FY 2015 Board of Directors Elaine H. Fowler, President Charleston
Marie-Louise Ramsdale, President-Elect Mt. Pleasant
Sidney J. Evering II, Secretary/Treasurer Columbia
Bev Carroll, Immediate Past President* Rock Hill
J. Boone Aiken III Florence
Robin A. Braithwaite* Aiken
Chet Chea
Greenville
Byron E. Gipson Orangeburg
J. René Josey Florence
Christopher R. Koon Columbia
Jocelyn Newman Columbia
Mary E. Sharp Beaufort
James W. Sheedy Rock Hill
Elizabeth H. Warner, ex officio Moncks Corner
William K. Witherspoon, ex officio* Columbia
*denotes service completed in 2015
FY 2016 New Board Members Joshua A. Bennett Columbia
Thomas C. Brittain Myrtle Beach
M. Dawes Cooke Jr., ex officio Charleston
T. Brooke Hunt Hartsville
S. Venus Poe Greenville
Staff Shannon Willis Scruggs Executive Director Through July 2015
Kristin Horzen
Interim Executive Director beginning August 2015
Megan Moore
Marketing/Communications Coordinator
Andy Nyland
Staff Assistant
CONNECT WITH US:
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Building on success Just as a building goes from an idea to a blueprint to a mainstay in the community, the South Carolina Bar Foundation has grown from humble beginnings. Once a support organization for the USC School of Law lecture series, the Bar Foundation is now the cornerstone of charitable giving in South Carolina’s legal community. The Bar Foundation is the only statewide funding source for the provision of civil legal aid and law related projects, having allocated approximately $47.6 million to its grantees since 1987. In Fiscal Year 2015, the Bar Foundation remained dedicated to funding the advancement of justice by improving access, education and accountability and sought to build upon its past success. The cornerstone of this success is YOU — our donors. Your support plays a vital role in expanding our philanthropic reach. The support of generous donors, listed in this report, allows the Foundation to continue its mission. Our most sincere and heartfelt thanks go to all of you who supported our efforts. It was an eventful year for the Foundation including a grantee gathering in Charleston, the ninth annual Foundation Gala and Midlands Gives, a “day of giving” sponsored by the Central Carolina Community Foundation. The Foundation also once again honored several outstanding members of the legal community with awards presented at the Bar Convention’s Plenary Luncheon and the Foundation’s Gala. 2015 was also a year of innovation. In January, the Foundation launched the Ambassador program designed to offer young lawyers a leadership opportunity to promote the Foundation and its mission and grantees among their peers. The Foundation also introduced a video series entitled “Heart to Heart” as another means of sharing the powerful stories of our grantees. Finally, the Foundation joined the “challenge” fundraiser movement, generating more than $11,000 in support. Our ultimate goal is to fund access to justice programs and initiatives. To that end, the Bar Foundation awarded more than $2 million in Fiscal Year 2015 to 20 grantee organizations throughout the Palmetto State. These organizations worked tirelessly in providing legal support to those in need and educating our state’s youth about the importance of civic education. While we reflect on what we have done, we also look to the future and for new ways of strengthening our connections in South Carolina communities. We ask you to join us. It is with your support through financial contributions, participation in IOLTA or volunteering in a Foundation-funded legal education or assistance program that we are able to build and grow on our already strong foundation. Especially in times of financial stress and low IOLTA revenues, we rely on members of our legal profession to help us provide “justice for all.” Your participation not only serves your community but also serves your colleagues and profession.
Donors The Weinberg Society
In December 2009, the Bar Foundation received a generous gift from the estate of Rusty Weinberg Jr., of Sumter. In his honor, the Foundation established The Weinberg Society. The Society includes individuals who have made planned gifts in excess of $10,000 to the Bar Foundation as well as those who have made a bequest as of June 30, 2015.
Estate Gifts
Bequests
M. M. “Rusty” Weinberg Jr.
Anonymous (multiple) Kenneth L. Childs Jack D. Griffeth George M. Hearn Jr. Marvin and Laurie Quattlebaum Shannon Willis Scruggs Ethel E. Weinberg Robert S. Wells
As of June 30, 2015, these donors’ gifts to permanent Foundation funds over the course of their lifetime meet or exceed $10,000.
Timothy W. Bouch James G. Boyd Beverly A. Carroll George B. Cauthen Ronnie M. Cole Anne S. Ellefson Karl A. Folkens Elaine H. Fowler Jack D. Griffeth Michael J. Howell Harold W. Jacobs Steven C. Kirven Julian J. Nexsen
Edward P. Perrin A. Marvin Quattlebaum Jr. Benoni O. Reynolds James H. Rion Jr. Shannon Willis Scruggs Bradish J. Waring J. Calhoun Watson John P. “Jack” Wilson
Abacus Planning Group ALPS Risk Retention Group Collins & Lacy, PC Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP Nexsen Pruet, LLC Richardson Patrick Westbrook & Brickman, LLC SC Defense Trial Attorneys’ Association South Carolina Bar Sowell Gray Stepp & Laffitte, LLC
Donors As of June 30, 2015, these donors’ gifts to permanent Foundation funds over the course of their lifetime are between $5,000 and $9,999.
