I am helping raise money on behalf of the Charlotte Dragon Boat Race and Asian Festival to support the Charlotte Rescue Mission. The Asian Festival launched in 2000, and the Dragon Boat Race has been an annual event since 2006. Together, they form the signature event for the Asian-American community in the greater Charlotte region.
This year, proceeds also benefit Charlotte Rescue Mission, who for over 80 years has been serving people struggling with addiction, poverty, or hopelessness with the goal of returning them to society as productive, self-sufficient citizens. Charlotte Rescue Mission provides free Christian residential drug and recovery services for men at Rebound and women and families at Dove's Nest. This 120-day multi-program ensures its residents develop a deep understanding of their problems, including the root causes of addiction, and in doing so, they learn not only how to cope with staying drug and alcohol free, but also how to manage the life scenarios that can trigger relapse. The program completion rates are twice the national average.