Curious About Faith?
Every week, people just like you—families, students, kids, and grandparents—come together. Some have followed Jesus for years, while others aren’t sure what they believe yet. But here’s what we all have in common: we’re all on a journey, and no one has to walk it alone. We all need a safe place to ask questions, wrestle with doubts, and discover who Jesus really is.
Come as you are. Bring your questions. Find belonging.
info@cedarcreekchurch.net
Hear For The Holidays
Lifestyle Letter
As the season turns, it feels natural to pause and reflect on the many ways our community lifts one another up. Gratitude is woven through this month’s pages, reminding us that when we come together, hope and possibility follow.
The Headwaters Foundation shows us what that looks like in action. Their inaugural golf tournament at The River Golf Club wasn’t just a day on the greens — it was a gathering of neighbors rally ing to encourage single-parent families with mentorship, financial help and opportunity.
That same spirit is alive in the Carhill Scholarship for the Visual and Performing Arts. By offering scholarships, mentorship and hands-on support, this nonprofit is helping young creatives pursue their passions with confidence. With guidance from seasoned artists, students are finding not only resources but also the encouragement to step boldly into their futures.
We also highlight the Wiland-Foley Advisory Group, where financial planning is rooted in service and stewardship. For Jim Foley, a Navy veteran, and his son Jimmy, a former Marine Corps officer, guiding families through life’s financial milestones is more than a career — it’s a calling. Their approach begins with listening, teaching and walking alongside clients so that every plan becomes a roadmap toward peace of mind.
Because gratitude deepens when we step away and experience something new, we’re also taking you under the sea. In “Diving Into The Palm Beaches: A Goliath Adventure,” you’ll follow a journey from first snorkels to breathtaking dives with VW-Beetle-sized goliath groupers. Between the underwater wonder, the comfort of the Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa and the golden aura of baitfish shimmering in the depths, this story is a reminder that adventure — like gratitude — can surface at any stage of life.
And right here at home, celebration takes center stage. Kristin Cadavos of Aiken Medical Aesthetics marked two milestones — being named Best of South Carolina and introducing the state’s first Halo Tribrid laser — with a creative team outing at Board & Brush. What unfolded was a night of sanding, painting and laughter, where every team member left not just with a handcrafted piece of décor but with a memory of joy shared.
See you next month. We will be in full holiday mode!
November 2025
PUBLISHER
Gayle Bryan | gayle.bryan@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Nikita Hanif | nikita.hanif@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Carolyn McAvoy | carolyn.mcavoy@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Ashley Elvis
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Nikita Hanif, Gayle Bryan, Jessica Crandall Lawrence
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Rebecca Judy, Gayle Bryan, Tyler Benson, Alex Gaetner
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick Learn
Braithwaite McMillian Grimes - Injury Attorneys and Counselors at Law, LLC serves the entire CSRA with more than 40 years of combined experience. Our attorneys are former prosecutors, public defenders, and insurance attorneys that use their experience to help clients find creative solutions to difficult problems and deliver results in Personal Injury, DUI, Criminal, Motor Vehicle Accident, Commercial Trucking, and Nursing Home Neglect or Negligence cases. Attorneys Licensed in SC and GA.
city scene
1: Jessica and Elier Alberto are heading to Aiken’s Makin’. 2: Artist, Gretchen Hash Heffner, painting live at Aiken’s Makin’. 3: All smiles at Aiken’s Makin’. 4: Holding down the fort at the Aiken’s Makin’ information tent. 5: The Aiken’s Makin’ braintrust enjoying the day. 6: One of hundreds of vendors selling their wares at Aiken’s Makin’. 7: Enjoying Kona Ice on a warm day at Odell Weeks Activity Center.
8: This family had fun exploring trucks and enjoying Palmetto Bowls. 9: Mckinley Mahan and Chris Williams shared some family time at Touch-aTruck. 10: Dakota Williams and Addy Yarborough got their faces painted by Nelly’s Paint and Brush. 11: Stopped by Nelly’s Paint Brush to see what all the hype was about. 12: Tracy Coakley with Mark Taylor Insurance. 13: Kim Brinson speaking with a guest at Mark Taylor Insurance’s medicare seminar. 14: Tracy Coakley with Mark Taylor Insurance is educating a client about medicare options.