Stuart M. Andrews Jr.
Marcus A. Manos
Walter B. Todd Jr.
Kenneth C. Anthony Jr.
E. Windell McCrackin
Thomas D. Waring
Thomas L. Bruce
John O. McDougall
Ethel E. Weinberg
Mark W. Buyck Jr.
Walton J. McLeod III
Robert S. Wells
J. Michelle Childs
David A. Merline
David M. Yokel
J. Frank Cummings III
Dana C. Mitchell III
Richard E. Day
Everette H. Newman
ABOTA — SC Chapter
F. Earl Ellis Jr.
Dennis E. O’Neill
Robert W. Foster Sr.
Alice F. Paylor
Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, PA
R. Read Gignilliat
Marie-Louise Ramsdale
Rosen Hagood, LLC
James R. Gilreath
Robert D. Robbins
SC Association for Justice
Elizabeth Van Doren Gray
Neil C. Robinson
John A. Hagins Jr.
Robert and Susan Rosen
SC Bar — Government Law Section Council
Sue Erwin Harper
Jennifer W. Rubin
William B. Harvey III
David C. Shea
George M. Hearn Jr./ Kaye G. Hearn
John A. Sowards
Southeastern Insurance Consultants, LLC
Eve M. Stacey
TD Charitable Foundation
Richard W. Strobel
Turner Padget Graham & Laney, PA
Wilbur E. Johnson Rebecca Laffitte Lanneau W. Lambert Jr. Wallace K. Lightsey Andrea E. Loney
James A. Stuckey Jr. Fred W. Suggs Jr. Charles W. Surasky Robert Julian Thomas
South Carolina Legal Services
Walker & Morgan, LLC
These donors’ gifts total $1,000 to permanent Foundation funds over a one-year time period. Gifts are generally recognized for one calendar year after being paid in full. Donors who qualified for Society of Justice status during Fiscal Year 2015 are listed below.
J. Boone Aiken III
A. Marvin Quattlebaum Jr.
T. Eugene Allen III
Marie-Louise Ramsdale
Timothy W. Bouch
Robert D. Robbins
Thomas L. Bruce
Neil C. Robinson Jr.
Susan F. Campbell
Shannon Willis Scruggs
Beverly A. Carroll
Mary E. Sharp
George B. Cauthen
David C. Shea
Nancy Cornwell-Daves
John A. Sowards
Anne S. Ellefson
Eve M. Stacey
Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein, LLP
Elaine H. Fowler
Val H. Stieglitz III
South Carolina Bar
R. Read Gignilliat
Bradish J. Waring
David W. Gossett
J. Calhoun Watson
SC Bar — Government Law Section Council
Jack D. Griffeth
Robin F. Wheeler
George M. Hearn Jr./ Kaye G. Hearn
John P. “Jack” Wilson
Wilbur E. Johnson Steven C. Kirven W. Thomas Lavender Jr. Wallace K. Lightsey Andrea E. Loney Marcus A. Manos Edward G. Menzie Sr. Floyd S. Mills III Louise E. Oxner Alice F. Paylor Edward P. Perrin
David M. Yokel
Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP Nexsen Pruet, LLC
Ramsdale Law Firm, LLC Regions Bank Rosen Hagood, LLC Ogletree Deakins Nash Smoak & Stewart, PC
SC Defense Trial Attorneys’ Association South Carolina Legal Services Sowell Gray Stepp & Laffitte, LLC
Abacus Planning Group
TD Charitable Foundation
Callison Tighe & Robinson, LLC
Turner Padget Graham & Laney, PA
Coastal Community Foundation of SC — Jean and James Rion Endowment Collins & Lacy, PC Driscoll Sheedy, PA Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, PA Land Parker & Welch, PA
Want to see your name on our donor lists? Contact the Bar Foundation to donate.
