Rob Bennett raised more than $4,000 for Habitat for Humanity in the contest.
Rob Bennett of Cornelius was the top fund raiser in Our Towns Habitat for Humanity’s Biggest Cheese in Town 2012 competition. The crown was bestowed on Oct. 26 at the “Cheese Ball,” a reception in Cornelius at Kadi Fit.
Mr. Bennett owns My Aloha Paddle Sports and Fitness. He was among 14 contestants in the event, each of whom was trying to raise at least $1,000 for Habitat for Humanity. Mr. Bennett, 45, was able to attract enough donors and sponsors to raise just over $4,000 through two Aloha Cup events.
“I’m quite surprised I won,” Mr. Bennett said. “Giving back to the community has been a priority since day one of establishing my business. Success should be shared.”
Also in the top three were No. 2 Bill Kenney, owner of Kilwins Chocolates in Huntersville, and No. 3, Jack Hart, who also is Home Helpers’ NC Senior Volunteer of the Year.
Contestants used a variety of approaches to raise cash, from donating a percentage of sales to providing a service in exchange for a donation to asking friends directly.
Others chasing The Biggest Cheese 2012 title were: Jean Aswell (Mary Kay Cosmetics), Kevin Beatty (Bread and Butter Pictures), Wylie Cossar (NC Center for Truth Verification), Jenn Cox (Brow Lounge), Molly Deaton (Fit Avenue), Mary MacDonald (Peoples Bank), Ashley McPherson (AFLAC), Krista Marks (Rodan + Fields Dermatologists), Aaron Schmitt (W. Aaron Schmitt Insurance and Financial Services), Dr. John Ballas (Ballas Chiropractic) and volunteer Robert Weldon.
Monies raised in the Biggest Cheese in Town contest contribute to Habitat’s ability to provide affordable housing for Lake Norman area families in need.
To learn more about these and other Habitat fundraising or building projects and to donate or volunteer, visit www.OurTownsHabitat.org, or e-mail Director of Development Tammy Cox TCox@ourtownshabitat.org or call her 704-896-8957 x 103.
FUNDRAISING CALENDAR
YMCA Spirit Mind & Body Day, Saturday, Nov. 3, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Lake Norman YMCA, 21300 Davidson St., Cornelius – Spirit Mind & Body Day, with exercise, yoga, and a Zumbathon, to support the 2012 Lake Norman YMCA Community Support Campaign. Proceeds will help the YMCA send kids to summer camp, provide scholarships for after-school program participants, and pay for the Y Readers summer literacy program and programs for active adults over 55. Register by contacting Member Services at the Lake Norman YMCA at 704-716-4400 or by visiting http://www.ymcacharlotte.org/
Walk for Stomach Cancer, Saturday, Nov. 3, 9 a.m., Pine Lake Prep, 1639 Mecklenburg Highway (N.C. 115), Mooresville – Pine Lake Preparatory joins others around the world in an international fund-raising walk for No Stomach for Cancer. Walkers invited to participate, with registration that morning. Donations also may be made through the fundraising page at http://www.crowdrise.com/pinelakepreparatory. All proceeds raised will help No Stomach For Cancer to support stomach cancer research. See also http://www.nostomachforcancer.org/
Mt. Zion barbecue, Saturday, Nov. 3, 11am-6pm, Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, 19600 Zion Ave., Cornelius – 73rd Annual Mt. Zion United Methodist Church BBQ. Tickets $9 a plate (includes BBQ, yams, slaw and bread as well as a dessert), $3 for a sandwich, or $10 for a pound of BBQ. Dine in or take out. Proceeds go to the Ada Jenkins Center, Room at the Inn (ministry to the homeless), Mt. Zion Youth Missions, and the F.U.E.L. Youth Ministry. In addition to the BBQ, this year there will be a yard sale on the front lawn. Proceeds will help students go to South Africa. Begins at 7am.
Summit Coffee poker benefit, Saturday, Nov. 3, 8-11 p.m., Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St., Davidson – 3rd Annual Poker Tournament, benefiting Davidson Cornelius Child Development Center. Free. Information: 704-895-9090 or visit www.summitcoffee.com.
Angels of ’97 golf tourney, Monday, Nov. 5, 1 p.m., Pine Island Golf Course, Charlotte – Angels of ’97 hosts its ninth annual “Puttin’ Fore a Purpose” golf tournament, raising money for area high school seniors. Angels of ’97 was formed in 1997 to honor five students who died before graduation. Since then it has given more than $450,000 in scholarships. Info: contact Cami Meador, cami.meador@gmail.com or 704-526-9301. Details and registration online: www.angelsof97.com See also our preview article about the tournament.
Over the Tabletop showcase, Thursday/Friday, Nov. 8-9, Peninsula Country Club, Cornelius – North Mecklenburg Woman’s Club presents 4th Annual Over The Table Top design showcase, featuring “Sip ‘N Shop” and showcasing many local artists and vendors. Gala Thursday night $35. Friday Nov. 9 showcase, 10am-3pm, $15 admission. Contact Denise Carter 704-892-1041 or Lu Ann Driscoll 704-895-1108 for more information. Proceeds benefit the Answer Scholarship Endowment www.answerscholarship.org
Davidson Presbyterian BBQ, Friday, Nov. 16, 10am to ??? Davidson Presbyterian Church, 116 Depot St., Davidson – Annual Davidson Presbyterian Church “Eastern Style” barbecue sale, $8 for a plate or 1 lb. Tickets call 704-892-4313 in advance.
CORRECTION: This article has been updated to correct that there were 14 contestants in the Biggest Cheese competition, and to correct that Jack Hart was Home Helpers’ NC Senior Volunteer of the Year.
