Friends around the Lake Norman area know something beautiful is about to happen when they hear the names Nelson and Carolyn Bass.
As Owner of Blu Star Grill in Mooresville, Nelson is known for donating both time and nourishment to neighbors in need as his team regularly shares food with the amazing mission, Watchmen of the Streets. Nelson’s wife, Carolyn – always by his side in these endeavors – is a shining star in her own right and has equally dedicated herself to bettering the world for those around her.
While Carolyn and Nelson have lived full-time in Cornelius – and on the lake – since 1992, Charlotte was home during Carolyn’s early volunteer years. She was a devoted stay-at-home mother of two – a daughter, Leigh Easter, (now living in Georgia and mom to Carolyn’s two favorite humans, her granddaughters Ashleigh and Blakely) and a son, Nelson Bass III, a professor at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, FL – yet she always found endless love to spread among her neighbors.
Carolyn’s heartfelt efforts have taken varied paths, but all with the same cheerful compassion. A major part of Carolyn’s life philosophy is helping the less fortunate, and those who know her best say she’s always ready to serve, wearing a genuine smile – while humbly being her loyal, authentic, charismatic and inspiring self!
As a bonus of her volunteer time, she also formed lifelong friendships with Helen Howard and Barbara Huckabee in the early 1980s, and both see a spark in Carolyn that inspires everyone around her. This beloved trio of friends knows a little something about dedication, and Helen and Barbara recognize the special goodness in Carolyn. Both agree she goes right to the people who have a need – doing everything with grace!
All three ladies were involved with the Charity League of Charlotte – one of the city’s most treasured traditions. For 54 years, the group was known for operating the Sunshine Day Nursery School, serving families where mothers worked outside the home, before closing in 2002 as private daycare and public school programs became more readily available. Carolyn was instrumental in providing clothing, food and toys for children in need – always going above and beyond expectation. She took the lead on fashion show fundraisers and neighborhood bazaars, and published the popular Charity League cookbook – Carolina Sunshine Then & Now – dubbed the official cookbook of Charlotte!
Another of Carolyn’s loves is the Speedway Children’s Charities, and Director Taylor Kirby shares she’s been a bedrock for the group’s Charlotte chapter since the late 1980s and early 1990s.
“Carolyn is our longest-serving trustee, and after 30-plus years, she is still one of the most dedicated people on our team,” says Taylor. “Her heart for the children in our community is second to none, and her passion for Speedway Children’s Charities is heartwarming. When we review 140-plus grant applications each year, Carolyn can speak to 90% of the organizations, as she has visited most of them throughout her tenure. She speaks with wisdom and empathy while understanding the actual needs of our community and our next generation.”
Founded in 1982 by O. Bruton Smith and Bonnie Smith after losing their infant son, Speedway Children’s Charities raises funds through annual events and has granted more than $17.6 million to local non-profit organizations in Charlotte, focusing on combating human trafficking and homelessness, food and clothing insecurities, and medical and educational needs.
“Carolyn is always the first to offer assistance, whether finding sponsors for events, reviewing grants, donating food for volunteers, serving at the golf events and gala, or simply providing encouragement. When someone asks what makes a great trustee, we merely say Carolyn Bass,” Taylor adds. “She’s an all-around genuine person, and we couldn’t be more honored to have her in our corner. We joke, saying she’s stuck with us for life because we don’t want to imagine our board without Carolyn Bass.”
A bit closer to home, Carolyn is one of the friendliest faces you’ll see around Bethel Presbyterian Church in Cornelius, and fellow member and friend, Arlis Galloway, feels honored to help paint the picture of Carolyn’s unmatched work ethic.
“Carolyn is one of the most capable church volunteers I’ve ever known,” Arlis shares. “When she takes on a task, not only is it done perfectly, but often, it’s done for life!”
Twenty-eight years ago, Carolyn started the Church Mouse program, which continues today, pairing the church’s college students with a secret volunteer who reaches out regularly with encouraging notes and goodies. Twenty-two years ago, she volunteered to be the publicity, registration and food coordinator for Bethel’s monthly lunch bunch, and she’s still at it! Carolyn has been President of the Deacons, on the Presbyterian Women’s Board and Circle Chair. In 2023, she was awarded the Presbyterian Women Life Membership – a lovely distinction for all her faithful work!
For more information on Carolyn’s favorite non-profits, visit charityleagueofcharlotte.org, speedwaychildrenscharities.org and watchmenofthestreets.com.
