Freedom University's Gala Kickoff Has Guests Kicking Up Their Heels

Freedom University, Charlotte's new educational and recreational venue showcases its instructors and course offerings in a grand manner!

Charlotte, NC July 2, 2004 -- From participation at the karaoke table, to salsa and swing dance demonstrations Thursday evening, June 24th, more than 100 revelers rocked the night away at the kickoff event for Freedom University. Freedom University is Charlotte's newest recreation and entertainment venue, offering classes, outings and events for teens and adults. Billed as "the classroom without walls," Freedom University, located at the Charlotte Merchandise Mart on Independence Blvd. and Briar Creek Rd., is part of a revitalization program for Charlottes east side to include class offerings around the Charlotte metro area as well.

The highlight of the evening was the rolling out of a brand new silver 50cc motor scooter provided by "YES" Fashion Scooters of Charlotte, slated as the grand prize in the raffle drawing which will be held at their next party on Friday, August 27th, "The Pre-Fall Free-For-All". Instructors also donated wonderful prizes and helped raise over $350 for the Freedom University Foundation, a not-for-profit organization.

Their motto, "Got fun? Get some!" was illustrated with the introduction of Freedom University's "STARS", the wide array of talented Charlotte business owners and experts who teach these short, inspiring, "learn it on Tuesday, use it on Wednesday" classes. Parading down the grand staircase in the atrium of Freedom Hall came the team, all decked out in brightly colored plastic star sunglasses showing just how cool it is to teach at Freedom University. Says founders, Marcia "STARR" Lambert, Terri Grauer and Deb Peterson, all area business owners themselves, and instructors at Freedom "U", "This is a place to learn everything you always wanted to know but didn't know where to go to find it." From go-cart racing and Texas hold'em poker to speed reading, hypnosis and how to feel 30 after 40, there's a class for you at Freedom U! Single? Register for "Fix-Up-A-Friend Night", and TasteFest, events that make socializing easy and fun. Over 40 classes are now in session with more added weekly. "Our goal is to occupy the entire third floor of the Merchandise Mart, over 16,000 square feet" says Lambert, "so we can offer Charlotte residents a way to Live LARGE." Lambert is the author of the popular handbook, "Living LARGE-Now!"

Summer registration is now in progress. Visit their website at www.freedom-university.com or call 704 342-0061.

About Freedom University
Freedom University, a nonprofit organization, offers non-accredited educational and recreational courses for teens and adults, along with outings and events designed to build social skills and relationships. Freedom University's business division includes business and management courses including effective business networking and presentation skills.

Contact: "Starr" Lambert, Program Director
Freedom University
800 Briar Creek Rd. Suite DD207
Charlotte, NC 28205
704 342-0061
www.freedom-university.com

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