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Sharing Smiles in North Carolina

On Saturday, June 10, 2023, AFH staff members hosted a community service day in Charlotte, NC with the United States’ official Bobsled and Skeleton (USABS) team and coaches. 

The day started off with an Empowerment Workshop where the AFH team shared the importance of service and the many ways AFH provides opportunities for athletes to be a part of campaigns, programs, and service opportunities to give back to their communities.

A member of the USABS writes letters of encouragement for hospitalized kids.

Immediately following the workshop, the team of 45 athletes designed cards with encouraging messages for hospitalized kids and filmed videos discussing the importance of mental health, physical fitness, and leadership skills before being split into small groups for three service opportunities

The first service opportunity was an event at TopGolf with Dream on 3, an organization that helps local children and young adults who are living with a life-altering condition realize their sports dream. The USABS team was able to play golf and interact with 65 kids and families from Take On Sports.

Two members of USABS smile with a member of Take on Sports at the Dream on 3 Topgolf event.
USABS members smile with new friend at Dream on 3 event.
Members of USABS smile for a photo with all members of Take on Sports at the Dream on 3 Topgolf event. Together they hold up signs that spell out "Dream on 3."
USABS poses with members of Take on Sports.
A member of USABS smiles with a family from Take on Sports at the Dream on 3 Topgolf event.
USABS member smiles in photo with a Take on Sports family.

Thank you so much for your partnership in putting together an amazing time this Saturday! Our Dreamers had SO MUCH FUN with the USA Bobsled and Skeleton athletes!!! I hope your athletes will enjoy seeing all the smiles and difference they made!

Elizabeth Lindsey, CoFounder and Executive Director of Dream on 3

The second event was an Ice Cream Social Event for 200 women and children who reside at the Salvation Army Center of Hope Shelter. Athletes had the opportunity to serve up smiles and ice cream to families and single women.

Two members of USABS smile while setting up an ice cream station at the Salvation Army Center of Hope Shelter event.
USABS team members smile while setting up an ice cream station.
Members of USABS smile and pose for a photo before setting up ice cream stations at the Salvation Army Center of Hope Shelter event.
USABS team members smile for a photo at the Salvation Army Center of Hope Shelter.
Four members of USABS smile while setting up an ice cream station at the Salvation Army Center of Hope Shelter event. One member is holding up ice cream cones and another is holding up two ice cream scoops.
USABS having fun while setting up their ice cream station.

“It was incredible!!! The athletes were so kind and humble. Several of them sat down with our ladies and shared stories and experiences with them. Our families and single women truly enjoyed the connection and ice cream. Thank you so much for thinking of The Salvation Army and the families we serve across Charlotte.”

Sarah Gamble, Salvation Army Director of Community Engagement

The third event to conclude the community service day was at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Charlotte. The USABS team had an opportunity to meet families and kids who live at the house, assemble toiletry kits, and cater dinner for the families.

Members of USABS smile and pose for a photo with staff members at the Ronald McDonald House of Charities of Greater Charlotte.
USABS team members smile with staff at the Ronald McDonald House of Charities of Greater Charlotte.
A photo of a rolling cart filled with toiletry kits packaged by USABS team members.
A wagon full of packaged toiletry kits prepared by the USABS team.
Members of USABS and AFH smile for a photo with some of the toiletry kits they packaged for families and kids who live at the Ronald McDonald House in Greater Charlotte.
USBS & AFH team members pose for photo with their toiletry kits.

Thank you all so much for volunteering at the house this weekend! We are glad that you all were able to visit, tour and pack toiletry kits. We look forward to seeing you all again!

Darrell McGill, RMHC Corporate Relations Manager 

AFH is overwhelmed with joy from all of the positive feedback we received from USABS and our amazing partners in Charlotte. The USABS athletes are incredible role models in the community and made a positive impact in Charlotte.

Members of USA Bobsled & Skeleton team pose and smile for a photo with team members for AFH after their Empowerment workshop.

AFH is looking forward to establishing a long-lasting partnership with USABS and expanding and implementing this workshop-to-service model with other USA teams.

If you are an athlete or a coach wanting to know more about AFH workshops or want to schedule your own workshop with AFH, click here.