Founded in 1995 by former prisoner of war and retired Air Force Col. Quincy Collins, Carolinas Freedom Foundation is a non-profit that works to inspire patriotic citizenship through programs and events. It began operation with Charlotte’s two signature Veterans Day weekend events: the Carolinas Freedom Foundation Annual Freedom Breakfast and Salute to Veterans Parade. Then recognizing an unmet need, Carolinas Freedom Foundation expanded programming to include both youth education and young professional engagement through: JROTC Awards and Recognition Ceremony, Patriotic Art Competition and Exhibition (PACE), Rising Stars Polaris Award, and other programs as listed below, including the greatest spectacle in high school sports -- the Patriotism Bowl. 1. Throughout the year: Flags in Classrooms 2. February 26, 2020: Risings Stars – Polaris Banquet 3. April 23, 2020: JROTC Awards & Recognition Ceremony 4. June 21-26: Gen. Hugh Shelton Leadership Challenge 5. May, June, & July: Rising Stars Young Professional Mixers 6. September 11, 2020: Patriotism Bowl 7. Fall Semester: Patriotic Art Competition and Exhibition (PACE) 8. November 6, 2020: Annual Freedom Breakfast 9. November 7, 2020: Salute to Veterans Parade 10. November 11 @ 11:11AM: Wreath Laying Ceremony