September has officially been proclaimed Smart Start Month in North Carolina by Governor Josh Stein—a time dedicated to recognizing the life-changing impact of early childhood programs. Here in Catawba County, the Catawba County Partnership for Children (CCPC) is carrying this mission forward by hosting its 2nd Annual “Building Brighter Futures” event on Thursday, September 18, 2025, from 6–8 p.m. at the historic Moretz Mills in Hickory.
This celebration brings together community members, families, educators, and leaders to honor the work being done to ensure every child in Catawba County enters school healthy, supported, and ready to learn.
What to Expect at the Event
Guests will enjoy a fun and meaningful evening featuring:
- Live music from Jeff Arditti
- A short program highlighting the impact of CCPC’s work in Catawba County
- A 50/50 raffle fundraiser, where one lucky winner takes home half of the proceeds while the other half supports early childhood programs that strengthen local families
- And of course, dinner, dessert, and drinks!
Funds raised will benefit beloved programs such as Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, NC Pre-Kindergarten, Parents as Teachers, Our Nest Diaper Pantry, and more.
👉 Reserve your spot today: Buy Your Tickets Here.
Unable to attend but still want to support the event? You can purchase a ticket for a Catawba County early educator and they’ll invite those who are dedicating their lives to working with young children each and every day.
About Smart Start
The Smart Start network is North Carolina’s nationally recognized early childhood initiative, created in 1993 to ensure that children enter school prepared for success. Smart Start partnerships—like CCPC—are unique because they bring together families, educators, businesses, and community leaders to address the specific needs of local children.
Research consistently shows that the first five years of life are the most critical for brain development. By investing in high-quality child care, literacy initiatives, health resources, and family support programs, Smart Start helps:
- Increase school readiness and long-term academic success
- Support parents as their child’s first and most important teachers
- Strengthen the local workforce by providing reliable child care options
- Build stronger communities by giving every child a brighter start
Image Provided by Catawba County Partnership for Children
About the Catawba County Partnership for Children (CCPC)
Founded more than 30 years ago, CCPC is our local Smart Start partnership, committed to ensuring that all children in Catawba County have the opportunity to thrive. Through a wide range of programs, CCPC works to:
- Promote early literacy through initiatives like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and KidsREADY Catawba
- Support families with resources such as Parents as Teachers, Triple P (Positive Parenting Program), and Our Nest Diaper Pantry
- Empower early childhood educators through professional development and scholarships
- Ensure healthy development by connecting families with health services and support teams
- Prepare children for kindergarten through NC Pre-K and transition-to-school initiatives
As CCPC Executive Director Kim Holden explains, “Smart Start Month highlights the critical role of early childhood programs, and our Building Brighter Futures event gives our community the opportunity to celebrate together while investing in our youngest learners.”
Together, we can ensure that every child in Catawba County has the strong foundation they need for a lifetime of success.