THE POWER OF A SKILLED LOCAL TEAM
Aiken Medical Aesthetics Wins Best of South Carolina
Aiken Medical Aesthetics is proud to be recognized as a 2025 Best of South Carolina winner, earning top honors in five categories for the 2nd straight year. This prestigious award, given to fewer than 10% of businesses statewide, reflects both their commitment to excellence and the trust placed in them by the community. They extend heartfelt gratitude to everyone who voted and continues to support their mission of exceptional care.
Sullivan’s Heating and Air Conditioning Celebrate Five Years
Founded on the principles of integrity and excellence, Sullivan’s Heating & Air is celebrating its 5th anniversary. Their dedication to providing affordable and reliable HVAC solutions sets them apart from the competition. Sullivan’s Heating & Air’s mission is to provide affordable and reliable HVAC services to its customers. They strive to exceed expectations by delivering quality workmanship and exceptional customer service. Your Comfort is Their Business.
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Diving Into The Palm Beaches: A GOLIATH ADVENTURE
Gayle Bryan, Publisher of Aiken City Lifestyle
I first became intrigued by scuba diving in my late twenties before my husband and I had children. We had booked a trip to Grand Cayman after reading The Firm, and I signed up for lessons at a local dive shop in Texas. I made it through the coursework and pool sessions, but the day before my open-water test in a murky Texas lake, I found out I was pregnant with our first child. My OB’s office laughed when I asked if diving was still on the table—so I traded tanks for a snorkel. We snorkeled in Grand Cayman which was fantastic, but that was the last vacation of its kind for a very long time.
GoliathGrouper spawning QueenAngelfsh
ARTICLE BY GAYLE BRYAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GAYLE BRYAN, TYLER BENSON, ALEX GAETNER
Where Luxury Resorts Meet Once-in-a-Lifetime Dives
Fast forward a few decades. With the kids grown and off the payroll, we returned to Grand Cayman for Masters week. One morning we discovered a beach where, if timed just right, we could swim with sea turtles. That spark I felt in my twenties flickered back to life. By the time we planned our third Masters trip, I decided it was now or never—I was going to get certified. Doing so in my late fifties wasn’t exactly a cakewalk, but once you unlock the underwater world, it grabs hold of you. Being a bit landlocked back home, I’m always on the lookout for new dive locales. Which
is how I found myself in The Palm Beaches of Florida in August for the Goliath Grouper Aggregation.
The Palm Beaches are about eight hours by car—my road-trip limit—or a quick and inexpensive flight. I love adventure, but I’ve also grown to love creature comforts. Good food, a great beach and a resort that my non-diving husband could enjoy were all non-negotiables. The Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa delivered on all counts. The condo-style rooms had space for dive gear, a full kitchen and laundry room. The beach and pool were
Exploring the Jupiter Wreck Trek with a Bigeye Trevally.
L e monsharkshowing of his dentalwork
first-class, and after long days underwater, I happily claimed a chair at the Reef Tiki Bar for a burger, a piña colada and eventually a nap.
As for the diving—fantastic. Hurricane Erin stirred up conditions at first, so we hit the reefs instead of the wrecks. Even so, I spotted a moray eel fully extended, a nurse shark gliding out from under a ledge and the largest, most colorful angelfish I’ve ever seen. By day two, the weather calmed, and we finally got the full goliath experience. These fish are enormous—eight feet long, several hundred pounds—think VW Beetle with fins. They gather to spawn, often surrounded by shimmering schools of baitfish, like a golden aura in motion. Ninety feet underwater with
only the sound of your bubbles and the occasional booming call of the groupers, felt surreal, otherworldly. We even shared the water with a few lemon sharks.
On my last morning I squeezed in a dive at the Blue Heron Bridge, a shallow site across the intracoastal waterway. With a guide pointing out the hotspots, I spotted nine-armed sea stars, stingrays, sea biscuits and a tiny bandtail pufferfish. It’s the kind of place you could dive dozens of times and never get bored.
The diving was amazing, the resort was spot-on and the area itself had more to see and do than we could fit into four days. Diving or not, The Palm Beaches are worth a return visit. And we’ll definitely be back.
