As part of their Event and Venue Management class, and in collaboration with the Charlotte Knights and the Matthews Help Center, students organized a youth sports gear drive during the Light the Knights festival at Truist Field.
Students enrolled in the Elon in Charlotte: The Sport Experience program made a meaningful impact this holiday season, hosting a youth sports gear drive during the Light the Knights festival.
The Dec. 1 event, hosted at Truist Field, home of the Charlotte Knights minor league baseball team, was a collaboration between Elon University, the Knights, and the Matthews Help Center. The drive collected a variety of gently used sports equipment – 171 pieces of gear in all – and raised more $1,000 in donation to support the Matthews Help Center’s programs for families in need.
This initiative is part of Elon University’s broader effort to integrate educational experiences with community service. The students spent four months planning the event as part of their Event and Venue Management class, gaining hands-on experience while positively impacting their community. Their efforts were bolstered by a Community Partnerships Initiative grant from the Kernodle Center, which funded supplies and marketing.”
“Elon does a wonderful job providing its sport management students the opportunity to gain real experience by putting on these events,” said Chris Dillon, director of community relations and promotions at the Knights. “They worked extremely hard to put this event together and were able to help families in the Charlotte area as a result.”
With support from the Knights, the charity drive demonstrated how sports organizations and educational institutions can collaborate for a greater cause.
“The Charlotte Knights take immense pride in working with the community,” Dillon said. “It’s important not only to help the students gain experience, but to provide necessary sports equipment to families with children who may be struggling financially.”
Associate Professor of Sport Management Young Do Kim commended the students for their professionalism this semester and the positive impact of their efforts.
“This cohort not only met all the tenets of community-based learning, but also showcased the essential skills they developed both inside and outside the classroom to plan and execute the event beyond my expectations,” he said. “Despite the challenge of finding a community partner, their professional mindset, strong work ethic, and teamwork enabled them to overcome obstacles efficiently and make meaningful contributions to their community partner, Matthews Help Center.”
Kim also noted that the students gained valuable insights into the importance of partnerships and how organizations like the Charlotte Knights create community value through socially responsible initiatives.
For more on the Matthews Help Center’s mission, visit the center’s website.
