities, based in Charlotte and founded by the Chairman of Speedway Motorsports.  Benefiting children all over the country from the Girl Scouts in Bristol to the YMCA of Southern Nevada, Speedway Charities makes donating a joy ride.  By hosting events such as the world premiere of Disney-Pixar’s “CARS” at Lowe’s Motor Speedway and a formal cocktail party, spotlighting jewelry from some of the world’s foremost designers, the charity was able to grant nearly $600 thousand to Charlotte charities and more than $2 million, nationwide, benefiting children all over the country.

Another great kid-centered charity is The Spokes Group.  Over their twelve-year history, the Spokes Group has donated over 14,000 bikes to the Boys & Girls Club, Right Moves for Youth and the Salvation Army, just to name a few.  Not only does this program help children who may be denied a privilege as basic as having a bicycle; it also gives a safe, simple form of exercise to the increasingly sedentary lifestyles of children growing up in a time where visual stimulation often seems a little more interesting than fresh air.

No matter what charity or cause you support, it’s important to involve yourself with this ever-changing city.  With its physical growth and progression, Charlotte is getting closer and closer to being a true cosmopolitan city.  With the changes that will come all-too-quickly to Charlotte, its giving nature cannot be forgotten.  One thing that separates the Southeast from the Northeast is our gentility, which will stay intact as long as we remember our beginnings, our “Southern Hospitality.”

The contributions that we’re making are already influencing changes in our community.  We’re strengthening education, strengthening our youth and, hopefully, making a stronger city.  With our efforts, surely, we’ll remain one of the most generous cities in the country…and not just based on our tax returns.