Race Helps Low-Income Families in the North End Corridor
CHARLOTTE, N.C., (August 16, 2017) – The AvidXchange Music Factory will host the eighth annual Rock ‘N Run on Saturday, September 9, featuring live music, vendors, raffle giveaways and healthy-living information. The run/walk was created to promote economic development, raise community awareness, and create business alliances in the North End Smart District. Proceeds from the event will help low-income residents in the area, via the program initiatives of Community Dream Builders, a Charlotte-based nonprofit that organizes the race. AvidXchange™, leading provider of accounts payable and payment automation solutions for midsize companies, is the title sponsor.
“AvidXchange feels extremely passionate about giving back to the community that has given so much to us. We feel honored to be a part of the transformation that is taking place in the North End by putting down our roots at the AvidXchange Music Factory with our new corporate campus,” commented Michael Praeger, CEO and Co-Founder of AvidXchange. “We’re tremendous supporters of the Rock ‘N Run, because it has been an integral part of bringing awareness and change to this community. We applaud the work that Community Dream Builders is doing for Lockwood and are proud to sponsor the event,” added Praeger.
In its eight years of existence, the Rock ‘N Run has become well known as a premier race enjoyed by seasoned or novice runners and enthusiasts alike. The event will begin at 8 a.m. at 1000 North Carolina Music Factory Blvd. A kids’ fun run and awards ceremony will follow the race. Additionally, AvidXchange will be collecting school supplies to benefit Classroom Central at its tented area near the registration table. Information about the race, including registration, is available at www.ncrockandrun.com.
The AvidXchange Music Factory 5K Rock ‘N Run was founded in a fragile community called Lockwood (comprised of Plymouth Avenue, Sylvania Avenue and Keswick Avenue). In the late 90s, the Lockwood community was overwhelmed by drugs and prostitution – even named one of the top 25 most dangerous neighborhoods in America in 2010 by neighborhoodscout.com. Since this news in 2010, Community Dream Builders has collaborated with organizations in the North End Corridor to create programs that provide residents access to resources that will help them be successful.
“The Rock ‘N Run has evolved leaps and bounds since its inception eight years ago,” commented Chris Dennis, CEO and President of Community Dream Builders. “We’re pushing to exceed last year’s proceeds, so we’re encouraging all Charlotteans to register for the race, and there are still opportunities for local businesses to support the cause as well. We rely upon community partners, like AvidXchange and Camp North End, that get involved in the event to ensure that we have the funding to continue to provide opportunities for upward mobility for families in the North End,” added Dennis.
“Camp North End is proud to support Community Dream Builders and the Rock ‘N Run as a partner in Charlotte’s North End. As we work together to realize creative community initiatives, we are pleased to be able to help drive economic development and increased neighborhood connectivity that will help build the future within the surrounding communities and across the Queen City,” commented Varian Shrum, Camp North End Community Manager.
About AvidXchange
AvidXchange revolutionizes the way companies pay their bills. Serving more than 5,500 clients throughout North America, AvidXchange is an industry leader in automating invoice and payment processes for midmarket companies spanning multiple industries including Real Estate, Financial Services, Energy, and Construction. AvidXchange has been recognized as one of the 50 fastest-growing private companies in the Charlotte area for four consecutive years, ranked among Deloitte’s Fast 500 this past year, and recently was named of the top 100 technology companies in North America by Red Herring. In the midst of record growth, AvidXchange has remained true to its most valued competitive advantage—its people. AvidXchange has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Charlotte for eight consecutive years. For more information, contact us at 800.560.9305 or [email protected].
About Community Dream Builders
Community Dream Builders is a nonprofit organization devoted to developing a brighter future for children at risk of poor educational, economic, social and health outcomes. Community Dream Builders focuses on strengthening families, building stronger communities and ensuring access to opportunity.
About Camp North End
Camp North End is the home of Charlotte’s next generation workplace. As one of the largest adaptive reuse projects currently underway in the U.S., the project will transform a historic 75-acre site where people once manufactured Model T cars and assembled Hercules missiles into a catalytic hub of innovation and ideas.
With over one million square feet of space for work, artistic expression, dining and hospitality, entertainment, recreation and community building, together with new construction in coming years, Camp North End’s curated development will welcome residents from all parts of the Queen City and Mecklenburg County to make their future.
The project’s epicenter, the “Boileryard,” is already open for happy hour every Friday evening through October, and its first redeveloped building is now occupied by local businesses and artists. Developer ATCO Properties & Management plans to redevelop buildings located at 1776, 1810, 1820, and 1830 Statesville Avenue, and 1701 North Graham Street, as well as build new buildings in the future.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Jen Ittenbach
[email protected]
704.971.8106