2014 Columbia Giving Guide

Giving Your guide to community giving in the Midlands | 2014 -15

Building volunteer leaders

Professionals of all ages find value in helping out

Sponsored by

H Letter from the publisher

Dear Readers,

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ere’s what I know about the Midlands: It is a generous community ready to help others at a moment’s notice.

All through the year, people of all ages are helping out, walking or running to raise money, serving on committees and boards. Children having birthday parties ask for food bank donations instead of presents. Music concerts give a discount if you bring in food or toys for holiday drives. It’s all around us, not just on holidays, but all year long.

People young and old are giving of their time and treasures so others can live better lives.

In the pages of our second annual Giving Guide, you will read about people who are making a difference across the area. You will read about 2014 Humanitarian of the Year winner Judy Davis, executive vice president and chief legal officer for BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and its Companion Companies and how she is impacting our community for the better.

We also introduce you to the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ six philanthropic award winners. They exemplify what philanthropy is all about.

Also you will read about those emerging leaders in our community and about how you too can connect with a nonprofit.

We hope that after reading this issue, you’ll be just as inspired as we were by the efforts that members of our community are making to help those less fortunate.

Finally, I want to thank our Title Sponsor, Bank of America, and all our partners , including the Central Carolina Community Foundation, AFP and the United Way of the Midlands for giving us the guidance and support to produce this publication.

Bob Bouyea

Special thanks to:

Sincerely,

Bob Bouyea Publisher Columbia Regional Business Report

2 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

www.columbiabusinessreport.com

Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

Publisher - Bob Bouyea bbouyea@scbiznews.com • 803.726.7541 midlands newsroom Editor - James T. Hammond jhammond@scbiznews.com • 803.726.7545

contents Features 12

Staff Writer - Chuck Crumbo ccrumbo@scbiznews.com • 803.726.7542

Emerging leadership

Research Specialist - Patrice Mack pmack@scbiznews.com • 803.726.7544 Special Projects Editor - Licia Jackson ljackson@scbiznews.com • 803.726.7546

Young, old make volunteering a priority

Graphic Designer - Andrew Sprague asprague@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3128 Graphic Designer - Jean Piot jpiot@scbiznews.com • 864.235.5677, ext. 105

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Midlands Account executives

Building leaders

Senior Account Executive - Alan James ajames@scbiznews.com • 803.726.7540

Those who want to step up have many opportunities to learn

Account Executive - Lucia Smith lsmith@scbiznews.com • 803.726.7547

South Carolina’s Media Engine for Economic Growth

20 President and Group Publisher - Grady Johnson gjohnson@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3103

Creating community

Vice President of Sales - Steve Fields sfields@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3110

Midlands Gives event sets pace for new level of giving

Creative Director - Ryan Wilcox rwilcox@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3117 Director of Audience Development - Rick Jenkins rjenkins@scbiznews.com • 864.235.5677, ext. 112 Event Manager - Kathy Allen kallen@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3113 Audience Development & IT Manager - Kim McManus kmcmanus@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3116 Audience Development Specialist - Jessica Smalley jsmalley@scbiznews.com • 864.235.5677 ext. 116

About the cover:

NBSC volunteer Annie Scott stacks boxes to be filled at Harvest Hope Food Bank.

Photo/Jeff Blake

Event Planner - Jacquelyn Fehler jfehler@scbiznews.com • 864.235.5677, ext. 113

DepartmentS 6 Quick Facts 8 AWARD Winners

22 Midlands Volunteers 25 NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

Accounting Manager - Vickie Deadmon vdeadmon@scbiznews.com • 864.235.5677, ext. 100 Custom media division Director of Business Development - Mark Wright mwright@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3143

Sponsored by

Account Executive - Mariana Hall mhall@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3105

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Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

The Midlands demonstrates a commitment to positive social, educational and economic change through local, regional and statewide giving and the endowed organizations providing services.

How the South Gives The billion dollar figure represents the total contributions. The percentages represent the percent of income.

3.22%

10.4B

4.2% 3.63%

2.76% 4.45%

6.9B 5.59B Florida

Georgia

North Carolina

5.38B Virginia

3.57B Tennessee

Lexington $172.0

Alabama

3.29%

2.65B

2.06B

South Carolina

Louisiana

4.99%

1.51B Mississippi

Kershaw $27.8

Newberry $13.8 Saluda $6.5

2.96B

4.13%

Midlands counties’ total giving, in millions.

