Party with a purpose: Charlotte native working to help displaced residents amid city’s growth

CHARLOTTE — A Charlotte native is working to bridge the gap between community resources and the people they’re intended to serve.

Winston Robinson grew up in Charlotte’s Wilmore neighborhood in the 1980s and ‘90s. He says in his lifetime he’s seen at least three different iterations of Charlotte in terms of its growth.

“And with that has come the displacement of a lot of my childhood friends, people I’ve known throughout the years because they just can’t keep up with the changes Charlotte is making,” Robinson told Channel 9′s Madison Carter.

Winston believes the funding, programming, and infrastructure are currently in place to help those who are being displaced. They just aren’t aware of how to access it.

That’s where Robinson is stepping in to help.

He created the nonprofit Applesauce Group to organize community events where he can gather people in the same place as the resources they need.

“I know how to throw a party. I don’t know if United Way can throw a better party,” said Robinson. “However, United Way offers a lot of great products and services that help not only people, but organizations as well.”

This weekend he’s putting on the fifth installment of A Vibe Outside. It’s a party with a purpose.

Robinson told Channel 9 that more than 35 vendors will be there during the event, which is centered around celebrating Charlotte’s artistic culture. You’ll find karaoke, trivia contests, skating, double-dutch, and more.

Organizations like DreamKey Partners, Charlotte Works, and United Way of Greater Charlotte will also be there.

It runs this Saturday, July 15 from 3-8 p.m. at The West Complex, 1600 West Trade Street.

Tickets are free, and free skate rentals can be reserved here.

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