2012 Democratic National Convention Official BBQ Sauces at the 7th Street Public Market Reopening
Posted on 05/15/2012 @ 06:00 PM
PHOTO GALLERY: Official BBQ Sauces of the 2012 Democratic National Convention
On Saturday, the Charlotte in 2012 Convention Host Committee joined local small businesses and vendors at the 7th Street Public Market reopening in Uptown Charlotte to promote the official BBQ sauces of the 2012 Democratic National Convention. The sauces were made available for sale in person for the very first time at this event. Pictures from the event can be found here.
The winners of the contest to become the official BBQ sauces of the Convention are:
• Dan Huntley of Pig Pucker BBQ: Mustard-based Sauce Winner
• Mark Cieslikowski of Q2U Catering: Vinegar-based Sauce Winner
• Sabra Kelley of 12 Bones Smokehouse: Tomato-based Sauce Winner
The three winning sauce makers at the 7th St Market Reopening. Dan Huntley, the winner of the mustard-based sauce, provided pork for people to sample each sauce and Peter Reinhart, Chef on Assignment for Johnson & Wales University, conducted a cooking using the tomato-based sauce on his signature barbeque chicken pizza.
In February, Charlotte in 2012 called upon sauce makers to compete to become the convention’s official BBQ sauces. Expert advice was collected from BBQ experts from North Carolina and South Carolina on how to judge the sauces.
The tomato-based, vinegar-based, and mustard-based sauce entries were judged accordingly and the three winning sauces are being sold together as part of the convention’s grassroots fundraising efforts in Charlotte in 2012’s online merchandise store.
RELATED: Watch the BBQ Sauce Announcement Video
Vendor Directory Success Story: Kelly Koeppel
Posted on 05/15/2012 @ 04:15 PM
By Kelly Koeppel, founder of K2forma
Excited for the DNC to come to Charlotte, I was looking at CharlotteIn2012.com this past fall when I discovered I could register as a vendor. The process was straightforward and it took only a few minutes. I signed up for e-mail alerts, which include Requests For Proposals for many different needs. This is how I learned about the RFP for creative services, which led to our co-winning the bid. It was our creativity and passion that was recognized by the Charlotte in 2012 Convention Host Committee.
Founded in 2007, k2forma is a creative agency focused on designing and storytelling. We’re lean and nimble and fast on our feet. We work smart, we tell stories, and we solve problems. We build websites, create brands, make films, take pictures, and whatever else it takes to tell a compelling story to a media-rich culture.
Those who hire us appreciate that we’re not a ‘one size fits all’ agency. Our creativity and passion makes us uniquely suited to connect with the hard-to-reach, giving representation to the under-represented. These are just some of the reasons why k2forma was founded. We’re a small business and we’re proud to be different.
We’ve had the opportunity to work with Charlotte in 2012 to design their logo and create other creative branding materials for the Host Committee. Right now we’re thick in the design process for additional Charlotte in 2012 collateral that the world will see during convention week.
We’re thrilled to be a part of this exciting event in Charlotte and hoping to translate our passion and creativity into a memorable experience for Charlotte during the Democratic National Convention.
RELATED: Register in the Charlotte in 2012 Vendor Directory
Know Your Carolina BBQ
Posted on 05/11/2012 @ 04:15 PM
The Charlotte in 2012 Convention Host Committee recently held a contest to pick the Convention’s official BBQ sauces, the winners of which can be purchased here. We figured that this would be a good time to provide a primer on the different BBQ styles of the Carolinas. The Carolinas boast a proud rivalry in their different approaches to BBQ sauces and preparation. BBQ in the Carolinas is usually pork and is served pulled, shredded, or chopped. The pork is slow-cooked and smoked, generally for a minimum of 16-18 hours at a very low temperature.
Eastern Carolina BBQ typically uses the “whole hog”, where the entire pig is cooked and the meat from all parts of the pig are chopped and mixed together. Eastern Carolina sauce is a thin, vinegar and pepper based sauce and is used both as a “mop” (or baste) on the meat while it is cooking, and then as a finishing sauce at table side.
Western North Carolina BBQ is typically made only from the pork shoulder and uses a thicker, sweetened tomato-based sauce that is often called "dip".