IF YOU GO: THE PALM BEACHES & GOLIATH GROUPERS
Every August through early October, The Palm Beaches transform into one of the most thrilling dive destinations in the U.S. That’s when hundreds of goliath groupers—massive, VW-Beetle-sized fish— gather offshore to spawn. Divers can slip into this underwater world and witness the giants up close, often surrounded by shimmering clouds of baitfish and the occasional lemon shark cruising by.
Base yourself at the Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa, which offers spacious condo-style rooms, a prime beachfront, and plenty of comfort for divers and non-divers alike.
Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa
After a long day on the water, kick back with a piña colada at the Reef Tiki Bar or grab a nap by the pool.
For more adventure, don’t miss a dive at the Blue Heron Bridge—a shallow, critter-packed site where guides can point out everything from sea stars to stingrays to tiny pufferfish.
Getting There: About an eight-hour drive from Aiken or a quick, affordable flight into Palm Beach International Airport.
Celebrating Success in Aiken
ARTICLE BY NIKITA HANIFF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA JUDY
AIKEN MEDICAL AESTHETICS AND BOARD & BRUSH TEAM UP FOR MILESTONES AND MEMORIES
Kristin Cadavos recently received not one, but two, reasons to celebrate. Her business, Aiken Medical Aesthetics, was named Best of South Carolina for 2025 and became the first medical spa in the state to introduce the brand-new Halo Tribrid laser from Sciton. This groundbreaking device is designed to rejuvenate skin by targeting tone, texture and clarity all in one treatment with less downtime than traditional lasers. Clients can expect improvements in sun damage, fine lines and overall glow, making it an exciting addition to Aiken’s beauty and wellness landscape.
With news that exciting, Cadavos wanted to mark the moment with something equally special for her team. She turned to Aimee Remington who is the owner of Board & Brush in Aiken. Remington is known for her warm personality and for creating an environment where creativity thrives. She went above and beyond by arranging a private workshop tailored just for Cadavos and her staff.
Board & Brush offers instructor-led DIY workshops where guests transform unfinished wood into personalized home decor. Projects range from farmhouse signs and decorative trays to seasonal wall art. Guests select their own designs from a wide gallery and then choose stain colors, paints and stencils to make each piece uniquely theirs. No prior crafting experience is required, and everything needed is provided from tools and paintbrushes to aprons and encouragement.
On the day of their celebration, the Aiken Medical Aesthetics team poured into the studio with excitement. Each person selected a project that spoke to them, and soon the room filled with the sound of sanding, brushing and laughter. Colors were mixed, stencils were carefully positioned, and friendly debates broke out over the best shades of paint. The group cheered one another on as their boards transformed from blank wood into works of art. By the end of the session everyone held up a finished
Cari Gracey, Recptionist
Alexis Taylor, Licensed Esthetician
Cari Gracey, Recptionist
Tiffany Bickel, Aesthetic Nurse
Aimee Remington, owner of Board & Brush Aiken
piece to be proud of, a keepsake that also carried the memory of the day.
Board and Brush, located at 955A Dougherty Road in Aiken, has become a favorite spot for team outings, bridal showers, birthdays and girls’ nights. Workshops are open to the public, but private parties allow groups to reserve the studio for a one-of-a-kind experience. Remington’s background in both civil engineering and teaching shines through in her ability to combine precision with fun, ensuring every participant leaves with confidence and creativity.
For Cadavos, it was the perfect way to celebrate both a statewide award and the arrival of innovative technology at her spa. For her team, it was a chance to bond and let loose while discovering their artistic sides. Together they showed that good news is always best when shared and celebrated in style.
Aimee Remington, Owner of Board & Brush Aiken
Keyanna Farken, Practice Manager
The Aiken Medical Aesthetics team shows off their finished products.
FROM SERVICE to Stewardship
HOW THE WILAND-FOLEY ADVISORY GROUP HELPS FAMILIES NAVIGATE THEIR FINANCIAL FUTURES
ARTICLE BY JESSICA CRANDALL LAWRENCE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA
For Jim Foley with Wiland-Foley Wealth Advisory Group of Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, financial planning isn’t just a career — it’s a calling. “I graduated from Notre Dame with a degree in accounting, and the Navy put me through school on a scholarship,” Jim recalls. “When I separated from the Navy in 1990, I wanted to use my education in a way that was meaningful. I was drawn to financial services.”
