People of Action Gala

The Rotary Club of Asheville is proud to announce the distinguished honorees for its third annual People of Action Gala, taking place on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Renaissance Asheville Downtown Hotel.

The gala celebrates local leaders who embody the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self.” The club recognizes seven individuals annually, one for each of Rotary’s Seven Areas of Focus, whose work has created lasting, positive change in Western North Carolina.

The 2026 People of Action Honorees:

• Basic Education & Literacy: Cici Weston: The founder of the Christine W. Avery Learning Center is celebrated for providing high-quality early education to 180+ students annually and ensuring learning continuity during crises.
• Community Economic Development: Stephanie Swepson Twitty: As CEO of Eagle Market Streets Development Corp., she is a leading advocate for inclusive growth, expanding capital access and generational wealth for marginalized communities.
• Disease Prevention & Treatment: Dr. Susan Mims: As CEO of Dogwood Health Trust, she is recognized for addressing the root social drivers of health to prevent disease and ensure equitable care across Western North Carolina.
• Supporting the Environment: Phyllis Stiles: The founder of Bee City USA has sparked a nationwide movement of over 460 affiliates dedicated to pollinator conservation and ecological health.
• Maternal & Child Health: Colleen Burnet: At the Mountain Child Advocacy Center, she equips families with tools to prevent trauma, recently led critical support for families displaced by Hurricane Helene, and improves early childhood outcomes in the region.
• Peacebuilding & Conflict Prevention: David LaMotte: An internationally recognized author and musician, he is honored for using storytelling and community partnerships to foster empathy, reduce division, and empower grassroots peacemaking globally.
• Water, Sanitation & Hygiene: Hartwell Carson – As the French Broad Riverkeeper, Mr. Carson is recognized for his advocacy and hands-on efforts to protect the water quality of our region’s most vital waterways, ensuring they remain a clean resource for future generations.

The evening includes a seated dinner, live music, short talks from the awardees and a live auction. Proceeds support the Rotary Club of Asheville Foundation, which funds local scholarships, teacher and first responder recognition, and local and international humanitarian projects.

Event Details:

• When: Thursday, February 26, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Where: Renaissance Asheville Downtown Hotel, 31 Woodfin St, Asheville, NC
• Tickets: $150 per person / $1,000 for a table of eight, on sale through Feb 16th.
• Registration: https://rotaryasheville.betterworld.org/events/2026Gala

About the Rotary Club of Asheville: The Rotary Club of Asheville is a service organization of members dedicated to doing good in the community and the world. Through local volunteerism and financial support, the club addresses challenges ranging from food insecurity and disaster relief to education and environmental conservation.