Donors
Donors who are listed as Foundation Patrons made gifts in the July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015 time period. J. RUTLEDGE PATRONS ($500–$999)
Stephen P. Groves Sr. George V. Hanna IV James C. Hardin III Robert R. Horger Kristin K. Horzen William C. Hubbard T. L. Hughston Jr. Howard P. King John F. Kuppens Lanneau W. Lambert Jr. John L. McCants Walton J. McLeod III Joseph S. Mendelsohn Chris B. Paton Sheally V. Poe Richard S. Rosen Charles B. Simmons Jr. Henry B. Smythe Jr. Joseph P. Strom Jr. Fred W. Suggs Jr. Robert E. Sumner IV David L. Tedder Stacy E. Thompson John E. Waites Ethel E. Weinberg
Aiken Bridges Elliott Tyler & Saleeby, PA The Bankruptcy Study Group Central Carolina Community Foundation – Andrews Family Fund Dixon Hughes Goodman, LLP Pritchard Law Group, LLC Richardson Plowden & Robinson, PA Riley Pope & Laney, LLC South State Bank Southeastern Insurance Consultants, LLC Willcox, Buyck & Williams, PA Wyche, PA
Bluestein & Douglas, LLC Carlock Copeland & Stair, LLP Childs & Halligan, PA Devlin & Parkinson, PA The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina, Inc. Hellman Yates & Tisdale, PA Johnson Toal & Battiste, PA Moore Taylor Law Firm, PA Moore & Van Allen, PLLC Pratt-Thomas Walker, PA Richardson Patrick Westbrook & Brickman, LLC Rosen Law Firm, LLC Sojourner, Caughman & Thomas, LLC Stokes & Haselden, LLC TD Bank USC School of Law Williams & Walsh, LLC Wills Massalon & Allen LLC Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, LLP
Benjamin A. Barnhill John M. Bleecker Jr. James G. Boyd Robin A. Braithwaite E. C. Burnett III Danny C. Crowe Robert S. Dover Frank L. Eppes Margaret D. Fabri Steven G. Janik J. Rene Josey William B. Kirk Jr. LeRoy F. Laney Clifford C. McBride E. W. McCrackin J. Edwin McDonnell L. H. McKellar Peden B. McLeod Sr. Everette H. Newman Eric W. Ruschky Franklin G. Shuler Jr. Thornwell F. Sowell III Elizabeth H. Warner
J. J. WRIGHT PATRONS ($250–$499) Charles J. Baker III Neil M. Batavia Joe E. Berry Jr. J. Steedley Bogan James E. Bradley Terry H. Breen Cynthia A. Coker Denise K. Collins Brian C. Duffy Tommy B. Edwards Margaret M. Fox Joseph G. Francis Jr.
J. M. PERRY PATRONS ($100–$249) Archie W. Ackerman Lee S. Alford David A. Anderson Holly S. Atkins Keith M. Babcock James M. Bagarazzi
James W. Bannister Rudolph C. Barnes Jr. A. Elliott Barrow Jr. Julia M. Bass Kenneth N. Bass J. Michael Baxley Joshua A. Bennett Shaheena R. Bennett Susan B. Berkowitz Anthony J. Brady Jr. Stephanie M. Brinkley L. A. “Smokey” Brown Jr. Phyllis B. Burkhard E. Grantland Burns Mark W. Buyck Jr. Herman S. Caldwell Jr. Kelly Carmody Eugene J. Carron Clifford B. Chappell J. Michelle Childs Andrea L. Ciota Joseph C. Clark Jr. Amie L. Clifford Theron G. Cochran Jack E. Cohoon G. Thomas Cooper Jr. Hugh M. Cooper Stephen M. Cox Diane C. Current Deborah B. Dantzler Diane H. Davidson Margaret S. Day John K. DeLoache Robert V. Demarco Helen R. R. Dovell James B. Drennan III William L. Duda Rhett C. Dunaway Robert M. Ehrhorn Jr. Nathan A. Einstein John D. Elliott Lauren E. Ellison William N. Epps Jr. Gena P. Ervin Richard L. Farley Robert L. Felix Cindy M. Floyd H. Mills Gallivan Sr. Harold F. Gallivan III Debra J. Gammons LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson C. Allen Gibson Jr. Michael D. Glenn Arnold S. Goodstein Paige J. Gossett W. Andrew Gowder Jr. Perry H. Gravely Ruben L. Gray Sr. William D. Gray
Thomas L. Gregory Baety O. Gross Jr. James S. Guignard David G. Guyton John A. Hagins Jr. Elliott T. Halio Milton E. Hamilton Michelle T. Hardy Leon C. Harmon Sue E. Harper Britton M. Hawk Daryl G. Hawkins Knox L. Haynsworth Jr. John J. Hearn William D. Herlong Thomas C. Hildebrand Jr. Marion E. Hinds Jr. James B. Holman IV W. Charles Hood Jr. Richard A. Hricik E. Ros Huff Jr. Harry Huge LeRoy P. Hutchinson Wilmot B. Irvin George D. Jebaily Roger B. Jellenik Jacob H. Jennings John M. Jennings William R. Johnson Emily G. Johnston Woodrow G. Jordan William V. Josephs III Walter R. Kaufmann Lawrence Keitt Catherine H. Kennedy Robert L. Kilgo Jr. J. Ernest Kinard Jr. Angela M. Kirby John W. Kittredge Grace G. Knie Christopher R. Koon Philip Lacy Allen C. Ladd Rebecca Laffitte Edward W. Laney IV Thomas D. Langley Leigh J. Leventis Wade H. Logan III Daniel B. Lott Jr. Francis X. McCann Stephen R. McCrae Jr. William E. McCullough Angela G. McIver Ronald W. McKinney Juliette B. Mims Dana C. Mitchell III Debbie S. Mollycheck Steven T. Moon Laura W. Moore
