COOPER CARES 2026
Friday, February 6, 2026 | 6:00 PM
Quail Hollow Club | 3700 Gleneagles Rd | Charlotte, NC 28226
An evening out to support Special Needs Individuals & Initiatives in the Region.
Casino, Poker, Mahjong and Fun! Joint Reception to Follow. Cocktail Attire.
Event Agenda (6-10pm):
6pm: Welcome Cocktail Reception:
Passed Hors d’oeuvres, Dinner Stations, Libations and Fun!
7-9pm: Two Fun Events - You Choose:
Casino: Includes Texas Hold ‘em Tourney + Blackjack/ Craps/ Roulette Free Play.
Mahj: Foursome Table Play. Final Game for Grand Prize and lots of chances for Raffle Prizes.
9pm: Joint Reception, Raffles, Live Auction
See you there!
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS !
Platinum Sponsors:
Cocktail Sponsor:
Gold Sponsors:
The Hurley Family
Silver Sponsors:
The Bartels Family
Casino Sponsors:
Past Event Sponsors:
Ed Kruszynski
Park National Bank
Cary Carter Turpin
Warco Construction
Who We’re Playing For
The Cooper Royall Foundation’s mission is to “Provide Resources and Awareness to Amplify the Love and Understanding of Special Needs Families”.
We focus on pre-school, post-secondary, and lifelong family support initiatives that “wrap themselves around” traditional K-12 offerings. CRF is partnering with likeminded organizations across the region to strategize & AMPLIFY the impact on those they serve.
Autism Society of NC - Camp Royall
Camp Royall is the Nation’s oldest and largest camp for individuals with Autism - located in Pittsboro, NC.
The Cooper Royall Foundation funds yearly scholarships to their weeklong summer camp for Autistic campers. Additionally, CRF is visioning and funding an Adaptive Play Zone and other strategic growth opportunities to bolster the Camp’s offerings!
LIFESPAN SERVICES
Lifespan illuminates the abilities of children and adults with disabilities by providing education, employment, and enrichment opportunities to live, work, and play in their communities throughout their lifetimes.
CRF is partnering with Lifespan to jumpstart the CREST Initiative - to create an inclusive jobs, training and social ecosystem in SouthPark.
ClemsonLIFE
ClemsonLIFE, is one of the nation’s leading post-secondary programs for young adults with Special Needs. The program focuses on teaching life and employment skills.
CRF co-developed the 50 by ‘25 Initiative w/ LIFE to grow the program by 25% and create an Inclusive Certificate of Hospitality Management. And now we’re helping the program grow to Greenville, SC!
Western Carolina UP Program
The WCU UP Program provides an inclusive, two-year, on-campus living and learning experience for college-aged persons with intellectual disability. The program facilitate UP students' transition from secondary school to adult life with education, employment, and independent living. CRF contributes to grow the UP Program annually!
Winthrop LIFE
WinthropLIFE is a federally designated post-secondary program built to strengthen skills in the areas of employment, self-determination, health and nutrition, social networking, and independent living. CRF has partnered with WinthropLIFE to hire additional faculty to triple the program enrollment between ‘23 and ‘25 - and more to come soon!
The Cooper Royall Foundation is embarking on an EXCITING NEW INITIATIVE to enhance the employment ecosystem in Charlotte for individuals with intellectual disabilities. We envision a place-based strategy to grow jobs opportunities, training, transportation and awareness anchored in the SouthPark neighborhood:
Partner with Charlotte based nonprofits that focus/create employment training and job opportunities for the intellectual disability community.
Create/ fund necessary supports to create a hub of employment that supports South Park’s 350+ neighborhood hotels, shops, restaurants, and service providers.
Incrementally create an ecosystem of inclusivity, opportunities, and celebration of people of all abiliies in the heart of Charlotte.
For more info on event or sponsorships: events@cooperroyallfoundation.org