South Carolina BBQ is often “whole hog” and typically uses a sauce made from a mix of yellow mustard, vinegar, sugar, and spices. In February, the Charlotte in 2012 Convention Host Committee called upon BBQ sauce makers to compete to become the convention’s official mustard- vinegar- and tomato-based BBQ sauces to showcase the different BBQ styles from around the Carolinas and be sold in Charlotte in 2012’s online merchandise store.
Those in the Charlotte area will have an opportunity to try the winning sauces on Saturday, May 12th from 11:00 am -1:00 pm at the 7th Street Public Market in Charlotte and purchase the BBQ pack merchandise – an apron, oven mitt and, of course, the three official sauces of the 2012 Democratic National Convention.
The sales of the “Flavor of the Carolinas” sauces are part of a grassroots fundraising effort, the proceeds of which go toward funding the convention. Charlotte in 2012 is the first Host Committee in modern convention history to not accept monetary contributions from corporations, lobbyists, or political action committees. Instead, monetary contributions now come from foundations and charitable organizations, and individuals like those who purchase these winning sauces online.
Healthy Weight, Healthy Child Summit
Posted on 05/10/2012 @ 04:15 PM
“The children are our future” isn’t just a line from a song. It’s a new effort underway to promote healthy living for young people in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County as well as addressing childhood obesity. The Healthy Weight, Healthy Child initiative is part of a bigger community action plan called The Blueprint for a Healthier Generation, 2020.
The goal is to promote and encourage active living and healthy eating for all children and their families. The Host Committee for the 2012 Convention supports this important issue by including it as one of its Legacy initiatives: Healthy Children; Healthy Families.
On May 15, you’re invited to join in and learn more at a Community Health Summit at UNC Charlotte. The daylong event is free, (along with your parking, breakfast, and lunch!) but you do need to register. To participate, go to http://charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/HealthDepartment/TopNews/Pages/2012CommunityHealthSummit.aspx
Later in the month – on May 20 – DVA Charlotte digs into its third Legacy volunteer project. Green thumbs are needed at Winterfield Elementary in East Charlotte to work in its community garden. Volunteers will weed, plant, paint garden benches, and donate gardening books for the students. This project supports one of the main Healthy Weight, Healthy Child goals, namely to create edible school gardens that integrate gardening and nutrition education while providing opportunities for physical activity and healthy eating.
These events come follow DVA Charlotte’s inaugural service events held on April 15 when DVA members worked together to refurbish the Amay James Recreation Center – which will give neighbors and students at Reid Park Academy a place to go for physical activities – and teamed up with residents at Moore Place to build a community garden.
It’s time you joined DVA Charlotte. Open to all area women, the nonpartisan network is joining together to support the Charlotte in 2012 Host Committee for the Democratic National Convention. The grassroots effort of Donors, Volunteers and Ambassadors -- DVAs -- provides opportunities for leadership, service, education, and celebration. Get involved at http://Charlottein2012.com/DVA or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DVACharlotte
Vendor Directory Success Story: Karen Lawrence
Posted on 05/03/2012 @ 06:15 PM
By Karen Lawrence, founder of It’s My Affair, LLC
I was excited that the Charlotte in 2012 Convention Host Committee thought to be strategic and proactive by creating the Vendor Directory that gives small and minority owned businesses a tool to get leads from organizers and prime businesses that need goods and services for the convention.
I run “It’s My Affair,” a business that provides conference, meeting and event management services for social, corporate and government events. We work personally with our clients to know what drives their industry, their markets and their audience. Our mission is to continuously challenge ourselves to create intriguing innovative and captivating events; and to design meetings that deliver on mission, vision and objectives.
My experience with the Vendor Directory has exceeded my expectations. The Vendor Directory serves three purposes – it is an avenue to market your business to convention organizers, obtain leads on Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and help us as a city and region measure success. Most importantly, it brings in business: by being a registered vendor, I was contacted to partner on the housing services contract.
I think Charlotte has set an example for future convention cities and I believe that our Vendor Directory will be a resource for businesses long after the convention leaves town.
I am excited about this tremendous opportunity for my business and to welcome convention visitors to Charlotte. Charlotte is a great place to live and work as we have a blend of both country and city life. There is something here for everyone. Charlotte has a dynamic, diverse and vibrant community that is a great example to other cities as to how we stand together as a community. We are a city that knows how to create opportunity, which is what America is all about.