Julie J. Moose Danny H. Mullis Angela M. Myers C. Tyson Nettles Jocelyn Newman Walter G. Newman Julian J. Nexsen Jr. Kelly L. O’Brien Dennis E. O’Neill Cynthia H. Ouzts Jeffrey L. Payne Rodney A. Peeples I. Henry Philpot Jr. Pamela A. Pierce Larry L. Plumblee Tammie Pope Alexandre T. Postic Michelle D. Powers William O. Pressley Jr. Luke A. Rankin Matthew T. Richardson Rita J. Roache Pamela J. Roberts Jonathan J. Robertson Abigail R. Rogers H. Hugh Rogers Scott L. Roper John E. Rosen Susan C. Rosen Lowell W. Ross Jennifer W. Rubin William L. Runyon Jr. David L. Savage Stephen T. Savitz Margaret R. Scoopmire Scott N. Schools G. David Seay Jr. Lynn S. Seithel Thomas M. Shelley III Jane O. Shuler Johnny Simpson Lana H. Sims Jr. Carl L. Solomon Daniel T. Stacey David W. Sumner Charles W. Surasky Angela R. Taylor William R. Thomson Harold P. Threlkeld John H. Tighe Robert J. Tinsley Jr. Robert J. Tinsley Sr. William L. Todd Thomas A. Trent R. Wright Turbeville Richard M. Unger Andrew B. Walker Robert B. Wallace James H. Watson
Charles S. Way Jr. Daniel B. White David A. White Michael E. Wilbur Robert M. Wilcox Patrick C. Wooten Robert H. Yeargin Jeffrey J. Yungman Cherry Bekaert, LLP The Clekis Law Firm, PA Community Foundation of Greenville: Tod and Meg Hyche Fund The Haynsworth Family Fund in Memory of Clement Furman Haynsworth III Delta Consulting Boston, LLC Foster Law Firm, LLC Rosen Litigation Technology SC Chapter Federal Bar Association Smith Moore Leatherwood, LLP
OTHER SUPPORTERS (UP TO $99) Hugh Aiken Walter S. Ameika Jr. Kenneth C. Anthony Jr. Justin J. Arenas Diane C. Bagwell Heather S. Bailey Nancy H. Bailey Shiryl R. G. Ballard Ronald F. Barbare A. Parker Barnes III Kathleen C. Barnes Roberta E. Barton Samuel R. Bass II Richard J. Beach Dena S. Benedict A. Edward Benton Jr. William G. Besley Anne F. Bleecker Clifford L. Bourke Jr. Joey Bowers Toby J. Brink Joseph S. Brockington Audrey R. Brown Robert L. Buchanan Jr.
Tiffany L. Butler Blakely C. Cahoon Joe Ann M. Calvy Paul V. Cannarella Peter F. Carroll Walter H. Cartin Sr. Michael S. Cashman Jada B. Charley Molly H. Cherry Andrew N. Cole Robert T. Coleman III Margaret A. Collins Reginald P. Corley Lisa L. Cotten Leslie A. Cotter Jr. William S. Cowan David S. Cox Jennifer M. Creech Joseph R. Cross Jr. Julie B. Cude Kevin M. Cunnane Ruth W. Cupp Rachael A. Dain C. J. Dalrymple D. D. Davenport Jr. Jerrilea S. Davison Emma T. Dean Paul D. de Holczer Perry B. DeLoach Jr. Daniel R. Denton Bruce E. Deutschmann Linda M. Dhunjishah Malik Dixon Timothy G. Driggers Meyer Drucker Gale R. DuBose James H. Dusenbury Peter H. Dworjanyn Reid M. Eaddy Laymon L. Echols Charles P. Edwards Joseph M. Epting Stinson W. Ferguson Samuel L. Finklea III Jonathan K. Fisher C. Edward Floyd Denson H. Fraser Jr. Allen O. Fretwell Rosalyn W. Frierson Kenneth E. Fulp Jr. Patricia B. Segars Gaylord William R. Gilkerson Henrietta Gill Charles S. Goldberg Jr. Benjamin R. Gooding
Thomas R. Gottshall Russell K. Grant Linda A. Grice Robert E. Guess John C. Guilds III Susan B. Hackett Robert M. Hadden Jill E. M. HaLevi Steven W. Hamm Gordon R. Hammock Daniel W. Hancock John K. Hane III Gregory P. Harlow Jean T. Hawkins Robert W. Hayes Jr. Catherine S. Hendrix Eduardo V. Hernandez Karen L. Huelson Margaret Hunt Sara A. Hutton Russell T. Infinger Benjamin A. Jackson Faith R. James Meliah B. Jefferson Douglas Jennings Jr. June M. Jennings John E. Johnston Kelly M. Jolley Brigid D. Jones Nathan Kaminski Jr. J. Morgan Kearse Wolfgang L. Kelly James E. Knight Jr. Joshua T. Knipp Lucy M. Knowles John C. Land IV Janie W. Langdale Tyre D. Lee Jr. Ken H. Lester E. Crosby Lewis Sr. Alissa C. Lietzow Patricia Littlejohn Keith T. Littrell Kenneth W. Lobenstein William C. Lucius Angus H. Macaulay Jr. Jennifer R. MacLeod David H. Maybank Jr. Richard B. McCarty Sylvia J. McDonald John O. McDougall Joseph T. McElveen Jr. Rita M. McKinney Walton J. McLeod IV Deena S. McRackan
Terry B. Millar Kathleen F. Monoc Monique D. Montgomery Benjamin R. Moore Megan M. Moore Taylor J. Moore Cynthia S. Morton Thad L. Myers Travis M. Nagy William H. Orders James G. Padgett III Charles W. Patrick Richard J. Paul Elizabeth H. Philpot Eric H. Philpot Irvin H. Philpot III Paola C. Pinzon Ross B. Plyler Andrew N. Poliakoff Ashley C. Powell J. Pamela Price Charles V. Pyle Jr. D. A. Quattlebaum III F. Dean Rainey Jr. Frank A. Rainwater Iris Ray Sara B. Rearden William M. Reynolds III Evelyn W. Richards Charles B. Ridley Jr. James K. Roberts Stephanie U. Roberts John E. Robinson C. Joseph Roof Matthew B. Rosbrugh Rebecca A. Roser John D. Roven Susan L. Rowe Brie R. Russell George L. Sands Jr. Bryn C. Sarvis Peter J. Sasso Jr. Richard A. Schmidt Kimberly P. Shelton Reid T. Sherard Marcia Powell Shew C. Michael Smith Jonathan W. Smith William M. Spearman John M. Spratt Jr. Joanna B. Stone Randell C. Stoney III Ashley C. Story Hal M. Strange Elizabeth J. Stringer