JUDY
Today, Jim serves as the senior vice president of the Wiland-Foley Advisory Group and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, but this is very much a family practice. Jim’s business partner is also his son, Jimmy Foley, a financial advisor with the team.
Jimmy’s own path to financial services began after nearly a decade of serving as a Marine Corps officer. “When my first son was born, my wife and I were looking for a career for me with a more predictable schedule, but I didn’t want to lose that sense of purpose I had from leading Marines,” Jimmy explains. “A mentor once told me that the key to leadership is humility — putting others first and taking a genuine interest in their needs, wishes and goals. I realized then that financial planning is about service and making a meaningful difference. From that point, I was all in.”
In 2019, Jim was managing his firm’s western Pennsylvania offices but missed direct client work and, as he jokes, “had enough of Western PA winters.” His regional director introduced him to Kenny Wiland who was preparing for retirement and looking for someone to steward his practice. “We met and hit it off immediately,” Jim says. “Kenny was a terrific partner until he retired three years ago, and we remain good friends today.” Last year, Jimmy officially joined the practice, bringing his Marine Corps discipline and passion for service into the fold.
Both Jim and Jimmy agree that every client relationship begins with one essential step: a financial plan. “Our philosophy is to use planning as a roadmap,” Jim shares. “Once we identify our clients’ goals, we focus on quality and efficient and cost-effective strategies to align them with those goals.”
CONTINUED >
Jim and Jimmy Foley
Jimmy Foley, Jim Foley and Mary Ann Barrett
Jimmy adds, “There’s a reason behind every recommendation we make. By going through the planning process, we connect with our clients on a deeper level and help them achieve not just financial security but peace of mind.”
For the Foleys, a successful financial plan involves their clients sleeping well at night. “Success is about structuring things in a way that helps our clients feel confident, informed and at ease,” says Jimmy.
Both father and son emphasize education as part of their process. “All the women in my family — my mother, sister, wife and both grandmothers — were teachers,” Jim laughs. “It is about translating details into a language our clients understand. We don’t move forward unless they are comfortable with our advice.”
Jimmy agrees, “It’s normal to feel intimidated by investing or managing your money, but our goal is to make things clear and approachable.”
The Wiland-Foley Advisory Group works with clients through every major life transition: first jobs, home
purchases, the birth of a child or grandchild, retirement or selling a business. “We spend much of our time on retirement and estate planning,” Jim explains. “But often, the most important milestone is simply the moment when someone isn’t sure what to do next and wants to talk it through.”
Both Foleys are quick to say that serving the Aiken community is one of the greatest rewards of their work. “This is a small town,” Jim notes. “We see our clients at church, at the grocery store, at community events. They become our friends.”
Jimmy adds, “Aiken embodies community in every sense of the word. I have witnessed it firsthand while being involved with organizations like the Aiken Rotary Club. I’ve always valued the opportunity to be involved in something bigger than myself, and Aiken is exactly that.”
Together, this father-son team has built a practice that combines discipline, service and genuine care, helping families in Aiken and beyond feel confident about their future.
A mentor once told me that the key to leadership is humility — putting others first and taking a genuine interest in their needs, wishes and goals. I realized then that financial planning is about service and making a meaningful difference.
From that point, I was all in.”
ARTICLE BY NIKITA HANIF
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NIKITA HANIF
“When I saw what Headwaters is doing, helping single-parent households and supporting these kids, it felt like more than a charity; it felt like a family. I wanted to give back and lift up other single parents and children who are doing all they can. Supporting their mission was the natural thing to do.”
Headwaters of Hope
Community Unites to Uplift Single-parent Families through My Headwaters’ Mission and First Golf Tournament
Headwaters Foundation is making waves in the CSRA and Upstate South Carolina, not just for what it gives but for how deeply it operates in our community’s heart. Founded on the conviction that every child and parent deserves care, guidance, love, and opportunity, the organization focuses on helping single-parent households through financial assistance, educational opportunities, and mentorship. The name “Headwaters” was chosen because, like a river’s headwaters, childhood is where lives begin, with small streams of support combining into a river that shapes the strength of character and the overall health of the individual.
