HUMANITARIAN AWARD

Charles A. Odell, President & CEO of Dilworth Center, was recognized for his service and work of more than 28 years positively affecting people suffering from addiction. As a native of Charlotte, Charles has worked tirelessly to treat, educate and raise funds for thousands of community members that have come to the Dilworth Center for addiction recovery.

With a mission of “Food is a basic human right,” this collaborative food pantry, located in Huntersville is 100% volunteer driven. It currently serves more than 120 families and children each week, and has impacted more than 4500 families since their inception in 2017.

Patti and Gary West founded Fifth Street Ministry, which began as a clothing and supply closet in 1989, and have dedicated themselves to developing it into the only agency in Iredell County offering shelter services, domestic violence shelter, Veterans transitional housing, as well as outreach and comprehensive supportive services to the chronically homeless.

Rick Gilbert is the founder of Home Again Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing sustainable, affordable housing with supportive services for the homeless and those who are at risk of becoming homeless.

Amy and Nancy DeCaron are the founders of Hope of Mooresville (HOMe), which serves as the only temporary housing facility for women and children experiencing homelessness in Mooresville.

Santos established the Isabella Santos Foundation to raise awareness and funding for research and a cure to neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of childhood cancer that ended the young life of their daughter, Isabella.

As owner and principal barber of Da Lucky Spot Barbershop, his work with the “Cops & Barbers” initiative increases dialogue and creates relationships between the community and police departments.

As Executive Director of the CrossRoads Corporation for Affordable Housing and Community Development, Gately has led the formation of multiple projects that have helped to elevate the quality of life in the Grier Heights Community.

Crawford was honored for his work establishing the Charlotte Housing Authority Scholarship fund.

Crowder is the owner of Crowder Construction and was acknowledged for his work with several nonprofits, including Community Link, an area nonprofit committed to assisting individuals and families in obtaining safe and affordable housing.

Seifart, a 13-year real estate veteran, is a volunteer broker for the Crossroads Corp. for Affordable Housing and Community Development, which has been instrumental in the revitalization efforts in the the Grier Heights neighborhood.

Bishop was honored for his devotion to Men’s Shelter, McCreesh Place, Lakewood Community Alliance, Urban Ministries and other local organizations.

Dowdle is founder and benefactor of The Shepherd’s Watch, a summer camp devoted to children who age out of the foster care system.

Kids First of the Carolinas has helped thousands of local children and families over the past 20 years by providing shelter, clothing, furniture and appliances, school supplies, medicine, holiday meals, toys for Christmas, and more.

Cook Jr., senior pastor at the Greater Mount Sinai Baptist Church, exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism within this community.

Davidson Housing Coalition’s Hands Around Mecklenburg/Mooresville Making Emergency Repairs Safely (HAMMERS) program helps to address the prevalence of substandard housing and works toward the preservation of existing affordable housing in the community.

Barnhardt, a 23-year real estate veteran, was honored for his work as an active philanthropist.