Members of the historic Excelsior Club founded the Excelsior Club Humanitarian Organization (E.C.H.O.) in 1989 to support the Anita Stroud Foundation who's goal was to provide an after-school tutorial program for the children housed in Fairview Homes based on religious doctrines.  The Foundation soon added computer skills to the program, which helped to keep the children on task with the year-round school curriculum. 

As a reward for attendance, improvement and good behavior, the Foundation took the children on a chaperoned trip to the mountains each summer. Many club members supported these trips over the years.  Realizing how a collective effort would improve the caliber of event, E.C.H.O. was founded. 

The first fund raising event was a successful joint venture Radio-Thon with WPEG. Pledges and contributions came from graduates of the program, area businesses, local churches, and corporations to include, but was not limed to, Southern Bell (at that time), Budweiser, and Coca-Cola.  Now, 17 years later, many have added this event to their annual contribution list.

Recognizing the needs of the community-at-large, prompted E.C.H.O. to incorporate, which allowed funds raised at various events to be shared with others in need of humanitarian deeds.  Over 200 residents of Charlotte's Housing Authority properties are given an annual Christmas dinner and financial envelopes the second Saturday of December.  Seven days after the Carolinas were hit by hurricane Floyd, E.C.H.O. sent $10,000.00 to their aid, and $10,000.00 more shortly thereafter.  Christmas dinners and gifts have been provided for area needy families, as well as providing financial aid to families suffering medical and employment hardships.

The Anita Stroud Foundation is named for its founder, Ms. Anita Stroud, a native of South Carolina that relocated to Charlotte and settled in Fairview Homes.  Realizing that because children lived in public housing often with absentee parent's, did not mean they would not grow to be successful citizens, Ms. Nete as she was affectionately known, preached, "You Can Be Somebody."  Graduates of Ms. Nete's after-school program are now doctors, lawyers, corporate officers, teachers, preachers and entrepreneurs. 

E.C.H.O. will continue to keep Ms. Nete's dream alive by raising funds to help God's children regardless of age.