And when the convention is over, we all will be able to look back and say that the event was a success. I am proud that my business will have an important role to play in it.
Small Business Makes It Possible!
Posted on 05/01/2012 @ 05:15 PM
May is Small Business Month and Charlotte in 2012 salutes the legacy of entrepreneurs and small businesses in the Charlotte region that generate huge impact in the local economy and drive innovation every day.
Here are five things YOU can do in 2012 to support small business in our community or start your own!
1. Shop local – from dry cleaning to gifts, office supplies, services and more, the businesses in your neighborhood or near your place of work appreciate every customer and provide the majority of jobs in the United States.
2. Become a Host Employer with the Mayor’s Youth Employment Program - With your help, each year Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx’s Youth Employment Program (MYEP) trains and develops the future workforce for the City of Charlotte and supports the Charlotte in 2012 Youth Employment and Civic Education Convention Legacy. Today’s youth are tomorrow’s small business leaders! Find out more at http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/mayor/myep/Pages/AboutMYEP.aspx
3. Shop the Charlotte in 2012 Vendor Directory – Charlotte in 2012’s Vendor Directory catalogues local businesses and links locals and visitors with goods and services in the area during convention week and beyond. It is an innovative and interactive online tool that enables regional businesses to create company profiles that feature the goods and services they provide. Whether someone needs an event planner, a sound technician, a caterer, or even a dog walker, it’s all there. Go to www.charlottein2012.com.
4. Dine close to home – the hospitality and restaurant industry employs thousands and most Charlotte neighborhoods are home to tempting cuisine from around the world. Check the local dining scene out at www.charlottesgotalot.com.
5. Make YOUR business dreams possible – sign up for small business start-up classes and find a mentor at the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce today. Go to www.charlottechamber.com.
Watch Related Carolina Stories:
Packard Place - Community of Entrepreneurs
SEED20: Spotlighting the Region’s Social Entrepreneurs
Mayor's Youth Employment Program Preparing our Future Workforce
Official Convention BBQ Sauces to be Announced
Posted on 04/26/2012 @ 11:45 AM
PHOTO GALLERY: Barbecue Sauce Judging
In February, the Charlotte in 2012 Convention Host Committee called upon BBQ sauce makers to compete to become the convention’s official mustard- vinegar- and tomato-based BBQ sauces that will showcase the different BBQ styles from around the Carolinas and be sold in Charlotte in 2012’s online merchandise store. Thirty different brands submitted sauces, some in multiple categories. We had a total of 28 tomato-based entries, 13 mustard-based and 15 vinegar-based entries.
The convention’s official mustard- vinegar- and tomato-based BBQ sauces will be announced next week. Sign up for updates at http://charlottein2012.com/involved/signup/
After the submission deadline in late February, our staff conducted several fact-finding meetings to decide best how to judge all of our entries. We had a lot of good advice from North Carolina BBQ Society President and Judge Jim Early, South Carolina BBQ Society judge Lake High, Holy Smokes BBQ book author John Shelton Reed, and many others on the best way to judge the sauces. We ended up using a South Carolina BBQ Society judging sheet.
Each of our six judges tasted and rated one of the three types of sauce. They judged each sauce on a scale of 1-20 in four different categories – aroma, taste, after taste and overall impression. To start, each judge smelled each sauce to determine what type of aroma it had – sweet, sour, pleasant, unpleasant, etc. After they rated the aroma, they put a little bit of sauce on their tongue to determine the taste. The sauces ranged from very sweet to spicy and got a number according to how balanced the sauce seemed. Then they judged the aftertaste of each sauce. Did the taste linger? For how long? Was the aftertaste pleasant? Finally, the judges gave the sauce an overall score.
Many thanks to our panel of judges – Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx, Charlotte in 2012 Convention Host Committee Executive Director Dan Murrey, Charlotte Observer food editor Kathleen Purvis, pitmaster team and South Carolina BBQ Society judges Brian and Sherry Teigue, and the Executive Chef at Charlotte’s Mimosa Grill Jon Fortes.
Meet Carolina: Carolina Raptor Center Eaglet that YOU Helped Name!
