Jewish Family Services Is Proud to Announce the Honorees for Live Laugh Give 2026
By Julie Loftis
There are people whose generosity doesn’t just touch lives, it transforms them. Co-Chairs Kevin Levine and Louis Sinkoe are thrilled to announce Eric and Lori Sklut as this year’s Live Laugh Give honorees, recognizing their unwavering dedication to building a stronger, more empathetic Charlotte. From their years of leadership in the Jewish community to their deep dedication and causes serving the broader region, the Skluts embody what it means to live with purpose and give with heart.
Both Charlotte, N.C., natives, the Skluts have seen the region’s remarkable growth and helped shape it through their leadership and philanthropy. Lori, a graduate of the University of Georgia, returned to Charlotte after school to begin a career with Family Dollar Stores. Four years later, she was promoted to the role of “motherhood” with the birth of their first child, Blair, followed by Haley and Mason. She has served on the boards of HopeWay, Atrium Health Foundation, Foundation for the Carolinas, Charlotte Country Day School, and Providence Day School.
Eric, a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, returned to Charlotte, where his passion for cars led him to found Perfection Automotive, a company that produces custom trim parts for high-end vehicles. The company recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. Over the course of his philanthropic career, he became active in the early development of Shalom Park. He has also served on the boards of United Way of Greater Charlotte, the Levine JCC (as president), the Foundation of Shalom Park (as president), the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte (as campaign chair), the Elon University Board of Trustees and the UNC Center for Jewish Studies.
Most recently, Eric served as campaign chair for Nourish Up, a local nonprofit working to end hunger in Mecklenburg County, which raised more than $23 million for its new headquarters. Over the years, his fundraising efforts have supported institutions across the region, generating more than $70 million in total.
The Sklut Family Foundation focuses on four pillars: Jewish and faith-based initiatives; health care, including children’s and human-service agencies; education; and the cultural and performing arts. When considering a gift, the Skluts start with a guiding question: “How many people can be helped by each dollar?”
“We approach philanthropy with purpose and dedication,” the Skluts said. “We are committed to carrying forward the spirit of giving, one of our valued family traditions. We seek to promote compassion within the community, improve the human condition, and are proud to support JFS, recognizing its expanded services are essential to meeting the needs of Charlotte’s growing population.”
According to Howard Olshansky, executive director of JFS, “The Skluts’ generosity has profoundly impacted the development of JFS. Their long-term commitment has enabled us to grow beyond meeting basic needs to becoming the agency we are today.”
Their three children and their spouses all live in Charlotte. Together, they have given Lori and Eric five beautiful grandchildren. Blair and Jeff; Haley and Gabriel; and Mason and Bashi share their parents’ purpose for giving back. They support organizations they find meaningful, participate in the Levine-Sklut Family Foundation, and serve in volunteer roles throughout the community.
Save the date for Live Laugh Give comedy night on Sunday, June 7, 2026, for “A Night of Laughter, A Lifetime of Healing.” All proceeds will benefit JFS programs and services, including therapy, parenting support, financial and food assistance, domestic violence resources, senior engagement, case management, and support for Holocaust survivors, families and caregivers. With expertise, compassion and emphasis on maintaining dignity, the JFS staff works closely with clients to create individualized plans that provide help when it’s needed most.
The comedian for Live Laugh Give 2026 had not yet been announced at the time of publication. Previous entertainers have included comedians Modi, Elon Gold and Orny Adams. We are excited to share more information about this year’s performer, which will be revealed as soon as details become available.
For sponsorship opportunities or other ways to honor Lori and Eric Sklut, contact Susan Meyer at 704-364-6594 or susan.meyer@jfscharlotte.org. To learn more about JFS of Greater Charlotte, visit jfscharlotte.org or email info@jfscharlotte.org.