On September 15, 2025, Headwaters hosted its inaugural golf tournament at The River Golf Club in North Augusta, South Carolina, bringing together locals, business owners, and community champions for a sun-filled day of competition, camaraderie and earnest giving. The turnout was incredible, with players and sponsors alike stepping up to support single-parent families across our region. Proceeds from the
tournament will help the organization’s core mission of partnering with parents and children in single-parent households throughout the Central Savannah River Area and Upstate SC, providing scholarships, grants, financial assistance and mentorship.
Robbie Breland, owner of REFT Equipment, a local Aiken business, not only teed off as a participant but also stepped up as a sponsor. Breland shared that his experience as a single dad navigating life was one reason Headwaters' work struck such a powerful chord with him. “My daughter has always been my world,” he shared with me. “When I saw what Headwaters is doing, helping single-parent households and supporting these kids, it felt like more than a charity; it felt like a family. I wanted to give back and lift up other single parents and children who are doing all they can. Supporting their mission was the natural thing to do.”
Jonathan Wickliffe, President of the Board of the Headwaters Foundation, has a deeply personal story. “Coming from a large
single-parent family, with seven children, I saw firsthand the struggles and challenges that are ever-present for both the parents and children in a single-parent family. I will be forever grateful to my mother, family, friends and coworkers for their sacrifices, mentorship and financial assistance throughout not only my childhood but also my adult life. If it wasn’t for these people, I would not be where I am today.” His voice was full of humility when he said that. “When my close friend Barrett (current Vice President) suggested several of us start a charity specifically focused on assisting single-parent families, I only wish I had been the one to put the idea forward. Being a part of the great team at Headwaters Foundation is an extreme honor. I am excited for what we will do for single-parent families in the CSRA and Upstate SC.”
What comes through in conversations with Breland, Wickliffe and others who support or work with Headwaters is not just dedication
but love. The golf tournament was more than a fundraiser. It was proof that people believe in the mission. It was sunlight breaking through for families who often feel overlooked. It was neighbors helping neighbors. It was seeing single-parent households lifted up with practical help and emotional support.
If you walked The River course that day, you saw more than swings and scorecards, you saw community in motion. There were business logos on banners, friends cheering and even strangers striking up conversations about how to help kids get through school or find mentors. That’s the real reward.
The call is simple: continue to support the Headwaters Foundation. Volunteer. Donate. Be a mentor. Be a sponsor. Walk a course. Whatever role you choose, it makes a difference. For every child and parent who needs someone to believe in them, this organization is stepping in. With your help, that river of support will only grow deeper, wider and stronger.
Barclay House of Aiken, our Reunion
Care Neighborhood is thoughtfully personalized and intentionally designed to engage each resident. We tailor daily activities around your loved one’s unique interests, encouraging connection, growth, and joy, all while providing around-the-clock support from our compassionate team. Call today to discover how our vibrant community fosters enriching programs, meaningful events, and genuine social connection!
ARTICLE BY NIKITA HANIFF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA JUDY
The Future of The Arts
A New Nonprofit Empowers Young Creatives through Mentorship, Scholarships and Community Support
Richard Hill, Board Member and Treasurer of The Carhill Scholarship for the Visual and Performing Arts, lives a life deeply shaped by the arts. His passion comes through not only in his words but also in the rhythm and energy with which he speaks. An artist and musician himself, Hill believes that the arts are not a luxury but a necessity, one of the great forces that bind communities together. “They touch our souls; they provide connection and they bring unity among all types of people,” he said with conviction.
Richard Hill
That belief is at the heart of The Carhill Scholarship, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the development of high school and college students who are pursuing their love of the visual and performing arts. Founded by Peter Carrocci, Richard Hill and Denise Wyatt, the organization seeks to ensure that young people with a passion for creativity are not hindered by a lack of resources or guidance. Their mission is ambitious yet deeply personal to nurture the next generation of artists, musicians and performers by giving them the tools, mentorship and opportunities they need to grow.
