Mark your calendars. ANSWER Scholarship is hosting its annual fundraiser and fall festival Saturday, Sept. 28. The event provides resources for Charlotte-area mothers to pursue a college degree.

"I was so fortunate to receive a scholarship [to UNC Charlotte] and it impacted my life," said Susan Andersen, the Executive Director behind ANSWER. "That's when I made a promise to give back."

Since 2006, ANSWER has awarded more than 200 scholarships to 141 mothers across the Charlotte area.

"I decided I wanted to help mothers who were raising school-aged children because I knew that if you educate a mom, you will educate her children," added Andersen.

Fun fact: Since the scholarship began, financial support has reached nearly $825,000.

ANSWER boasts an above 80% graduation rate with scholarship recipients graduated from UNC Charlotte, Winthrop University, and Johnson C. Smith University + some have gone to pursue a master's degree.

As a nonprofit, ANSWER supports the college aspirations of Charlotte-area others looking to pursue a college degree. | Photo via ANSWER Scholarship

How can you help? The group is hosting its annual fundraiser at Noble Smoke (2216 Freedom Dr.) on Saturday, Sept. 28. Tickets range $15-50 with proceeds going to college scholarships, mentoring, and professional development for the mothers in the program.

The group is also welcoming new mentors in the Mentors for Mom Program, where women are paired to provide inspiration and encouragement as their mentees achieve their academic goals.

"To see the lives change of these women and their children, the lives of their families improve significantly. I don't really think there's too many words that can describe that joy," Andersen said with a smile.