James A. Stuckey Jr. Lisa A. Styles Allison P. Sullivan Daniel T. Sullivan Edward D. Sullivan Henry S. Sullivan III Carmen H. Thomas William R. Thomas Jeremy A. Thompson Charles M. Timmons Jr. John S. Tracy David G. Traylor Jr. Jodie Turbyfill-Mercereau Robert M. Turkewitz Daniel R. Unumb Michael B. Van Landingham Alexandra M. Wagner Joseph D. Walker Danielle H. Watson Miles F. Weaver Logan M. Wells Edward W. Whittington Jr. James C. Williams Rebecca S. Williams Pauline L. Williamson William M. Wilson III Patricia L. Wise William K. Witherspoon David W. Wolf Robert P. Wolf George B. Wolfe James E. Woodside Ronald K. Wray II Philip E. Wright Bradford W. Wyche Ballard & Watson Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company Freeman and Moore, PC McDougall & Self, LLP McGough Law Firm, PA McKay Cauthen Settana & Stubley, PA Nachman Norwood & Parrott, Inc. Palmetto Paralegal Association Smith & Sullivan, LLC Thomas Fisher & Sinclair, PA
When “thank you” just isn’t enough, recognize your mentors with a tribute gift. Let everyone know how much they have impacted your career by honoring them today or memorializing them tomorrow. To donate, visit the SC Bar Foundation’s website at www.scbarfoundation.org/donate.asp.
looking back
AWARDS DuRant Distinguished Public Service Award
The 2014 DuRant Distinguished Public Service Award was presented to The Honorable William R. Byars Jr., at the 2015 SC Bar Convention Plenary Luncheon. Byars served as a Fifth Judicial Circuit Family Court Judge and director of the Children’s Law Office at USC. Byars also served as director of the SC Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). During his tenure, DJJ experienced a significant reduction in juvenile crime, longterm secure population and recidivism. Judge Byars also led efforts to construct a new visitor center, providing a safe and clean place for families, church groups and mentors to visit incarcerated youth. Byars’ decades of work in family court and juvenile justice have been heralded by many. He was honored with the Governor’s Order of the Palmetto award and was celebrated with the “Outstanding Leadership and Service in the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect” award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Foundation established the award in 1980 in memory of Charlton DuRant, a well-known Manning attorney who served as state senator and special associate justice of the SC Supreme Court. Honorees are nominated and selected by their professional peers, making this recognition one of the most prestigious statewide awards that members of the Bar can bestow on a fellow attorney.
Martha’s Moment A moment of pause was taken at the Bar Foundation Gala on January 24, 2015, to remember the life and the work of Stephen G. Morrison who was honored with the “Martha’s Moment” award. Named in honor of Martha B. Dicus, the award honors lawyers who passed too soon, but who during their lifetimes displayed a tremendous commitment to public and professional service in the legal community. “[Morrison] was a giver,” said Jim Lehman, managing partner of Nelson Mullins and Morrison’s longtime colleague. “He was a giver to his clients. He was a giver to our law firm. He was a giver to the community, and he was a giver to our profession.“ SC Bar Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year John E. Robinson was honored as the 2014 SC Bar Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year at the Foundation’s Gala in January 2015. Robinson is a partner at McDowell and Robinson, where he practices property and estate-related litigation. He was trained as a Pro Bono Prosecutor for the SC Attorney General’s Office in criminal domestic violence cases, has participated in the SC Court of Appeals’ pro bono appellate project, and is a pro bono counsel for farmers, farm employees and heirs’ property owners in the Lowcountry. The SC Bar Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year Award honors lawyers who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to volunteer legal services for the poor and disadvantaged. Ellen Hines Smith Legal Services Lawyer of the Year Kimaka Nichols-Graham was celebrated as the 2014 Ellen Hines Smith Legal Services Lawyer of the Year at the Foundation’s annual Gala held in January 2015. Nichols-Graham is the managing attorney at SC Legal Services in Greenville and primarily practices family and education law. Nichols-Graham also developed and currently leads the Education Law Unit. The award, established in 1989, honors a lawyer who has demonstrated long-term commitment to legal services for the poor in South Carolina. “I always had questions about people having access and having a voice,” said Nichols-Graham. “Every single case matters.”
