About this Event
Join us in Charlotte, NC for a dynamic two-day celebration of 12 years of Rucker Roots and the Rucker Education Scholarship Fund. This powerful weekend honors the legacy of visionaries and changemakers driving impact through entrepreneurship, education, and advocacy.
Founded by sisters Ione Rucker Jamison and Ellen Rucker Sellers, this elevated experience brings together trailblazers, thought leaders, and community champions committed to generational progress.
EVENT DETAILS:
SATURDAY, AUGUST 23
RUCKER ANNUAL SUMMIT
Foundation For The Carolinas
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
An afternoon of elevated dialogue, panels, and networking focused on legacy, entrepreneurship, and community impact.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 24
RUCKER LEGACY AWARDS BRUNCH
JW Marriott Charlotte
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
A Sunday celebration rooted in joy, music, and honor. Join us for a gospel brunch and award ceremony uplifting Charlotte’s most influential leaders and scholarship recipients.
Why You Should Attend
- Hear from nationally recognized speakers and industry leaders
- Celebrate legacy, leadership, and impact
- Connect with entrepreneurs, educators, creatives, and culture shapers
- Support first-generation college students across the Carolinas
Your Impact
Proceeds will contribute to benefitting the Rucker Education Scholarship Fund, in partnership with the Foundation For The Carolinas, supporting scholarships, mentorship, and resources for first-generation students in underserved communities.
Ticket Options
SATURDAY - RUCKER ANNUAL SUMMIT : $75
Featuring Two Elevated Panel Discussion
Networking Reception
Light bites & beverages included
General seating
SUNDAY - RUCKER LEGACY AWARDS BRUNCH : $200
Keynote by Bakari Sellers
Live gospel choir performance
Selected brunch meal & beverages included
General seating
SUNDAY - RUCKER LEGACY AWARDS BRUNCH VIP TABLE : $2,000
Gospel Brunch & Awards Program
Premier reserved table seating (Seats 10)
Rucker Roots VIP gift bags for table guests
Premium brunch cocktails included
VIP WEEKEND PASS : $275
Access to both Saturday & Sunday events
Includes food & beverages at both events
Access to VIP Bar at both events
Access to Cocktails With Ellen & Ione private mixer
VIP seating
ADD-ON: COCKTAILS WITH ELLEN & IONE : $75
Exclusive Saturday evening mixer with Ellen, Ione & Special Guest Panelists
Includes premium cocktail + passed apps
Networking in exclusive setting
Ticket fees include standard sales tax, service fee and processing fees.
Space is limited for this celebratory weekend! Secure your ticket before we sell out!
For inquiries, donations or sponsorship information please email [email protected]
August 23
🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Attendee Check In & Opening Reception
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Rucker Annual Summit | Host Welcome
Host: Destiny Chance
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
PANEL -Rooted & Reel | How To Build A Community That Buys, Supports, and Stays
Host: Megan Pinckney Rutherford
Info: A conversation on cultivating loyal audiences, building authentic connections, and creating sustainable community-centered brands.
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM
PANEL - Rooted & Real | How to Launch, Build, and Scale Your Brand
Host: Ellen Ruckers Sellers
Info: Insights from industry leaders on turning ideas into impact and building purpose-driven businesses.
🕑: 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Networking Mixer
August 24
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Attendee Check In & Opening Reception
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Rucker Legacy Awards | Host Welcome
Host: Ellen Rucker Sellers
🕑: 12:30 PM - 12:45 PM
Special Keynote
Host: Bakari Sellers
Info: Join us for a keynote by Bakari Sellers as he shares powerful reflections on legacy, leadership, and the impact of purpose-driven work. His words will set the tone for an unforgettable evening at The Rucker Legacy Awards.
🕑: 12:45 PM - 01:00 PM
Charity & Awards Presentation
Host: Rachel Roff
Info: Join us as we honor trailblazing women driving impact in beauty, business, and community - including Rachel Roff, Carlenia Ivory, and LaToya Evans during a special awards presentation supporting the Rucker Education Scholarship Fund.
🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Gospel Performance + Brunch
Host: Johnson C. Smith University Concert Choir
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Closing Remarks & Mixer
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Foundation For the Carolinas, 220 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, United States
USD 0.00 to USD 2135.99