What sets The Carhill Scholarship apart is its comprehensive approach. It does not simply offer financial aid though scholarships and assistance remain central to its mission. Instead, the organization has created a wide-ranging
support system. Students are connected with mentors who can guide them through the challenges of artistic study and professional development. Workshops provide practical training and new skills. Exposure opportunities allow students to showcase their talents in real-world settings. This blend of financial, educational and personal support helps students not only pursue their studies but also develop confidence in their creative identities.
Hill emphasized how intentional the nonprofit is in its work. “We don’t just hand out scholarships and step back,” he explained. Instead, they take a hands-on approach, collaborating with local schools, guidance counselors, parents and the students themselves to understand exactly what is needed. “Every young artist has different circumstances
CONTINUED >
Richard Hill
“Every young artist has different circumstances and different obstacles. We want to meet them where they are and walk alongside them.”
Richard Hill
and different obstacles. We want to meet them where they are and walk alongside them.” This philosophy ensures that their support is not one size fits all but rather tailored to each student’s journey.
One of the most inspiring aspects of the organization is its mentorship program. The Carhill Scholarship pairs students with established artists and musicians who can offer training, encouragement and real-world perspective.
These mentors do more than teach technique; they model what it means to live and work as a creative professional. For young people, many of whom are at a crossroads in their education and life, this guidance is invaluable. It can be the spark that helps them believe in the possibility of a career in the arts.
The nonprofit also places a strong emphasis on collaboration and community involvement. By forging
relationships with schools and arts organizations, The Carhill Scholarship helps integrate support for the arts into the broader fabric of the community. Their work is not only about helping individuals but also about creating a culture in which the arts are valued and celebrated.
Listening to Hill is inspiring. His vigor underscored the truth that art is not just about self-expression; it is about
building bridges. As Hill said, “The arts make us better. They remind us who we are.” Thanks to the vision of Carrocci, Hill and Wyatt, and the ongoing work of this passionate nonprofit, young artists in our area will have the chance to step boldly into their futures, carrying with them the beauty, unity and connection that only the arts can provide.
Richard Hill
H O P E
with YOU
The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE
“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
NOVEMBER 13TH
Downtown Holiday Open House
Downtown Aiken | 5:00 PM
Kick off the holiday season with a full day of shopping in downtown Aiken. On November 13, stores will stay open later giving you extra time to browse festive finds and snag the best gifts for family, friends and even yourself.
NOVEMBER 21ST
Pink Friday
Downtown Aiken | 10:00 AM
Celebrate Pink Friday in downtown Aiken on the Friday before Thanksgiving and shop small first. This annual event invites the community to support local businesses before the holiday rush with special sales and unique finds. Hours vary by location so make plans to stop in and show love to your favorite shops.
NOVEMBER 22ND
Christmas Crafts at the Farmers Market
Aiken County Farmers Market | 7:30 AM
Find the perfect holiday gifts at Christmas Crafts at the Market. From 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM more than sixty vendors will fill the Aiken County Farmers Market with handmade art, jewelry, soaps, candles and wood creations alongside seasonal produce, baked goods, meats, eggs and honey. Stroll the aisles, meet local makers and enjoy a festive shopping experience.
NOVEMBER 22ND
Aiken Fall Steeplechase
Aiken Steeplechase | 8:00 AM
Spend the day at Aiken’s Fall Steeplechase and enjoy thrilling races, lively tailgates and crisp autumn weather. As the National Steeplechase Association’s final event of the season, the championship crowns the year’s top trainer, rider and horse. Bring friends, pack your picnic and be part of one of Aiken’s most celebrated traditions.
NOVEMBER 22ND
Holiday Movie Night
Amentum Center for the Performing Arts | 6:30 PM
Gather the family for a festive movie night with the City of Aiken. At 6:30 PM, enjoy a showing of The Polar Express complete with popcorn, bottled water and plenty of holiday cheer. Admission is $5 per person and children must be accompanied by an adult.
NOVEMBER 27TH
Bloodies and Bagels
Aiken County Historical Museum | 9:30 AM
Start Thanksgiving morning with Bloodies and Bagels, a beloved tradition held alongside the Blessing of the Hounds. From 9:30 to 11:30 AM, enjoy bagels, Bloody Marys and live music while celebrating with friends and family. Tickets are $10 per person, children under five are free and proceeds support Equine Rescue of Aiken
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