Smarty Pants Cares

We’re a blog with heart. That’s why we support local fundraisers to benefit charities and non-profits alike. Visit us here often to see what events and charities Smarty Moms like you are supporting. And if you have a suggestion or charity we should know about you can email us at info@charlottesmartypants.com

2008 Touch A Truck Family Festival

The 2008 Touch A Truck Family Festival will be held September 21st from 11a-2p at North Mecklenburg Park in Huntersville. This is the second year for this event, which brings together a collection of exciting vehicles for children to climb in and explore up close. Vehicles scheduled include a NASCAR vehicle, a fire truck, garbage trucks, construction vehicles, a police car and many more. There will also be display booths focused on fun activities for young children. Food will be available for purchase and the silent auction includes many items specifically for young children.

Last year attracted over 2,000 participants, and all the money raised through the $3 entrance donation was given to a charity funding cancer research. They donated over $10,000 from admission and the silent auction! Come out and have a fun time with the family while supporting a great cause!

For more information, visit www.LKNTouchATruck.Com.

Charlotte TTTS 5k Race for Hope

Date: Saturday, September 20, 2008
Place: Freedom Park (in conjunction with Festival in the Park)
Time: Kids Fun Run Kicks off at 7:55am
Cost: Free

Event:
Want to do something for the whole family and support a worthwhile cause? Then grab your family and friends and head to this year's Charlotte TTTS (Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome) Race for Hope on Saturday, September 20th in conjunction with Festival in the Park at Charlotte's Freedom Park.

The TTTS Race for Hope is part of a National Race Series that serves as the Fetal Hope Foundation's largest fundraiser in supporting medical research and families affected by fetal syndromes such as Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome, or TTTS.

Three years ago, Charlotte Race Director Talitha McGuinness and spouse, Lee, had one of 800,000 pregnancies affected by a fetal syndrome. They were given few options and little hope for a successful pregnancy with their twins because of a disease of the placenta that was endangering the life of their unborn children. After receiving in-utero surgery to cure their twins of the disease, and giving birth to two beautiful girls, the couple realized they were among the few with not one, but two healthy survivors.

In order to help others who would find themselves in similar situations, they formed a group of area families affected by fetal syndromes and joined the Fetal Hope Foundation in coordinating the Charlotte TTTS Race for Hope. This year will mark the 3rd annual event. As such, the event will host one of the area's largest post-race expos and family festivals including clowns, characters, a bounce house and the Festival in the Park, perfect for a day with the family.

For more information on the TTTS Race for Hope, please contact Charlotte Race Director Talitha McGuinness at talitha@tttsraceforhope.org.
To register, please visit www.tttsraceforhope.org and click on the Charlotte event.

LungStrong 15K/5K

Help support one of our passions. Participate in the LungStrong 15K/5K at Jetton Village in Lake Norman NC. The event is October 18th, 2008. The Run/Walk event is open to all participants who seek a challenge, runner-friendly course or just a fun and healthy way to support Lung Cancer awareness. The event features Live Music, a Wall of Honor, Massages, Prizes, Inflatables for the kids and much, much more.