This data is from 2012 IRS tax returns.

How the Midlands gives Fairfield $9.9

4.81%

Lee $4.4 Richland $271.0

Calhoun $7.6

Sumter $45.0 Clarendon $12.8

Orangeburg $37.5 Chronicle of Philanthropy, How America Gives

6 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

www.columbiabusinessreport.com

Award Winners

AFP honors National Philanthropy Day Award winners for 2014

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ach year, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Central South Carolina Chapter, recognizes exemplary individuals, corporations and organizations involved in giving and volunteering in the Midlands community. These winners serve as models of what philanthropy is all about.

AFP Central South Carolina is presenting six awards for 2014.

Ginny Waller Ginny Waller was nominated for her work with Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands, where she started out as a volunteer before joining their staff team in 2008. Since 2008, Ginny has raised more than $3 million in funding for the agency. Her leadership in fundraising has more than doubled the budget of STSM, allowing the agency to create and fill five new fulltime positions to date. STSM credits Ginny with their continued ability to grow and expand, including the creation of an endowment fund with more than one year of expenses saved. She has demonstrated responsible fiscal leadership and long-term vision of ending sexual violence along with the day-to-day work of serving survivors of sexual violence.

Colonial Life Colonial Life was nominated by United Way of the Midlands. Through its Corporate Social Responsibility program, the corporation has supported numerous organizations in the Midlands through corporate giving, matching gifts programs, employee volunteerism and leadership positions on nonprofit boards in four major areas: education, health and wellness, economic development and arts and culture.

Their total community impact during 2013 was $2,010,475. In addition to the economic impact Colonial Life makes in the community, their volunteer engagement is a vital part of their philanthropic focus. Volunteerism is ingrained in their culture and mission, creating valuable and lasting partnerships throughout the Midlands. The company sets and communicates a collective goal each year for volunteer hours to emphasize its importance. In 2012, the goal was 8,000 logged volunteer hours and that goal was surpassed by more than 2,000 hours.

Debbie Zvejnieks Debbie Zvejnieks, nominated by EdVenture

Children’s Museum, has given over $150,000 to the museum since 2011 along with her husband, Peter. Most notably, the Zvejniekses provided $100,000 for the renovation of EdVenture’s Body Detectives exhibit. In addition to monetary donations, Debbie serves on the Board of Trustees for the museum, serves in an advisory role with their External Affairs Committee, and has chaired several fundraising events. This is all in addition to her many other charitable endeavors across the Midlands.

Debbie has been vital to EdVenture’s success in fulfilling its mission. Debbie is an outstanding philanthropist because of her generosity with time and treasure, and because of the way she models philanthropic service for others.

Pink Posse Philes The Pink Posse Philes, nominated by the Palmetto Health Foundation, is a group of local breast cancer survivors who are passionate about making life better for others facing a breast cancer diagnosis. The group was founded in May 2009 by Bren Miller after she completed a year of chemotherapy. Although created as a support network, the group quickly evolved into an outreach and fundraising powerhouse. Their activities now include the delivery of treat bags to cancer patients, community education about breast cancer and, by far the largest component, fundraising for local breast cancer programs. To date, the Pink Posse Philes have raised nearly $72,000 for Palmetto Health Breast Center alone, averaging nearly $12,000 annually through their participation in Palmetto Health Foundation’s Walk for Life/Race for Life. “The Philes are, in a word, unstoppable,” wrote their nominators. “The women who comprise this group are generous, kind and spirited. They are motivated by a desire to help the current generation and the next generation.”

Bishop Redfern II Bishop Redfern II, nominated by National Development Institute, Inc., has a demonstrated track record of providing nonprofits with the leadership, organizational and operational tools they require for sustained profitable growth.

He is a former board member of the United Way with a 30-year service history and has performed over 300 United Way campaign pre-

8 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

sentations to corporations and businesses in the Midlands. He has further served the nonprofit sector as president of two community-based organizations. In each case he substantially increased funding, service delivery and organizational efficiency. As international director of CityLight, he organized a chain of worldwide prayer cells covering eight regions of the world.

