A Gaston non-profit will face off against nine others
A Gaston County non-profit is gearing up to compete against nine other area non-profit organizations in this year’s SEED20 Showcase.
According to Talia Wucherer, executive director of Arin’s Good Girl Dog Treats, this will be the organization’s first time participating in the competition.
According to the SEED20 website, the program was created by Social Venture Partners (SVP) Charlotte to highlight and connect the community to the region’s innovative ideas for tackling pressing social challenges.
Each year, a group of selected non-profit participants are trained on how to, “succinctly and powerfully tell their story,” according to the website.
After receiving training, 10 participants have the opportunity to deliver a three-minute pitch to an audience of community members who then vote to determine which organization will win the $20,000 grand prize.
There is also a celebration at the event which allows the organizations to meet community members and share more about their mission.
Arin’s Good Girl Dog Treats, based in Belmont, was invited to participate in SEED20 this year to, “hone their approach,” according to their website.
“We utilize Universal Design Principles to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, has access to meaningful employment opportunities,” the site said. “Through our innovative approach, we're not just solving community issues; we're transforming lives. By fostering inclusivity and embracing diversity, we're paving the way for a more equitable and accessible future.”
Starting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26, Wucherer will put those freshly honed skills to the test and deliver her three-minute speech on behalf of Arin’s God Girl Dog Treats.
The organization not only makes treats that work for dogs with food sensitivities, but also offers career support to local individuals that struggle with intellectual disabilities.
Wucherer said she is excited yet nervous for the event.
As Arin’s mom and the director of the organization, Wucherer said the mission is near and dear to her heart.
“I’m flattered that we were chosen out of so many applicants to be solving this community issue in an innovative approach,” she said. “Each of us is really defined, in a way, by the way we contribute to society and having something meaningful in terms of employment also defines us. We want to offer that opportunity to all individuals. We want to have a more inclusive community and a more inclusive society, so, it’s exciting.”
Community members can purchase tickets on www.seed20.org to watch the event in person at Central Piedmont’s New Theater in Charlotte.
However, livestream tickets for those who cannot make it in person are also available, and Arin’s will be hosting a watch party during the event at American Legion Post 144, located at 202 Park Drive in Belmont.
This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: A Gaston non-profit will face off against nine others