EVENTS Gala 2015 On Saturday, January 24, 2015, more than 300 people gathered at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center for food, fellowship and fundraising at the Bar Foundation’s ninth annual Gala. The event was themed with a 1960s flair, featuring classic cocktails, vintage fashion and iconic party food. The theme gave an appropriate nod to our honorees of the evening — the Nifty Fifty Class of 1965. Inez Tenenbaum served as the night’s honorary chair. In between enjoying food and music, guests gathered at the silent auction tables to place their bids. Guests “oohed and ahhed” over a special portion of the silent auction — lawyer-made art. Attorneys from around the state showed off their artistic talents with paintings, pottery, knitting, photography and jewelry. An online bidding system made the auction available to all SC lawyers, not just those in attendance at the Gala. Because of this and the amazing items, the auction raised more than $10,000!
Charleston Grantee Gathering The SC Bar Foundation hosted a Charleston Grantee Gathering on September 24, 2014, featuring a free CLE for participants as well as a chance for the Foundation’s Charleston-area grantees to increase awareness of and resources for their organizations. The gathering allowed the Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation, Charleston Pro Bono Legal Services, One80 Place and South Carolina Legal Services’ Charleston office to share information about their organizations and efforts to help individuals in the Lowcountry. The event raised more than $12,000, 100% of which was distributed to the grantee participants.
Midlands Gives The Foundation participated in the second annual Midlands Gives event on May 5, 2015. The Foundation turned “Cinco de Mayo” into “Cinco de MUCHO” and collected $13,591 in donations in just 24 hours, representing a 29% increase in receipts over the 2014 event. Foundation staff, Ambassadors and volunteers from Abacus Planning Group spent this “day of giving,” sponsored by the Central Carolina Community Foundation, calling and delivering cookies to law offices throughout the Midlands. The event was a huge success and was only possible with the support of donors like you.
new happenings During Fiscal Year 2015, the Bar Foundation created new and exciting ways to celebrate our grantees, increase participation and leadership opportunities for young lawyers and raise awareness and resources.
ire of D ar d Bo ith do rs w Am ba ss a
The Ambassador Class of 2015 includes: Joshua A. Bennett, Tiffany L. Butler, Helen Rose Roper Dovell, Elizabeth F. Fulton, Robert B. Hawk, Alexander S. Hogsette, T. Brooke Hunt, Thomas J. Rode and Ashley Cole Story.
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Ambassador Program January 1, 2015 marked the start of the Bar Foundation’s Ambassador Program with an inaugural class of up-and-coming young lawyers from across the state. Ambassadors promote the Bar Foundation’s mission and programs and help raise additional resources to support civil legal aid, law related education and administration of justice grantees. Ambassadors also assist the Bar Foundation with events, fundraising and other functions. The Foundation will recruit up to 24 additional ambassadors over the next two years. During Fiscal Year 2016, Joshua A. Bennett and T. Brooke Hunt will serve on the Foundation Board of Directors and be liaisons between the Ambassadors and the Board.
“Heart To Heart” Video Series The Bar Foundation “took to the road” this year to document the amazing things happening at our grantee organizations. To share their stories, the Foundation developed a video series entitled “Heart to Heart,” which focuses on grantee programs, employees and volunteers dedicated to bettering the lives of others. All of the “Heart to Heart” videos are available on our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/ scbarfoundation. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay up-to-date with future “Heart to Heart” videos.
“BUCK-IT” Challenge Fiscal Year 2015 also saw the “BUCK-IT” Challenge generate more than $11,000 in support. This fundraiser was a first of its kind for the Foundation and a take-off of the popular ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. We give a huge thank you to 2015 SC Bar President Cal Watson, 2015 SC Bar Foundation President Elaine Fowler, 2015 SC Bar Past President Alice Paylor and 2015 SC Bar Foundation President-Elect Marie-Louise Ramsdale, who donated $1 for each returning donor and $2 for each new donor. We also thank Abacus Planning Group, which donated $10 for every returning donor, and the TD Charitable Foundation for its support.