Posted on 04/24/2012 @ 05:45 PM
Meet Carolina: Carolina Raptor Center Eaglet that YOU Helped Name!
For information about when she will be released into the wild, sign up for emails from CharlotteIn2012.com.
Charlotte in 2012 proudly partnered with the Carolina Raptor Center to give the public an opportunity to be a part of the Convention and help name an eaglet that was born on-site at the Raptor Center.
People from across the country voted online on one of four possible names for the eaglet. Tipping their hat to the region, the voters overwhelmingly chose to name her "Carolina." We could not be more thrilled that this majestic American Bald Eagle will soar above our great nation carrying the name of our wonderful state.
If you would like to know when the eaglet will be released into the wild by the Carolina Raptor Center, click here and register for the Charlotte in 2012 mailing list!
The Carolina Raptor Center is one of the twelve sites chosen by the Charlotte in 2012 Host Committee to host official delegate parties during the 2012 Democratic National Convention in September. It is dedicated to environmental stewardship and the conservation of birds of prey through education, research, and the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned raptors. CRC’s environmental education programs reach approximately 40,000 students each year and its Raptor Trail hosts more than 35,000 visitors a year. It has over 23 species of raptors on the 3/4 mile Raptor Trail. The 100 resident raptors have a variety of jobs including education ambassador, flight expert and display team.
The American Bald Eagle native to North America and is the national bird of the United States. CRC is one of the only centers in the southeast that rehabilitates and exhibits the American Bald Eagle
Find out more about the Carolina Raptor Center at www.carolinaraptorcenter.org.
RELATED: Carolina Stories (VIDEO) - Carolina Raptor Center
What are you doing for Earth Day 2012?
Posted on 04/22/2012 @ 10:45 AM
On Earth Day, we can all help leave a legacy of possibility to future generations by preserving and protecting our natural environment and keeping our communities clean and green.
Here are a few ways YOU can help in the Charlotte area, along with resources for ideas and specific actions:
• Learn about sustainable gardening at the Can you Dig It Community Garden Tour
• Take a run or walk on Mecklenburg County's new greenway
• Adopt sustainable practices. Check out: Envision Charlotte, Sustain Charlotte, and Shade of Green
• Support local farms and eat great local food
• Reduce consumption, reuse when you can, and recycle
• Take transit instead of driving (CATS or bus, bike)
• Plant a tree in your own yard or neighborhood
The GO CLT Launch Party
Posted on 04/19/2012 @ 12:00 PM
By Aisha Alexander
I, like many of you, am the true definition of what some may call a young professional “go-getter." This means that we are ambitious, outgoing, and dedicated to giving back to our community while achieving both personally and professionally. Being a young professional “go-getter" also means that we get invited to a lot of events, for a lot of causes. GO CLT is particularly important to me and should be for all young professional go-getters in Charlotte.
Why? I, like Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx, am a native Charlottean. As he stated while speaking to the roughly 200 young professionals that gathered at the GO CLT kickoff event, this is a time for Charlotte to make a name for itself and for the nation and world to know what Charlotte is all about.
Regardless of one’s political affiliation, we can agree that Charlotte is a great city. The diverse, talented, and driven young professionals at the kick off event could have chosen to make any city in the world our home, but we chose Charlotte. It's our time to use the platform of the Convention to showcase our city on the world's stage, spurring more growth and more opportunity for the Queen City.
What really impressed me at the kick off event was that Charlotte’s young professional community isn't just about coming together for a few cocktails. Everyone I spoke with had an interest in coming together again very soon to serve our community. This is what I love about Charlotte: we can throw a great party, but wake up every morning with a greater sense of PURPOSE.
I look forward to GO CLT events in the future, both social and service-orientated. I believe that we are the first generation where our only limit is our determination. Go Getters, our time is now...GO CLT!
In Support of the Healthy Children; Healthy Families legacy, DVA Charlotte Holds Service Day at Amay James Recreation Center
Posted on 04/12/2012 @ 12:30 PM
On Sunday, April 15, a group of volunteers will roll up their shirtsleeves and get to work at Amay James Recreation Center during DVA Charlotte’s kick-off event.
