Denver man raises $1.34 million for abused children

Ross Bulla received the 2026 Lake Norman Citizen Humanitarian Award on Oct. 15.

The Denver resident was honored for raising more than $1.34 million for children who have experienced abuse. He founded Cigars, Bourbon & Benefactors, an annual event that supported the Lincoln County Child Advocacy Center. The final large-scale edition of that fundraiser took place on Oct. 3 at Mission Farm in Iron Station. It generated more than $220,000.

Bulla is a certified child forensic interviewer. He works with children suspected of experiencing physical or sexual abuse. He also assists those who have witnessed violence in their homes. The Center named its forensic interview room The Ross Room in his honor. Bulla said that a child facing such trauma needs caring, capable people and a supportive community.

The fundraiser ran from 2019 through 2026. It combined cigars, bourbon tastings, auctions, and food to support the Center. Bulla coordinated sponsors, secured auction items, and managed event logistics. He credited the local community for helping sell out the event year after year. He noted that Lake Norman Publications helped promote the gathering through the newspaper.

Bulla’s charitable work extends beyond the Center. Through his company, The Treadstone Group, he has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and in-kind contributions. He supports local nonprofits, schools, and public-safety initiatives. In 2023, he donated the funds needed to purchase and train three narcotics-detection dogs for the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. This donation helped establish the department’s narcotics canine team.

He has held leadership roles with the United Way of Lincoln County and the Lincoln County Coalition Against Child Abuse. He also served on the board of the East Lincoln Rescue Squad. Bulla is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He earned a degree in criminal justice with a second major in psychology. He is also a co-owner of Burners Tobacconist & Gentleman’s Goods in Denver.

Bulla previously received the United Way of Lincoln County’s 2019 Community Hero recognition. He won the Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award in 2021. He was designated Lincoln County Man of the Year in 2024. During his acceptance speech, he thanked the people who supported his charitable endeavors. He said that asking for help reveals who will give up a Saturday or lend a truck to meet a need.