FINANCIALS
Your dollars at work Imagine fearing for your life and the lives of your children because you live with an abuser. Imagine being homeless and sleeping on a park bench because you were denied Social Security benefits. Imagine losing family land that you have lived on your entire life because it has become “heirs’ property.” Imagine being a high school student, wanting desperately to participate in an extra-credit civic education program, but not being able to afford the cost. While these things are hard for most of us to fathom, our grantees see situations like these every day. Many people around our state are suffering because they lack access to justice. Yet you are able to make a difference in the lives of these South Carolinians through your donations. Our grantees fall into three categories: Civil Legal Aid, Law Related Education and Administration of Justice. Civil Legal Aid grantees provide direct civil legal services with little to no charge to poor or disadvantaged persons within their communities. Law Related Education grantees touch the lives of thousands of students in South Carolina — teaching them to become responsible citizens under the law. Administration of Justice grantees enhance legal services to the poor through innovative and cost-effective means and provide direct civil legal aid to those who are under served by legal services. For the Fiscal Year 2015 grant period, the Foundation put your dollars to work by awarding more than $2 million to 20 organizations across the Palmetto State. We could not fund these great programs without the support of donors like you. Below you will read just one of the many success stories from each grantee organization. These stories amaze, inspire and demonstrate how your contributions help support those in need.
Civil Legal Aid grantees Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation “Brenda” had fond memories of her grandparents’ farm and wanted to keep the land in her family. So when Brenda, her siblings and her cousins realized that the land was heirs’ property, they took action by calling Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation (CHPP). With the help of CHPP, Brenda and her relatives completed their family tree, collected and confirmed all required documents and agreed on how to divide the land along “heir” lines. Now Brenda’s family can own the land for generations to come.
CHARLESTON PRO BONO LEGAL SERVICES “Naoki’s” sister only had a few weeks to live and wanted to make sure that her daughter would be taken care of when she passed. Naoki knew her sister’s husband, who was physically disabled, illiterate and an alcoholic, could not care for the child. Naoki made a promise to her sister to seek custody of her niece. Charleston Pro Bono Legal Services helped Naoki obtain legal custody and fulfill her promise to her sister.
CITIZENS OPPOSED TO DOMESTIC ABUSE A few days after giving birth, “Sharon’s” husband attacked her. Sharon fought back, biting his hand and scratching his neck. When law enforcement arrived, they arrested Sharon because her husband had visible injuries. Sharon was prevented from having contact with her husband or newborn baby. Citizens Opposed to Domestic Abuse (CODA) and its legal team filed a petition with the court asking that the baby be returned to Sharon. At an emergency hearing, CODA’s attorney successfully argued the case, convincing the judge that Sharon was merely defending herself. The judge granted custody to Sharon, and she was reunited with her child.
lowcountry legal volunteers
“Jamal” turned to Lowcountry Legal Volunteers (LLV) after his mother died for help with seeking custody of his 14-yearold brother. LLV helped Jamal locate his birth father and obtain his signature on the necessary documents for Jamal’s custody request and represented Jamal in court. The judge was so impressed with Jamal and his willingness to accept such a big responsibility that he granted Jamal permanent custody of his brother. LLV’s efforts helped keep this family together.
ONE80 Place Homeless Justice Project
Many homeless individuals find that civil legal issues, like denial of Social Security benefits or inability to obtain identification documents, are barriers in turning their lives around. When someone like “Luke” is ready to take the next step, the attorneys at One80 Place Homeless Justice Project are ready to help. Luke spent his nights in Hampton Park sleeping on park benches. Because of the attorneys at One80 Place, Luke is now getting his Social Security disability benefits and sleeps in a soft bed in his own place.
Sistercare “Hope” and her children lived in fear of her abusive boyfriend (the children’s father), who abused and threatened to kill them. He avoided charges by never leaving physical evidence of the abuse, and Hope believed her testimony alone would not be enough to keep him away. Thanks to the legal advocacy staff at Sistercare, Hope testified and got an order of protection that kept her and her children safe.
SC Appleseed legal justice center “Brandon,” a high school senior with learning disabilities, was working toward a trade certification until his decision to run into a fight instead of away from it caused him to be kicked out of school and charged with a crime. SC Appleseed Legal Justice Center stepped in and filed a complaint against the school district. As a result, the State Department of Education conducted an investigation into the treatment of all special education students. Because of SC Appleseed’s efforts, the school district is taking corrective action to ensure that other special needs students are not treated in the same manner. Meanwhile, Brandon is back on track, earning his remaining credits and completing his training in preparation for the certification exam.
SC bar pro bono program “Peter,” a 54-year-old disabled man, wanted to get his end-of-life items in order. The first thing he needed was a Last Will and Testament but couldn’t afford an attorney or leave his home due to his disability. The SC Bar Pro Bono Program sent a volunteer lawyer to Peter’s home to help draft his will and put his mind at ease.
sc LEGAL SERVICES College students “Michael” and “Andy” moved into their first apartment and found mold, roaches, sealed windows, an intrusive landlord and no fire extinguishers. The students moved out, but the landlord pocketed their $1,200 security deposit. Michael and Andy turned to SC Legal Services, who filed a petition in magistrate’s court seeking the return of the security deposit and damages, based on the landlord’s failure to maintain the property and code violations. The students got their money and found a new place to live just in time for classes to start.
sc victim assistance network
In FY 2015, our civil legal aid grantees closed upwards of 11,800 cases. Of those, roughly 49 percent involved family law issues including domestic abuse, custody and visitation. Another 21 percent focused on helping families with housing issues and those facing foreclosure.