In his position at Cross Style International Ministries, he developed the strategic plan for 125 Bible training centers in 22 countries. His nominator writes, “Redfern is known worldwide as ‘The Catalyst.’ He makes things happen!”

Cardinal Newman The Cardinal Newman Dance Marathon Fundraiser is part of a nationwide movement involving college and high school students at more than 150 schools across the country, all raising money for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in their community. Nominated by the Palmetto Health Foundation and Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital, the students at Cardinal Newman School spend a year learning leadership and life skills while raising funds and interacting with patients and families from Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital. They have raised more than $92,000 in three years for Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital and, their nominators write “are well on their way to breaking $100,000 in their fourth year. The students at Cardinal Newman School demonstrate every year to their peers, teachers, advisers and community that they are aware of needs outside of their own. They show compassion to others and a desire to make a difference in their community as well as in the lives of others.”

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AWARD WINNERS Previous Philanthropy Day winners

Since 2007 Outstanding Corporation 2013 – Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union 2012 - SCANA 2011 - Enterprise Holdings 2010 – B106.7 2009 – Palmetto Health 2008 – Bose 2007 – Publix Super Markets Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser 2013 – Barbara and Roger Blau 2012 - Sharon Bryant and Michael Seezen 2012 - Ron and Hannah Rogers 2011 - Bill McDaniels 2010 – Pamela Lackey and Scott Shockley 2009 – Steve Morrison and Mary Kennemur 2008 – Dr. Charley and Beebe James 2007 – Edward Mullins Jr. Outstanding Youth/Youth Group Fundraiser 2013 – Hammond School Student Body; Megan Marie Reardon 2012 – Rotary Club of Vista Night 2011 - Trinity Cathedral Youth Group 2010 – Miss Helen Clay/Airport High School SGA 2009 – Hammond School Red Cross Club 2008 – Spring Valley Homecoming Committee 2007 – Heathwood Hall Episcopal School Outstanding Fundraising Executive 2013 – Denise Holland 2012 - Kathy Hill, CFRE 2011 -- Mary Balbach 2010 – Anita Floyd 2009 – Love Collins III 2008 – Michael Gray 2007 – James P. LaRose, CFRE Outstanding Philanthropist 2013 – Melissa and Joe Blanchard 2011 - Phillip Edwards 2010 – Mr. and Mrs. William P. Kennedy 2009 – Darla D. Moore 2008 – Dr. Colgate “Coke” W. Darden III 2007 – Thomas Bates Outstanding Volunteer Group Fundraiser 2013 – Richland Library Friends 2011 - Women in Philanthropy 2010 – Young Leaders Society 2009 – Colonial Life 2008 – USC Dance Marathon Committee 2007 – Jack & Jill of America Inc. Columbia Chapter

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Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

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Award Winners

Humanitarian of the Year 2014

United Way volunteers focus on

nited Way of the Midlands is pleased to announce the 2014 Humanitarian of the Year – Judy Davis, executive vice president and chief legal officer for BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and its Companion Companies.

This award is given each year to an individual who clearly demonstrates Davis extraordinary leadership in philanthropic and human services. It is the highest single honor of philanthropic achievement in the Midlands.

In addition to her role as executive vice president and chief legal officer for BlueCross, Judy also serves as its corporate secretary. Besides directing activities of the company’s Law Department, her other managerial responsibilities include Public Affairs, Corporate Communications and Charitable Giving. She also oversees three ancillary businesses that generate over $1.75 billion in revenue: Companion Property & Casualty Insurance Co., Companion Life & Health Insurance Co. and UCI Medical, the management company for the multistate network of Doctors Care offices.

Judy currently serves as a board member for EngenuitySC, SC Launch, United Way of the Midlands, Central Carolina Community Foundation, Columbia College and Palmetto Conservation Foundation. She has previously served as chair of the United Way of the Midlands Board of Directors, the SC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy and Trinity Housing Corp. of Columbia. In 2006, she chaired the United Way campaign that raised $9.5 million.

Her broad base of interests in our community paired with her leadership role at BlueCross uniquely provide any cause that she works with personal financial support, time and energy. In addition to serving United Way as a volunteer, Judy has also been a consistent Tocqueville Society member and is now a charter member of the Legacy Society.

Judy received the 2012 NAMI Award, 2011 Insurance Networking News Award and 2011 EngenuitySC Vision Award.

