From The Charlotte Observer, Charlotte, NC

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MARCH 24, 2016 9:19 AM

American Airlines to give $400,000 to Charlotte nonprofits

Renaissance West Community Initiative, Goodwill Opportunity Campus and Carolina Theater will receive the funds

American’s announcement comes 2 weeks after the carrier reached a new lease agreement with the Charlotte airport

BY KATHERINE PERALTA

kperalta@charlotteobserver.com

Soon after renewing its lease with the Charlotte airport, American Airlines announced Thursday it’s donating $400,000 in grants to three local nonprofit organizations.

The airline said $150,000 will go to Renaissance West Community Initiative, a mixed-income housing community focused on revitalizing west Charlotte. It’ll use the funds to support education and other services for families and children, American said in a statement.

Goodwill Opportunity Campus, which provides employment services, will receive $150,000, and the Foundation for the Carolinas will receive $100,000 for the renovation of the Carolina Theater in uptown Charlotte. American also said it will provide mileage for guest lecturers and other talent once the new theater opens.

The airline will announce the donations Thursday afternoon at the Renaissance West Community Initiative on Nobles Avenue. Terri Pope, who heads American’s hub in Charlotte, will lead the event and will be joined by leaders from each organization.

American’s contributions come two weeks after the carrier reached a new 10-year lease agreement with the Charlotte airport.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is the second-busiest hub for American Airlines, after Dallas/Fort Worth. American Airlines operates about 90 percent of the airport’s 700 or so daily flights.

Katherine Peralta: 704-358-5079@katieperalta

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/business/article67955112.html