AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY ANNOUNCES GALA PRESENTING SPONSOR AND CO-CHAIRS FOR RE-IMAGINE CHARLOTTE GALA DINNER
Culinary Event to Feature Johnson & Wales University Students Alongside Celebrity Chefs and Culinary Leaders
Charlotte, N.C. – The American Cancer Society (ACS) of Western North Carolina and South Carolina is pleased to announce its annual gala, Re-Imagine Charlotte, has named Charlotte-based premier grocer Harris Teeter as the presenting sponsor.
“Harris Teeter is committed to supporting community-based initiatives that represent our valued associates and what matters most to them,” said Danna Robinson, communication manager for Harris Teeter and Mission Chair for Re-Imagine Charlotte. “American Cancer Society’s gala featuring farm-to-table offerings and culinary excellence which supports ACS’s life-saving mission aligns with Harris Teeter’s commitment to provide the freshest, quality ingredients to our shoppers as well as aligns with our corporate culture of supporting the communities we serve.”
The gala co-chairs for Re-Imagine Charlotte presented by Harris Teeter are celebrity Chef David Burke and Cheryl L. Richards, Ph.D., President, Johnson & Wales University, Charlotte Campus.
“I, like many others, have been touched by cancer. My father is currently battling this terrible disease, which has greatly affected me. I have always supported the American Cancer Society, but this opportunity is exciting for me personally and for my Charlotte Red Salt staff. I can’t wait to entertain everyone with our evening of culinary innovation,” said David Burke, CEO David Burke Hospitality Management.
“I am humbled and honored to co-chair the American Cancer Society’s Re-Imagine Charlotte gala with Chef David Burke. Many of us have been personally touched by cancer and my story is no different. My father was a survivor of three different cancers and my mother-in-law has similarly rung the bell three times. Others have not been as fortunate. As we support Re-Imagine Charlotte this November, I am grateful for the opportunity to align my personal passions with the culinary expertise of Johnson & Wales University and Chef David Burke in a one-of-a-kind event! I hope you will join us for a culinary experience that will enable more survivor stories as we create awareness and resources to support the incredible work of ACS,” shared Dr. Richards.
“This year, we have been diligent in our recruitment efforts to expand our gala board leadership,” said Megan Nelson, Executive Director. “We have some lofty goals, due in part to the pandemic, but also because our work is so important, especially with our continued efforts of screenings. We are pleased to welcome our new and returning board members along with 2021 co-chairs Dr. Cheryl Richards, and Chef David Burke. Dr. Richards brings to the gala board leadership and community-wide network influence; but also a cache of honors and awards, including being named to the Most Admired CEOs, Top 25 Women in Business, twice among the 50 Most Influential Women, 2014 Woman of the Year, 40 Under Forty and recently as 10 Most Inspiring Women Leaders. We are thrilled to have Dr. Richards front and center on our stage,” continued Nelson.
Event Details:
Re-Imagine Charlotte, presented by Harris Teeter
Le Meridien Charlotte
555 So. McDowell St.
Charlotte, NC
Reception and silent auction open at 5:30 p.m., Re-Imagine Charlotte dining experience begins at 6:30 p.m.
About American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of 1.5 million volunteers dedicated to saving lives, celebrating lives, and leading the fight for a world without cancer. From breakthrough research, to free lodging near treatment, a 24/7/365 live helpline, free rides to treatment, and convening powerful activists to create awareness and impact, the Society is the only organization attacking cancer from every angle. For more information go to www.cancer.org.
About Harris Teeter
Harris Teeter, with headquarters in Matthews, N.C., is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR). The regional grocery chain employs approximately 35,000 associates and operates stores in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Maryland, Delaware, Florida and the District of Columbia.
About Johnson & Wales University
Founded in 1914, Johnson & Wales University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 9,000 graduate, undergraduate and online students at its campuses in Providence, Rhode Island and Charlotte, North Carolina. An innovative educational leader, the university offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in arts and sciences, business, engineering, food innovation, hospitality, nutrition, health and wellness. It also offers undergraduate programs in culinary arts, dietetics and design. JWU’s unique model provides students with the personalized attention, academic expertise and industry connections that inspire professional success and personal growth. The time students spend at JWU is nothing short of transformative, as demonstrated by career
outcomes, expected earnings and economic mobility rankings. The university’s impact is global, with alumni in 125 countries pursuing careers worldwide. For more information, visit jwu.edu.
About David Burke
Fueled by passion, grit and a knack for artful innovation, David Burke is one of the best known and most respected chefs in modern American cuisine. Acknowledged as a leading pioneer in American cooking, Burke, a New Jersey native, is also recognized internationally for his revolutionary techniques, exceptional skills, successful restaurant empire and his many TV appearances. In the parlance of today’s celebrity driven culture, he is a rock star of the culinary world.