A Beautiful Night with Real Purpose

Every ticket, sponsorship, and contribution at Race for Philanthropy directly supports vetted nonprofit initiatives and community projects serving Western North Carolina, specifically, Rotary District 7670, with emphasis in Lincoln County — translating a memorable evening into meaningful local impact.

The Foundation’s role is to deploy funds responsibly — with transparency, accountability, and measurable outcomes — ensuring generosity translates into meaningful, local impact.

Where Impact Happens

Strengthening Community Spaces

Rescue Squad Park — Lincoln County

The Denver/Lake Norman Rotary Club and its Foundation played a leadership role in transforming donated land from the former East Lincoln Rescue Squad into Rescue Squad Park — a vibrant 32-acre community hub with fields, trails, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and disc golf. Developed through years of community fundraising, this park is a lasting asset where families gather, children play, and neighbors connect.

Nearby, free community events like Music in the Park bring local residents together for live music, food, and family-friendly experiences — creating cultural vibrancy in the heart of Lincoln County.

Responding in Times of Need

Hurricane Helene Relief — Over $60,000 Raised

When Western North Carolina communities faced devastation from Hurricane Helene, Denver/Lake Norman Rotary Club Foundation — together with partner organizations — mobilized rapidly, raising more than $60,000, matched dollar-for-dollar through Rotary District 7670. These funds supported frontline relief, infrastructure rebuilding, and longer-term recovery programs across affected areas.

This is impact anchored in responsiveness and real human needs — the kind that turns compassion into action.

Supporting Children & Families

Day at the Lake — Celebration for Foster Families

Each spring, Rotary hosts a Day at the Lake for foster children and their families from Lincoln and surrounding counties, offering a full day of joy, connection, and fun — from swimming and fishing to boat rides and a community lunch.

These moments reinforce community bonds and remind families they are valued — not just served.

Investing in Education & Future Leaders

For decades, Rotary clubs in Lincoln County have helped students pursue higher education through low-interest student loans and scholarship efforts. Over $2.7 million has been raised to support more than 850 students, with $7.2 million loaned through these programs — and initiatives like Rotary Rooted now help students take college courses tuition- and book-free.

This is practical investment in local futures — helping students stay, grow, and lead here in Western North Carolina, with Lincoln County at the heart.

Promoting Literacy & Community Engagement

Denver/Lake Norman Rotarians contribute monthly to literacy efforts in Lincoln County schools and community programs, placing books in doctor’s offices and reading to young learners. These small actions have a big ripple effect — helping kids build confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of reading.

Community at the Core

Race For Philanthropy is rooted in communities right here in Western North Carolina, with Lincoln County at its heart.

The event benefits the Denver/Lake Norman Rotary Club Foundation, the charitable arm of Denver/Lake Norman Rotary. The Foundation exists to support education, economic and community development, and initiatives that address both longstanding needs and emerging challenges across our region.

Nonprofit organizations are often asked to do more with less. Through thoughtful grant-making, the Foundation helps strengthen programs serving families, children, and individuals—and steps in when new needs arise, including recent disaster-relief efforts when communities required immediate support and steady leadership.

Race For Philanthropy exists to stand behind this work, turning a shared evening into meaningful support, delivered where and when it matters most.