Title

Runner-Up               Pete Richardson with Lake-A-Palooza

This year we adjusted our former Non-Profit of the Year category to better reflect the types of organizations that are truly making an impact here in the Lake Gaston region. Although our runner-up this year would not traditionally fit the category of a non-profit, civic group or church, the vast impact created by this community-oriented event cannot be denied and deserves recognition. This event takes place on what is considered summer’s grand finale weekend and is one of the largest crowd-drawing events at Lake Gaston. Better still this event is designed not just for fun on the lake, but to raise funds for individuals and their families in our community who need help, as well as the non-profit group Harvest 4 Heroes that gives to our wounded war heroes.

Despite facing the challenge of potential inclement weather and North Carolina’s infamous hurricane season each year, the event organizer coordinates entertainment, a silent auction and a raffle to name a few. All this is done while running a busting business too. For these reasons and many more, we are proud to recognize Lake-A-Palooza and organizer Pete Richardson as our 2017 Community Champion of the Year runner-up.