APPARO’S DIGITAL BALL RAISES $800,000 TO SUPPORT CHARLOTTE-AREA NONPROFIT TECHNOLOGY AND CELEBRATES APPARO’S 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Charlotte, NC—May 21, 2014—Nearly 600 guests, including 30 CIOs from Charlotte’s corporate IT community, raised $800,000 to support empowering nonprofits through business and technology solutions at Apparo’s 8th annual Digital Ball, sponsored by Microsoft, on April 26, 2014.
The evening’s theme was ‘Destination 10th Anniversary’ to celebrate Apparo’s tenth year of operation. Guests ultimate destination was India, complete with flight attendants upon entry and photos taken in front of the Taj Mahal. Citar players, an Indian dance performance, and henna tattoo artists entertained attendees as well as an after party sponsored by Oracle, and martini lounge sponsored by Salesforce. A silent auction raised more than $25,000, and the presenting sponsor, Microsoft, awarded raffle winners with an Xbox One, Surface tablets and 2 Windows phones.
During dinner, guests heard from Jeff Stovall, CIO, City of Charlotte; Jack Braman, Regional VP U.S. East Region Enterprise & Partner Group, Microsoft; Kim Lanphear, Executive Director, Apparo; and Cam Faison, CIO, Charlotte Pipe and Foundry on the power of technology to help nonprofits more effectively achieve their missions.
“Microsoft’s mission is to help bridge the technology skills gap by working directly and with partners to provide resources to empower nonprofits and students alike,” said Jack Braman of Microsoft. “It is inspiring to see more than 600 Charlotteans come together to support local nonprofits in the name of technology and philanthropy.”
Three nonprofits assisted by Apparo’s programs and annual award were featured during the program. The Technology Innovation Award, sponsored by Accenture, was awarded to Carolina Tiger Rescue. A Child’s Place and the Joe Martin ALS Foundation received recognition for their participation in Apparo’s Skilled Volunteer Engagement program that pairs nonprofits with corporate sponsors to develop IT solutions.
“This year’s Digital Ball was the best one yet,” says Lanphear. “Thank you to all of our sponsors for helping us make this event both memorable and impactful. It’s humbling to be in a room with so many people who are passionate about helping nonprofits succeed through business and technology solutions. Nonprofits are a driving force in Charlotte and the corporate community is ready and willing to ensure their impact is felt across the region and even the world.”
About Apparo
Apparo, formerly NPower Charlotte Region, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that moves Charlotte-area nonprofits forward through technology and business services that help them achieve their missions. As a trusted partner and hub for information technology needs, Apparo works to create a vibrant community of technology enabled nonprofits.
Apparo’s mission is to transform local nonprofits through technology and services that enhance their missions. We are the go-to provider of technology strategy, implementation, consulting and support services for nonprofits in the Charlotte area. Apparo connects the nonprofit and corporate technology sectors, delivering solutions that multiply nonprofit effectiveness for a better Charlotte.
