Virtual event raised $120,000 to help local nonprofits address technology challenges
A Better World received Apparo’s 2020 Mission Possible: The Economic Opportunity Award, sponsored by Accenture, on August 8 at the the organization’s first virtual ConnectivIT® Ball.
This innovative event was a mix of live and pre-recorded content. The virtual ball featured unique virtual compenents, including a special mixology session with Bardo, engaging networking via Yotribe, a new networking technology that allowed guests to mix and mingle and a main event that integrated donation functionality into the livestream.
Apparo’s ConnectivIT® Series culminated at the virtual Ball, where the organization reached a series fundraising total of nearly $1 million. More than 350 guests, including CIOs from Charlotte’s corporate IT community, attended the celebration.
The Mission Possible Economic Opportunity Award is presented to a Charlotte nonprofit with the strongest proposal for using technology to improve economic mobility and is made possible through Apparo’s leadership and a US$10,000 cash and $50,000 pro bono contribution from Accenture, a leading global professional services company.
This year’s winner, A Better World, is after-school program that serves children in Ashley Park. The organization uplifts under-served youth in West Charlotte by enriching their physical, mental and spiritual development. In response to the coronavirus pandemic, A Better World recently re-packaged their program to serve students virtually. Currently, they are offering academic help, group therapy and providing 200 meals per day via their drive-thru delivery
“A Better World is a true gem in our community,” Kim Lanphear, CEO of Apparo, said. “At Apparo we believe technology can change the world, and the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the importance of technology in the nonprofit sector. We are grateful to be able to serve and uplift A Better World with better technology resources so they can serve even more students and families in need.”
Apparo and Accenture have collaborated on the Mission Possible Award (formerly the Technology Innovation Award) for 13 years.
Next year’s Mission Possible Award program will kick off with an informational virtual event on September 18. To register, please visit apparo.org/nonprofit-services/mission-possible to complete the required form.
About Apparo
Apparo, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, connects nonprofits and corporations in the Charlotte, NC area, delivering technology solutions that multiply nonprofit effectiveness. Considered the go-to provider of technology strategy, implementation, consulting, and support services for nonprofits, to date Apparo has served more than 500 local nonprofits, providing them with more than $13.5 million worth of technology solutions. Learn more at www.apparo.org.