On Sunday, DVA volunteers of all ages will clean up grounds, plant flowers, build picnic tables, and paint park benches at the Amay James Recreation Center. The recreation center in West Charlotte has been closed since 2010, but is being reopened this year. The center and the grounds need some TLC and elbow grease before neighborhood families and children can enjoy a day at the park for a picnic or a game of tag.
DVA Charlotte is a non-partisan network of women coming together to support the Charlotte in 2012 Host Committee for the Democratic National Convention. The grassroots effort of Donors, Volunteers and Ambassadors -- DVAs (or Divas) -- is open to all area women and provides opportunities for leadership, service, education, and celebration.
Refurbishing the recreation center is an example of how the Convention has helped galvanize the community in support of Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx’s Healthy Children, Healthy Families Legacy initiative aimed to make a difference in the local community before, during, and after the Convention leaves town.
Volunteers at the event will learn more about the Convention, DVA Charlotte, and the neighborhood! Look for info at the registration tables or ask the volunteers who will be wearing the blue Charlotte in 2012 shirts.
Are you interested in helping out on Sunday? Email your name and how many people will be coming with you to dva@clt2012.com. Even without an email, we will welcome walk up volunteers as well. We’ll be getting our hands dirty, so come dressed to work!
Want more info about DVA Charlotte? Check out Charlottein2012.com/DVA or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DVACharlotte
Help Name the Eaglet! Vote Today!
Posted on 04/03/2012 @ 10:00 AM
UPDATE: Voting has closed.
Charlotte in 2012 has partnered with the Carolina Raptor Center to engage people across the Carolinas, the nation and the world to help name a baby eaglet born at the Center on February 25.
The public can vote on one of four names on the Charlotte in 2012 Facebook page at Facebook.com/Charlottein2012 from Monday, April 2 – Sunday, April 15. (UPDATED: VOTING HAS CLOSED.)
“Partnerships make possibilities take flight in the Carolinas, and Charlotte in 2012 is proud to partner with the Carolina Raptor Center and help people make history together. By naming this baby eaglet, people from across America are creating a living legacy that is emblematic of the natural beauty, strength of character and spirit of freedom that make possibilities real here in the Carolinas and our nation” says Dan Murrey, Executive Director of Charlotte in 2012.
People from all over the Carolinas, the nation and the world will be a part of the excitement of naming this eaglet, born on-site at the Carolina Raptor Center, one of the twelve sites across the community sites chosen by Charlotte in 2012 to host official delegate parties during the upcoming 2012 Democratic National Convention.
The American Bald Eagle is the only eagle native to North America and is the national bird of the United States.
“We’re tremendously excited to offer people a way to connect to our mission of environmental stewardship and conservation of birds of prey as we name this eaglet and prepare to release it into the wild in the coming months,” says Jim Warren, Executive Director of the Carolina Raptor Center.
Find out more about the Carolina Raptor Center at www.carolinaraptorcenter.org.
The Mayor's Youth Employment Program Gives Students an Opportunity for Career Exploration
Posted on 03/29/2012 @ 10:40 AM
Over 120 students from local Charlotte High Schools participated in a job shadowing and career exploration event at Microsoft’s Charlotte campus today. The Charlotte in 2012 Host Committee, in support of Mayor Anthony Foxx’s Youth Engagement and Civic Education Legacy, connected Microsoft and its desire to give back to the community with the Mayor’s Youth Education Program (MYEP) to make this event possible.
The students engaged in experiential-learning sessions about work readiness and discussions and Q&A sessions with Microsoft employees and leaders. The program provided real-life opportunities for students to learn about fundamental business concepts and exposed the students to the workplace through daylong, hands-on job shadowing. When introducing Mayor Foxx, a Microsoft executive announced to the participants that the company plans to hire five students from the MYEP program to intern at Microsoft this summer.
Mayor Foxx commended Microsoft’s commitment and pointed to it as an example of the Charlotte community coming together in anticipation of the convention. He also spoke to the students about the importance of hard work, engaging with mentors, and lifting each other up as they pursue their individual goals beyond high school. The program concluded with follow-up activities that reinforced what the students learned during their day on the job.
At the convention kick-off event in September 2011, Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx announced the Democratic National Convention’s four legacy program areas. In support of these legacies, the Host Committee is acting as a catalyst and spotlight for organizations and projects that are working to deliver sustainable good for the community to ensure that the Convention leaves a positive, lasting impact on Charlotte and the region.
