Recent News

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Author: Katherine B. Freer
Publisher: Charleston Mercury- November 5th Issue/ Page 18
11/05/2009

Everyday, hundreds of thousands of lives in the Lowcountry are improved by the simple act of giving. Whether you realize it or not, your quality of life is intimately affected by the generosity of your neighbors.
Iím not talking about their willingness to drop off a bottle of wine or mow across the property line to help you out once in a while. Iím talking about the choices they make on a regular basis to give their time, talent and treasure to a cause that makes a difference in the lives of others. Havenít stopped by the Lowcountry Food Bank or Crisis Ministries to grab a meal recently? Not so sure that it actually makes a difference in your life? Look around you. See all of those beautifully restored historic homes? Think theyíd be that way if Historic Charleston Foundation and the Preservation Society didnít exist? What about the landscaping that transformed
South Windermere, the oaks along the road to Edisto, or the stretches of orange bags dotting otherwise clean roadsides? All of these are the work of volunteers and philanthropists who support the non-profits that organize these initiatives. Maybe such simple improvements arenít really life changing for you. How about your local hospital? Think weíd have so many great options and specialized institutions if the money to support and build them came only out of the previous yearís profits? MUSC, Roper St. Francis Healthcare, the
College of Charleston and The Citadel all benefit from the support of philanthropic individuals and corporations. In addition to the more well known benefits like feeding, clothing, sheltering and comforting those who are sick, needy, helpless and hurting, non-profits all over the Lowcountry give back every day to improve your life. In recognition of that, itís time to celebrate the organizations, their volunteers and, most importantly, the people and companies that contribute financially to keep them running. November 9 ñ 13 is Philanthropy Week in the Lowcountry. For a number of years, the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) has been celebrating a National Philanthropy Day across the nation and here in Charleston. The organizationís local chapter hosts a luncheon and honors both an individual and corporate philanthropist of the year. Roughly four years ago, several local leading fundraisers decided to extend the celebration to recognize the importance of philanthropy in our community. SCBT signed on to be a multi-year sponsor, and, with the volunteered time of local AFP members, the Lowcountry Philanthropy Week was born. This year non-profit leaders and organizations have planned events focused on celebrating the volunteers, donors and visionaries who give back to our community. All of the events are listed at www.philanthropyweek.org,along with other information about how to get involved. However, a few of the highlights follow. On Monday, Historic Charleston Foundation will host a party to recognize and thank the numerous volunteers, supporters and homeowners who make their annual Festival of Houses and Gardens and Antiques Show possible. Tuesday, the Coastal Community Foundation will recognize those non-profits and donors who serve Berkeley and Dorchester Counties with a reception at Saul Alexander Park in Summerville from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. It is open to the public. To gather some insight into women who give back, be sure to mark Wednesday on your calendar. The Center for Women will host a $15- ticket luncheon and panel discussion on Women in Philanthropy at the Spoleto Offices on George Street. That evening, the Women Making a Difference giving circle will celebrate its 7th Annual Grant Awards at the Historic Rice Mill on Lockwood Blvd. From 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., the event will highlight non-profits serving women and children in the tri-county area and is free of charge. Thursday is National Philanthropy Day, and the AFP will honor its 2009 Outstanding Individuals ñ Mr. and Mrs. William A. Baker, Jr. ó and Outstanding Business ó Charleston Place Hotel ó with an awards luncheon at the Charleston Marriott. Matt Dunne of Google will be the keynote speaker, and tickets can be purchased by emailing afplowcountrychapter@gmail.com. Preceding the luncheon, Trident United Way will have a panel discussion ó ìCollaborations That Work: Creating Long Lasting Change Through Community Engagement.î To end the day, the Junior League of Charleston will present three different leadership awards to its members at a ìWomen in Leadershipî reception at the Gibbes Museum of Art. All of the events featured during Lowcountry Philanthropy Week honor and recognize the phenomenal impact and importance of those who dedicate their time, efforts and resources to improve our community. If youíd like to take part in these events or involve your organization in celebrating the week, please contact Christine Beddia at info@philanthropyweek.org.

Katherine Bennett Freer can be reached at klbennett80@gmail.com and welcomes your thoughts, feedback, and suggestions for future columns. She is the Development Assistant at Water Missions International,
www.watermissions.org.