Judy will be recognized for her many contributions at the annual Humanitarian of the Year Award Dinner in 2015.

hen it comes to education, financial stability and health of your neighborhood, United Way doesn’t just make quick fixes, we work with local communities to figure out what a place needs most and create lasting change.

The driving force behind that change is volunteers. United Way of the Midlands could not Bennett accomplish our mission without volunteers.

In 2013 alone, more than 4,400 volunteers helped United Way! These include board and committee members, fundraisers, tutors, mentors and folks who volunteer for a few hours at a Day of Action.

But even with volunteering, United Way’s focus is less about helping one person at a time and more about changing systems to help all of us. Over the past five years, our volunteers have paved the way for change in many ways.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program trains volunteers to help clients file their income taxes and ensures that they receive the benefits to which they are entitled, such as Earned Income Tax Credits. In the past five years, volunteers have filed more than 11,100 returns and generated almost

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changing systems to help us all

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$10 million in refunds.

This program makes a huge difference because it can literally lift working people out of poverty. In 2012, the credit lifted 6.5 million people out of poverty across our country, including over 3 million children.

The Midlands Reading Consortium is a volunteer initiative that trains tutors to work with children in kindergarten through second grade to spend 30 minutes a week on reading and literacy skills. We know that children need to read on grade level by third grade or they risk falling so far behind that they can’t catch up. If that happens, they are four times more likely to drop out.

Volunteer tutors have helped more than 1,600 children in Richland and Lexington counties improve their reading skills over the past five years.

For the past four years, thousands of volunteers have gathered on a hot summer weekend to provide free medical care to anyone in need through SC Mission: Midlands.

Through Mission, more than 6,500 patient encounters have occurred, providing free eye exams and glasses, mammograms, dental care, prescriptions and more at no cost to the patients. Volunteers include lay people as well as doctors, nurses and other practitioners.

These are just a few ways volunteers are making a difference across the Midlands.

Past Humanitarian of the Year Recipients United Way of the Midlands • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

2013 John W. Folsom 2012 Mike Brenan 2011 John D. Baker 2010 Cathy B. Novinger 2009 George W. “Bill” Rogers 2008 Martha Scott Smith 2007 Suzan Boyd and Ed Sellers 2006 Bill Cassels and Tobin Cassels 2005 Samuel J. Tenenbaum 2004 Guy F. Lipscomb 2003 Gayle Averyt 2002 Charlotte Lunsford Berry 2001 John W. Fling 2000 Joe Anderson, Joel Smith and Bob Staton 1999 Betty Duffie

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984

Major General Robert B. Solomon E. Perry Palmer Joseph L. Pinner Robert L. Blanton, Jr. Evan and Cindy Nord B. Palmer McArthur Sister Mary Jacob Jean W. Blount George C. Fant,Jr. Frank S. Smith Jr. Virgil C. Summer William R. Ballou J. Willis Cantey O. Stanley Smith Jr. G. Cameron Todd www.columbiabusinessreport.com

AWARD WINNERS

30 Years of Giving makes

the Midlands a better place

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his year, Central Carolina Community Foundation is celebrating its 30th anniversary. During the past three decades our Foundation has inspired generosity by talking about giving. We have grown from a family of 10 funds in 1989 to over 400 funds today.

Our fundholders are a diverse lot, ranging from arms collectors to Turnquist musicians and families to corporations, yet they all share a common philosophy, as stated

by Winston Churchill, “We make a living by what we get; but we make a life by what we give.” Perhaps this is why generosity is so utterly contagious and incredibly fun to celebrate.

To celebrate our 30th year as the Midlands’ expert on philanthropy, our Community Foundation has launched 30 More Years of Giving, a campaign devoted to performing multiple acts of giving. The campaign encourages everyone to become a philanthropist by donating their time, talents or treasure, to make our community a more caring and appealing place to live.

Generous acts, no matter the size, add up and have a huge impact on the community.

That’s why at the foundation, we hope our acts of giving will inspire others to follow our example.