MYEP provides paid and unpaid internships for high school youth in the public, non-profit and private sectors. MYEP, students receive job mentoring, coaching and valuable hands-on experience with business partners like Microsoft. MYEP participants receive certificates of completion from the Mayor and a MYEP Skills Certification pin upon successful completion of all training. More information about MYEP can be found here.
MORE: CAROLINA STORIES
Mayor's Youth Employment Program: Preparing our Future Workforce
What's an internship like at Charlotte in 2012?
Posted on 03/23/2012 @ 10:40 AM
By Billy Hackenson
Davidson College, Host Committee Spring Intern
If you want to make a significant contribution to the success of the upcoming Democratic National Convention, then I strongly encourage you to apply for the Charlotte in 2012 Convention Host Committee Summer Internship! The Host Committee is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that works with the Democratic National Convention Committee to ensure a successful convention. Among many things, it is tasked with fundraising, recruiting volunteers, and ensuring that the positive impacts of the convention will continue to benefit Charlotte and the Carolinas in the future.
I can honestly tell you that I have loved every single minute of my experience here. And no, I’m not just saying that. From the first day I got to the office, everyone has been friendly, encouraging, and full of positive energy. I felt that I was immediately welcomed as a member of the team and ready to tackle any project that was asked of me. As part of the Communications Department, my supervisors, the Press Secretary and Communications Director, have given me opportunities to draft press releases, interact with members of the media, create internal spreadsheets and documents discussing coverage of the convention, and collaborate with other departments. Ultimately, I know that my contributions to the Committee actually mean something and are valuable.
If you are interested in showing off Charlotte and the Carolinas to the entire world, then this internship is right for you! Trust me when I tell you there is no “coffee making” during this experience; you will be expected to be a key member of the team by working and learning with staff leaders. I have truly valued the opportunity I have been given to work for the Host Committee and come September, I know that I will have been a part of history for both Charlotte and America!
How Can I Get Involved?
Posted on 08/30/2011 @ 09:33 AM
The Convention will draw an expected 35,000 visitors to the Charlotte area, including: 15,000 media; 7,000 delegates; members of both the U.S. House and Senate and other significant figures in public life from around the world.
Anyone can get involved in one of two ways:
- Donate funds to help support Charlotte in 2012
- Volunteer, either for the Convention itself or for service opportunities – specific roles and opportunities will be announced when they are available, but for now, just sign up and you'll be among the first to be notified.
It’s not just a Convention! A large variety of arts, cultural and social events will be taking place that are open to the public during the Convention. Join the Charlotte In 2012 Mailing List to stay informed about these offerings and other news.
Vendor Directory Launches
Posted on 08/29/2011 @ 09:33 AM
The Committee for Charlotte 2012 re-launched a new website on August 29, 2011 that features a Vendor Directory. The Vendor Directory will help national organizations connect with local and regional businesses in order to meet their Democratic National Convention-related needs. Business owners can register and create a company profile that can be searched by categories including services, company size and other demographics. It is anticipated that there will be more than 1,000 events held in Charlotte during the convention, in addition to official DNC activity. This vendor directory is a helpful tool for both outside vendors and organizations and the local business community.
Join the DNC and Charlotte In 2012 on September 6 to Mark One Year Out!
Posted on 08/23/2011 @ 10:40 AM
A Year Out kick-off event will take place at Time Warner Arena in uptown Charlotte on September 6, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. until noon as the Democratic National Committee and Charlotte In 2012 Host Committee gear up to convene over 35,000 visitors from around the nation and world in just over 365 days!
Democratic National Committee Convention Chair Steve Kerrigan and DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz will be joined by Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx to set forth a vision for the Convention, describe involvement opportunities together with programs for youth to get connected, and unveil a new logo for the Convention.
Mayor Foxx will also issue a call to action to the community to create a Build A Legacy of opportunity in the community, leveraging the momentum from the Convention to meet key challenges in Charlotte.
Charlotte In 2012 is reaching out for volunteers for Year Out event (hyperlink to volunteer sign-up form or contact information for Year Out event) and looks forward to seeing everyone on September 6!