We couldn’t imagine a better way to close out Volunteer Appreciation Month than by celebrating the people who make it all happen.

On Saturday, nearly 300 volunteers joined us for our first Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast in the Hunger Hub—transformed from warehouse to a celebratory space. It was a beautiful morning spent honoring the dedicated individuals who fuel our mission every day.

We were proud to recognize the following incredible award recipients:

🏆 Virginia Sampson Award
2024 – Hope Covenant House at The Connecting Place
2025 – Rogerline Lee / Statesville Avenue Presbyterian Church

🏆 Beverly Howard Award
2024 – Angie Caroway / Servant’s Heart of Mint Hill
2025 – Mary Faulkner / Statesville Avenue Presbyterian Church

🏆 Ann Elliot Award
2024 – Diane and Charlie Bounds
2025 – Carolyn and Jimmy Wideman

🏆 Lucy Bush Carter Award
2024 – Cindy Jefferson
2025 – Bill Hardaway

🌟 Lifetime Achievement Award – Grace Soloman
At 96 years young, Grace brought the house down with a double standing ovation as she made her way to the stage on her own terms—an unforgettable moment that captured the spirit of the morning.

Thank you to Metrolina Greenhouse for the donation of lovely flowers, to Harris Teeter for adding to our delicious breakfast, and to Delectables by Holly for catering. Gratitude also goes to Marlene Jeter for shepherding our guests to and from Victory Christian Center School.

To our Board and Nourish Up staff—thank you for working the event and taking care of our volunteers who are the life force of our organization.

See photos from the event  here.