CHARLOTTE, N.C. - In recognition of her service to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community during 2008, Carol Hardison has been named Charlotte Woman of the Year.
Hardison, executive director of Crisis Assistance Ministry, was selected for the honor by the Charlotte Woman of the Year Committee, which has bestowed the award every year since 1955.
"During 2007-08, Carol Hardison devoted her time and exceptional leadership skills to one of the most critical issues facing our community - the increasing poverty of thousands of our citizens," the committee says in a statement.
During that time, Hardison's organization distributed more than $7.5 million in emergency aid to stave off homelessness and keep lights and heat on for 14,800 families in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area.
The group also distributed 724,000 pieces of clothing and household items and helped almost 5,000 people in need of appliances and furniture.
Despite the difficult economy during 2008, Crisis Assistance Ministry raised a record $3.3 million and coordinated more than 53,000 volunteer hours.
Hardison will receive the award March 11 at the annual A Woman's Place event, which is presented in conjunction with the Levine Museum of the New South.
Julianne Malveaux, president of Bennett College, will present the keynote address, "Unfinished Business: Top Issues Facing Women Today."
The award is sponsored by Bank of America, Duke Energy, Goodrich Corporation and the Springs-Close Foundation.
