President
Raleigh, Nc, Us
I established a 501(c)(3) organization to promote Americanism and community development through volunteerism. This initiative resulted in an annual fundraising campaign that raised over $1 million in cash and in-kind donations and involved more than 450 volunteers contributing nearly 5,000 hours. We focused on promoting participatory civic engagement and supporting programs for public schools and at-risk youth. The all-volunteer organization also provided year-round school enrichment programs that allowed K-12 students to explore and understand STEM curricula through activities related to lighter-than-air flight. Over five years, our certified pilot instructors delivered these programs to over 20,000 students and young people across North Carolina at no cost. Our largest annual event, the Freedom Balloon Fest, aimed to honor fallen American service members and Gold Star families, bringing the public together to remember, honor, and celebrate, aligning with the spirit of Memorial Day weekend. Project Uplift USA organized and produced the Freedom Balloon Fest in close coordination and collaboration with various local, county, state, and federal agencies. This family-friendly event, supported entirely by sponsor contributions, consistently attracted 100,000 attendees over the long weekend.