BY BRANDY TEMPLETON
Representatives of local nonprofits and businesses gathered in Mooresville on Friday for a friendly competition and to raise money for local agencies through the Love United Iredell campaign.
The Trackhouse Motorplex hosted the Drive to Make a Difference go-cart relay race, which raised funds for agencies participating in the United Way of Iredell’s annual initiative. Each year, multiple nonprofits are selected for the Love United Iredell campaign, which provides funding for impactful projects that can be quickly completed.
“It’s an opportunity to do something fun together and make a difference at the same time. We have this gem in our backyard and have a chance to participate,” Executive Director Brett Eckerman said.
Businesses that competed in the race included Doosan Bobcat, Denso Manufacturing, Packman Dental, ARMS, Country Boy Landscaping, and Reaume Brothers Racing.
“Anytime we all can connect with local fundraisers to do what we love, we’re there,” said Liam Jenkins of Team Reaume.
Agencies participating in the 2026 Love United Iredell campaign include Kintegra Health, Crosby Scholars, Restoration Road Ministry, Fifth Street Ministries, Pharos Parenting, Statesville Family YMCA, and Iredell Council on Aging.
Pharos Parenting will use its funds to provide local teachers with the Love & Logic curriculum, which helps teachers handle discipline issues and bridges connection for struggling parents.
“We provide education, support, and skills to have a healthy, happy, and safe home,” Executive Director Tonya Fowler shared.
The nonprofit hopes to raise $4,500 for the effort.
“We want to train two more schools with the Love & Logic education skills,” Fowler said. “The materials are geared towards teachers in the classroom.”
So far, both American Renaissance School and Third Creek have taken part. Fowler wants to include two middle schools next.
Statesville Family YMCA Executive Director Mac Inscore said the nonprofit’s Love United project supports teens.
“It’s Nourishing Futures, which is nutritional education that includes cooking classes all year,” she said. “There’s a big emphasis on mental health that goes along with it.”
Fifth Street Ministries officials plan to use the nonprofit’s funds to provide 40 outdoor lockers and a covered space for residents’ bikes.
Fifth Street Executive Director Tamara Roach said that the Love United event was a great way to wrap up the campaign.
“It’s a fun thing for the companies. It’s good for their camaraderie,” she sad. “It’s a win-win for everybody.”
Crosby Scholars Iredell is raising money for its Try It Tuesdays initiative.
“It’s career exploration that helps Iredell students explore careers earlier,” Executive Director Jennifer Christian said. “It helps them get exposed and see if it interests them or not.”
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