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As 2020 comes to an end, I know it’s been a year for all of us. But our mission at Channel 9 has always been to inform & offer a glimmer of hope. I’ve been fortunate to tell many of the stories where you’ve stepped in to help. Here’s a few of my favorites:
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After the death of Scott Brooks, local artists came together to memorialize him outside the family’s sandwich shop. The mural alongside his face reads “too blessed to be stressed.” 2 people have been arrested in connection to his murder. https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/artists-mural-popular-noda-sandwich-shop-honors-slain-co-owner/ZZJHUQR3JJB7DF44LP3PUKGWQ4/
How could we forget Vic the Chili Man? The uptown fixture retired in February before covid really took hold. His only wish is that “10 years after I serve my last hot dog, people are still talking about me.” Does this count, Vic? https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/its-time-beloved-uptown-food-cart-vendor-vic-chili-man-retiring/SFGWJSZGSFDPRCOVW6ZIPWHHQE/
Then in March, more than 300 CMS students received free dental care from dozens of volunteers. Schools shutdown shortly after. Fortunately, each child learned how to take care of their teeth & got their own toothbrush because some didn't have their own. https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/more-than-300-cms-students-receive-free-dental-care/4TOVJQ35CNFZPDI47YMLLZT2IY/
We learned so much about food insecurity. I had never seen families line up in their cars to get basic items like food & cleaning supplies. For people who lost their jobs, the donations were a lifeline. I’ll never forget this story out of Belmont. https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/downtown-belmont-holding-food-supply-giveaway/S36JDEHH2VHE5J7ETQLB4UFNOY/
I met the Cooper’s in May. They opened this donut shop so they could work alongside their son, Zach, who has Down Syndrome. They’d tell you it wasn’t an ideal time to start a business, but they’re so successful they now employ others with disabilities too. https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/new-doughnut-shop-owners-wont-let-pandemic-stop-them-inspiring-others/B3UB3PKD4JDSXJW7XK66VNQM3M/
Standout student Cayla Withers received a $100,000 scholarship — the largest ever given by a black Greek fraternity or sorority. Her great grandparents used to pick cotton & now she’s studying to become a NASA engineer. We were there for the surprise! https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/i-am-my-ancestors-wildest-dream-al-brown-grad-wins-100000-scholarship/IBGXYTERMZAFRFJF47KDUJLB4E/
Kenya Joseph & her mom Sandra Marks started the Hearts & Hands food pantry, which provides essential items to people in North Meck. County. They were nominated AND WON a $5,000 reward that helps them serve even more people & keep the lights on. https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/we-want-be-light-local-familys-food-pantry-offers-hope-pandemic/JYS5DF3RCBBRPCIBHTO7BE4HBA/
When CMS decided to begin the school year with remote learning, thousands of homeless children needed a safe space to study. CMS school counselor Cynthia Johnson helped bring some stability to those students’ lives. https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/well-make-it-happen-school-counselor-helps-find-safe-space-students-learn/RPO7S44UKNCRLKXQL4PP34AKEA/
The pandemic also forced some people from their homes onto the streets & into tents. Mary Barton Ross started a request online asking for donations from neighbors. It grew so much, it became a city-wide effort & her garage looked more like a warehouse. https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/worthy-cause-charlotte-woman-gathers-donations-those-living-tent-city/YYQB5SYSXNEBNLO3PC5P72S7HM/
Finally, teacher Rudy Ware has opened up her home to a student who had nowhere else to go since March. Her colleagues at the Nevins Center asked for donations to help make the holiday a happy one. You delivered & your support moved them to tears. https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/local-organization-creating-extra-special-christmas-teacher-student/UD35USYMXRFRHIV6BTNTK24BBA/
I also know this year brought a lot of loss, pain & grief. Despite that, there are countless examples of ways people tried to lessen the burden whether those stories made it on TV or not. I’m proud to be part of a community that cares. Here’s to a much better 2021. We did it.
