Fairways And Fundraising - CLT Golf Event Helps Residents

Carolina Blue skies welcomed golfers at Cramer Mountain Club in Cramerton, NC, on Monday, June 9, for the sixth annual 2025 Airport Community Partnerships Golf Tournament. This event was rescheduled from April to June because of severe thunderstorms.

The 144 golfers who registered for the event raised $144,054 for the Renaissance West Community Initiative (RWCI). Since 2019, $623,503 has been raised for non-profit organizations serving people who live near the Airport.

The tournament was created as a way for Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and its business partners to give back to their neighbors on the west side of Charlotte. In fact, RWCI was the first recipient of funds raised during the inaugural year of the golf event in 2019.

“The partnership between RWCI and has been extremely valuable,” said RWCI Interim CEO Dr. Laura Colson. “In addition to financial support, the airport has provided opportunities for students to visit and learn about careers at the airport.”

Renaissance West at Work

RWCI works to end intergenerational poverty through a holistic revitalization effort. It refers to itself as a “community quarterback” for the 1,300 area residents who live in the Renaissance and Little Rock Apartments and along the West Boulevard Corridor.

Here are some ways the funds raised at the golf tournament help support the RWCI:

• Gap scholarships to the Howard Levine Child Development Center to assist parents with childcare.
• Funds supplemental positions at the Renaissance West STEAM Academy (700-plus students)
• Work with partners to provide out-of-school time opportunities for students in the community.
• Provide four Life Navigators to assist families on budgeting, goal setting, and other activities to promote upward mobility.

CLT Gives Back

CLT served as the presenting sponsor, along with American Airlines, Paradies Lagardère and HMS Host. Numerous other sponsors on site included: Seven Jars Distillery, Primary Brewery, DaVinci Jets, Inter-faith Airport Chaplaincy, Terracon Consultants, S&ME, Diageo Spirits, Mt. Olive and C Design.

“At CLT, we believe in being more than just an airport—we are a vital part of the Charlotte community,” said Ted Kaplan, CLT Chief Business & Innovation Officer. “It’s important that we give back in the places where our employees, customers and neighbors live. Thanks to your generosity, we are making a meaningful difference in our community.”

Although the tournament was initially postponed in April due to severe weather, it still had a direct impact. Approximately 80% of the food and beverage donations intended for that day were instead served at Renaissance West and the Roof Above Men’s Shelter.