OneMain Financial will host its third “Made on Main Street” event on Saturday, Aug. 4 in Charlotte to celebrate the $25,000 grant awarded to CharlotteRising. “Made on Main Street,” a partnership between OneMain Financial and Main Street America, provides community action grants for innovative neighborhood transformation projects across the country.
In Charlotte, the money awarded through this philanthropic initiative will be used to transform a vacant lot into a pocket park, which will host public events and programs. Six additional grants have been awarded to organizations across the nation.
“We’re thrilled to award this grant to Charlotte Rising. At OneMain Financial, we believe that individuals thrive when communities thrive, and we feel this project aligns with that vision,” said OneMain Financial Chief Marketing Officer Kim Wijkstrom. “The pocket park will rejuvenate the Charlotte community, and we hope the celebratory event will be a great time for everyone.”
The pocket park, which is a collaboration between Charlotte Rising and the City of Charlotte, will be created across the street from City Hall. The building that once stood there was demolished, and the lot has remained vacant ever since. The grant will be used to create an experience-based space with café tables, games, a performance stage, and a new art piece. Local organizations will use the space for events and programming that will drive positive activity within the community. Weymouth Child Development Center plans on hosting outdoor classes, while Charlotte Community Library hopes to conduct crafts, yoga and story time programs in the park.
“This pocket park is a great embodiment of our community’s transformation over the past few years. A physical and emotional eyesore in the heart of our downtown is now evolving into a focal point of positivity, rooted in collaboration, creativity, and action,” said Charlotte Rising Executive Director Dillon Rush.
OneMain Financial will be hosting a free, family-friendly block party to celebrate the grant award and the upcoming transformation project. The Aug. 4 event will be held at Courthouse Square, 100 W. Lawrence Avenue, from 2 to 6 p.m. Festivities will include complimentary food, games, crafts, artisan vendors, and live music.
“Made on Main Street” is free, and all community members are invited to attend. For more information, please visit: MadeonMainStreet.com.
Article submitted by OneMain Financial.
