CHARLOTTE – The Metrolina Business Council has awarded Stallings resident Ralph Dougherty with its Donald Haack Foundation Award for Excellence in Community Involvement.
Dougherty serves as president of Parkview Community Foundation, an after-school program for at-risk children in northwest Charlotte.
“Ralph volunteers in the way that my parents did – quietly, thoughtfully – giving back in a way that makes a difference to our community, one person at a time,” said Julie Haack, president of Donald Haack Diamonds and daughter of the award’s namesake. “I commend him on his continued work during his retirement years.”
The council donated $1,000 to Parkview Community Foundation, Dougherty’s charity of choice.
“This is an effective program of discipline and reward that encourages good behavior and discourages unacceptable behavior,” Dougherty said. “At the end of each day, the kids in the Parkview program are fed, as are other needy children who just show up. No hungry child is ever turned away. The challenge is to continue to operate this highly effective program on less than $30,000 cash per year.”
Ralph Dougherty is a former patent, trademark and copyright attorney. He has handled patent matters in more than 80 countries and trademark matters in more than 20 countries.
Dougherty is serving his 30th year on the board of directors of Carolinas Southern Piedmont Chapter of American Society for Metals.
Ralph and his wife, Troyann, have two daughters and four grandsons. The couple has visited 66 countries and all seven continents. They are looking forward to visiting Morocco and Spain this spring.
Metrolina Business Council is a business group that meets at Byron’s Southend twice monthly for breakfast. Visit www.char lottembc.com for details.