Think of the Charlotte Roller Girls and words like action-packed and hard-hitting often come to mind. But there is a different, softer side to these devoted athletes. Dedicated to the local community, the organization volunteers its time and contributes a portion of its home bout proceeds to local charities.
“Under our tough exteriors we have hearts of gold,” said league president Cress Barnes a.k.a Lucy Kwipment. “We take great pride in making a positive impact on the Charlotte community – our community.”
Each season, the Charlotte Roller Girls recognize one local charity as its main beneficiary. In 2009, it selected A Child’s Place, a local organization which works to erase the impact of homelessness on children and their education.
Through the work of A Child’s Place, homeless children are provided with a stable, appropriate education in a mainstream setting in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Comprehensive and timely assessments ensure that students receive the instruction and services they need. For the homeless students who are in need of extra support in order to achieve academic success, food, clothing, personal hygiene products and school supplies are distributed.
At its next home bout on August 9, the Charlotte Roller Girls will sponsor a School Supply Drive for A Child’s Place. Fans are encouraged to bring items to donate. To say thank you to those that participate, each will receive a special gift from the Charlotte Roller Girls.
“Many of our players are mothers and teachers,” said Barnes. “We fully understand the importance of a child’s education and are glad to support the efforts of A Child’s Place. We are a small organization but if everyone gives a few items, we can make a difference.”
Supplies accepted include: glue sticks, pencils and pens, hand sanitizer, dictionaries, Mead
composition books, book bags and folders. Items from A Child’s Place wish list will also be accepted.
A full list of items, can be found here.
“Because of the current economic condition, we’ve had to cut the small bit of budget set aside to purchase these item,” said Laurie Schwartz, Development Director of A Child’s Place. “Drives like these are critical to us. We are grateful that the Charlotte Roller Girls are not only supporting A Child’s Place but raising awareness.”
Competing on August 9 are Charlotte’s teams the Fraid Knots and Block’em Sock’em Rollers. Held at the Grady Cole Center (310 N. Kings Drive), it’s the second qualifying bout of its 2009 intra-league championship. Tickets are on sale now for $10 here or in person at any Common Market. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $14