“Xavier” left his native country to enroll in a work/study scholarship program at a college in South Carolina. When he arrived, the realities of the program were significantly different from what was promised. Xavier worked back-breaking hours for the college as a janitor, cook and groundskeeper. When Xavier complained, the dean retaliated. Xavier called SC Victim Assistance Network (SCVAN), who worked with Homeland Security, the FBI and the U.S. Attorney General in the investigation and prosecution of the case. Thanks to the efforts of SCVAN, Xavier can now fulfill his dream of obtaining a college education.
Your dollars at work law Related Education grantees SC Bar Law Related Education
The SC Bar Law Related Education (LRE) Division provides teachers, school resource officers, juvenile justice personnel and lawyers with resources, materials and technical assistance to teach law and citizenship education. LRE serves as a central source for civic education in South Carolina, providing programs like Community Works; Foundations of Democracy; LawForKids.org; Law For Teachers; Law for Young Adults; Supreme Court; Street Law; We the People: Project Citizen; and We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution. LRE also coordinates SC’s heralded Mock Trial program for elementary, middle and high school students. At the high school level, Mock Trial teaches students the basics of the American judicial system, mechanics of litigation and how to become better listeners, speakers, writers, readers, critical thinkers and problem solvers. “Not only have I learned how to be a speaker, but I have learned responsibility, hard work, and how to be a team player,” said one high school student. “Mock Trial has made me the person that I am today.”
SC YMCA Youth in Government “Josie” first participated in the SC YMCA Youth in Government (YIG) program in sixth grade, and after her first conference, she was hooked. “I wanted to do everything there was to do in YIG,” she said. Josie was elected Lt. Governor during her seventh-grade year and presided over the Senate when she was in eighth grade. The YIG program uses funding from the Bar Foundation to provide scholarships for students who would not otherwise have the opportunity to participate due to financial constraints. This funding ensured that Josie never had to miss an event. “I’ve got opinions, and I want to share them,” she said.
SC Bar Foundation Public Interest fellows project at USC School of Law
The SC Bar Foundation Public Interest Fellows Project places public service-minded law students as clerks within South Carolina legal services organizations. “I wanted to understand the challenges under-represented groups face and learn how to positively impact non-represented segments of South Carolina,” said student Joseph Giordano, who served as a law clerk in the South Carolina Legal Services Greenville office. “I ended up leaving with a wealth of practical experience and nuances of the legal profession that I could not have gained from a textbook.”
Administration of justice grantees Midlands Mediation Center “Pat” is just one of many dedicated volunteers at Midlands Mediation Center, which provides mediation services to individuals, families and businesses. After a 34-year career as a school counselor, during which she developed a peer mediation program at her school, Pat understands the value of mediation. “It can be such a gratifying experience. If everyone had these skills, the world would be a much better place.”
national judicial college Thanks to scholarship funding provided by the Foundation, South Carolina judges are able to improve the administration of justice by increasing their knowledge, skills and abilities at the National Judicial College. “The General Jurisdiction course materials covered a broad range of subjects including courtroom administration, an in-depth review of the rules of evidence, and courthouse and courtroom security. The course was very informative,” raves one SC judge.
richland county cOURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES Siblings “Byron,” “Kiara,” “Jada,” “Micah” and “Isaiah” entered foster care because their home had no water or electricity and very little food. The children’s mother loved them but struggled to keep the children fed and safe. Richland County Court Appointed Special Advocates provided the family with a Guardian ad Litem who worked with the mother to find appropriate housing and a job by connecting her to resources for job skill development, housing and parenting. Within months, the mother had completed all court orders, secured housing and was reunited with her children.
SC access to justice commission “Given our unique and comprehensive representation, the SC Access to Justice Commission has the primary responsibility to facilitate appropriate teams to develop and implement strategies to solve the current crisis of civil legal assistance needs that are not being met in South Carolina, and we intend to do that through collaboration and communication with existing and new partners, funding and programs.” — Matthew Richardson, chairman of the SC Access to Justice Commission
SC Bar ASK-A-LAWYER and Clinics Programs The SC Bar Ask-A-Lawyer and Clinics Programs are great ways for attorneys to reach out and connect with South Carolinians in need of legal services. Last year attorneys assisted 1,273 individuals across the state on the phone or through a web chat and 1,580 individuals through educational clinics. Attorneys assisted with a variety of legal issues including family law, will and probate, consumer, landlord-tenant, criminal and bankruptcy.
SC Center for fathers and families
“Gary,” a father who came to the SC Center for Fathers and Families Midlands Fatherhood Coalition program, was defeated, unemployed, severely behind on his child support payments and desperate to see his child. After working with the program’s job coach, Gary began a remarkable transformation. He completed Job Boot Camp and obtained full-time employment at Fort Jackson. Gary is now paying his child support and sees his child on a regular basis.
Upstate Mediation Center “Sue” and “Bill” made a mutual decision to separate after 25 years of marriage and three children. Unlike many such situations, there was no animosity, and each wanted what was best for the family. After consulting with an attorney, they realized that going to court would make matters worse, so instead they turned to Upstate Mediation Center. In just three sessions, Sue and Bill resolved all their issues.
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