Imagine One Hospitality (the restaurant group that includes Peppervine in Charlotte as well as Mas Amor Cantina, Café Rule & Wine Bar and Vintage House in Hickory) is proud to support an upcoming event at Lenoir-Rhyne University called The Art of Compassion from March 30 – April 1, 2022. The symposium will close out on Friday, April 1 at 7 pm ET with a ticketed musical story-telling performance by Country star Martina McBride.
The Art of Compassion is an opportunity to participate in a positive, respectful, and affirming three-day conversation guided by industry empathy experts and wellness professionals centered on equality, addictions, and recovery. This series of events serves hospitality workers and students in our community struggling with substance abuse and addiction and offers hope, fellowship, and a path forward.

On Wednesday, March 30, the event begins with world-famous storyteller, Nigerian author Chimamanda Gnozi Adichie, followed by a panel on Thursday consisting of award-winning restauranteur Steve Palmer, food writer and television host John T. Edge, and chef Chenelle Gragg. Friday’s programming includes intimate presentations from wellness professionals focusing on practical strategies for improving well-being and enhancing mental health prior to the concert.
This three-day event is the product of a partnership with Imagine One Hospitality, Lenoir-Rhyne University, and Ben’s Friends. This symposium aims to address the national mental health crisis on a local level by targeting two vulnerable groups in our community: our hospitality workers and our students.