Greater Steps Scholars

We are excited to announce our 2nd Annual Greater Steps Scholars Friendsgiving Brunch - Friday, November 14th at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Club and look forward to seeing you all there !

We are thrilled to invite you to be a part of something truly special – the Greater Steps Scholars Friendsgiving Brunch on November 14, 2025! This is more than just an event; it’s the start of a tradition that will grow year after year, bringing our community together in support of a vital cause.

Imagine a morning filled with the warmth of good company, the tantalizing aromas of a Thanksgiving inspired brunch, and the joyous sounds of laughter and music. Our 2nd Annual Friendsgiving Brunch promises all this and more, offering a unique blend of fellowship and fun that will leave you with memories to cherish and a heart full of gratitude.

What can you expect?
● Mimosa Mixer: Kick off the day with a delightful Mimosa Mixer where you’ ll connect with fellow supporters over mimosas, coffee, and small bites. A live DJ will keep the energy high as we network and mingle.

● Thanksgiving-Inspired Brunch: Enjoy a delicious meal that celebrates the flavors of the season, accompanied by a lively DJ mix.

● Games & Entertainment: Get ready for some friendly competition with rounds of BINGO, Trivia, and Family Feud, all designed to make you feel like you’re celebrating the holidays with family.

● Inspiring Moments: Hear from our scholars about the impact of your support and learn how you can continue to make a difference in their lives.

● Dancing & Desserts: We’ll close out the day with a Soul Train line, dancing, and desserts to ensure everyone leaves with a smile on their face.

But this event is about more than just having a good time. It’s about giving back to the community by supporting students who need it most. Your participation and generous contributions will help us provide essential wrap-around services – including mentorship and career preparedness workshops – to economically disadvantaged students in Charlotte's public & subsidized housing. Together, we can ensure that these young scholars not only attend college but also thrive, graduate, and secure promising careers.

Looking ahead, we are committed to growing this event into a cornerstone of our community outreach efforts. We envision the Friendsgiving Brunch becoming an annual celebration that brings even more people together to champion the cause of educational equity. And as we grow, we want our partners to grow with us, helping to push the mission of extending educational opportunities to every deserving student in Charlotte.

This is just the beginning of something extraordinary. Join us in making a lasting impact on the Charlotte community and building a brighter future for our students. We look forward to celebrating with you at the Friendsgiving Brunch and working together to expand our reach in the years to come!

Register for the Friendsgiving Brunch

BECOME A TABLE CAPTAIN

Table Captains are critical to ensuring that we have a successful event. Your guests bring the hope and spirit of giving that define Friendsgiving.

TABLE CAPTAIN OVERVIEW & RESPONSIBILITIES

Thank you for your willingness to serve as a Table Captain for Greater Steps Scholars Inaugural Friendsgiving Brunch Fundraiser. The event will raise funds and awareness to help make the dream of college a reality for more Charlotte area students living in public and subsidized housing.

Imagine a morning filled with the warmth of good company, the tantalizing aromas of a Thanksgiving inspired brunch,and the joyous sounds of laughter and music. Our inaugural Friendsgiving Brunch promises all this and more, offering a unique blend of fellowship and fun that will leave you with memories to cherish and a heart full of gratitude.

But this event is about more than just having a good time. It’s about giving back to the community by supporting students who need it most. Your participation and generous contributions will help us provide essential wrap-around services – including mentorship and career preparedness workshops – to economically disadvantaged students living in Charlotte’s public & subsidized housing.

Table Captains are critical to ensuring that we have a successful event. Your guests bring the hope and spirit of giving that define Friendsgiving. Every dollar we raise from attendees will directly support Greater Steps Scholars mentor and career readiness programs, while providing your guests with a memorable afternoon of brunch and networking.

Click the button below to open a step-by-step guide to your Table Captain responsibilities.

Table Captain Step-by-Step Guide

BECOME A 2025 Sponsor

Interested in becoming a Friendsgiving Brunch Sponsor? Reach out to Aisha Strothers, GSS Executive Director, or Tai P. Burns, Event Support for additional information or to commit!

2025 Partnership Opportunities

Harvest Leader Sponsor

$10,000

Recognition as presenting sponsor with category exclusivity
Name & logo with sponsor recognition on Greater Steps Scholars website through December 2025
Name and logo in all event-related print and electronic media, including website, invitation, emails, event program, etc.
Company representative to speak during event
Name/logo on signage at event registration table
On-screen logo placement at event
Minimum five posts on Greater Steps Scholars social platforms with sponsor recognition and appropriate tagging
Opportunity to display promotional materials at event
Reserved VIP seating
Opportunity to include gift item or offer to all event registrants

Gratitude Champion Sponsor

$5,000

Recognition of a Gratitude Champion sponsor of event
Name/logo in all event-related media, including website, invitation, event updates/reminders, event program, and post-event acknowledgements
Verbal recognition during speaking program
Name/logo on signage at event registration table
On-screen logo placement at event
Minimum three posts on Greater Steps Scholars social platforms with appropriate tagging
Company name & logo placed on event registration, program and sponsor page
Reserved seating
Opportunity to include gift item or offer to all event registrants

Community Builder Sponsor

$2,500

Recognition as a Community Builder sponsor of event
Name/logo in select event-related media, including website and event program
Verbal recognition during speaking program
Company name on signage at event registration table
On-screen logo placement at event
Two posts on Greater Steps Scholars social platforms with appropriate tagging
Opportunity to include gift item or offer to all event registrants
Reserved seating for 8 guests

Hope Giver Sponsor

$1,250

Recognition as a Hope Giver Sponsor
Reserved seating for 8 guests
Brand recognition in all electronic media
Company name & logo placed in program and sponsor page
Company logo displayed on sponsor welcome
Acknowledgment on social media before, during and post-event
Opportunity to include gift item or offer to all event registrants

Friendship Patron Sponsor

$600

Recognition as a Friendship Patron sponsor of event in event program
On-screen logo placement at event

Become a Friendsgiving Sponsor!