30 More Years of Giving follows on the footsteps of Midlands Gives, the foundation’s 24-hour online day of giving. In our community, we watched in early May as over 5,000 small gifts were “magnified” on Midlands Gives day. The simple act of selecting a charity and pushing a button online resulted in over $704,000 raised for local nonprofits. Midlands Gives demonstrated that simple acts and small gifts, collectively, really do make a difference. Our second annual Midlands Gives day will take place on May 5, 2015. We look forward to a day of inspired and, inspiring, giving.

Since our founding, Central Carolina Community Foundation has been valued for our history of service and viewed as a trusted partner in philanthropy. We have www.columbiabusinessreport.com

taken the leadership role in educating our community about the importance of giving locally. Through programs like Midlands Gives and 30 More Years of Giving, we have become the catalyst for charitable growth in the Midlands of South Carolina. We connect people to causes they care about most. We also help connect them to their community, building an emotional attachment to the place we call home.

Precisely how community attachment affects community outcomes is at best a guess at this point. However, data gathered from a three-year John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and Gallup study, conducted in 26 cities across the United States, makes it clear that highly attached residents are more likely to want to stay in their current communities.

Community attachment is an emotional connection to a place that transcends satisfaction, loyalty and even passion. A community’s most attached residents have strong pride in it, a positive outlook on the community’s future, and a sense that it is the perfect place for them. They are less likely to want to leave than residents without this emotional connection. They feel a bond to their community that is stronger than just being happy about where they live and are more likely to actively contribute to a community’s growth.

Philanthropy – giving time, talent and treasure – can provide the stimulus that helps attach people to their community.

And, as more people are connected to the place they live, work and play, the more they give. The more they give, the more robust their community – attracting more people who give. And so the “philanthropic pie” grows.

This is why we at Central Carolina Community Foundation believe so strongly in the importance of giving back to our community. This is why we provide stewardship for endowments that enhance the lives of citizens in the Midlands. With 30 years of grants now totaling over $100 million, we take pride in providing community members with the tools and knowledge needed to invest in our community. We invite you to join us!

BEST OF PHILANTHROPY

2014 Best of Philanthropy

Award Information

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ach year, Central Carolina Community Foundation hosts the Best of Philanthropy Awards to honor ordinary people in our community who are making significant contributions through their life’s work. The winners make giving a priority in their lives.

Best of Philanthropy winners will be honored at an event on Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. at 701 Whaley. The 2014 winners are:

Individual/Family Champion

Michelle James Michelle James changes the lives of children through the Prosperity Project in the Lyon Street Community.

Local Business Champion

Kenneth Shuler - Kenneth Shuler Schools of Cosmetology Kenneth Shuler provides scholarships for many students and also creates opportunities for them to give back to the community.

Group Champion

Heart ‘n Soul Band A group of local musicians, the band performs and donates net proceeds to Midlands charities.

Student Group Champions

Richland Northeast High School HOPE 365 This service organization of 200 students makes major contributions of time and raises money for the community.

To learn more about Central Carolina Community Foundation and the Best of Philanthropy Awards, please visit www.yourfoundation.org.

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 11

Emerging volunteer leadership comes from all kinds of places

by Licia Jackson

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olunteers are at the heart of a nonprofit organization. Every nonprofit depends on volunteers for hands-on work, board service, advocacy and fundraising.

And that is why it’s important to develop new generations of volunteers, say local nonprofit executives. Those can come from both ends of the spectrum: young professionals who want to make connections in the community, and retirees who find they have more time to

make a useful contribution.

The Midlands is fortunate to have emerging leadership among both young professionals and retirees. And the region’s nonprofits offer all kinds of opportunities for networking and learning.

Young professionals have their own organization in connection with the United Way of the Midlands. The Young Leaders Society brings together young people who have a philanthropic sense,

12 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

said Emerald Anderson-Ford, volunteer center manager. Membership in the group is based on a minimum level of individual charitable donations, but there’s much more to it.

The Young Leaders Society sponsors networking, fundraising and volunteering events. A new event this year was Time for Art, an auction of donated art items that were paid for in volunteer hours rather than money. “The purchaser did not get their item until they www.columbiabusinessreport.com

Adam Landy

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Volunteers from NBSC tape prepare boxes and pack food at Harvest Hope Food Bank. Photos/Jeff Blake

had spent their hours volunteering,” said Joey Wallace, vice president for marketing and communications.

The young leaders take on projects such as addressing homelessness and financial stability and they reach out to Anderson-Ford to coordinate ways to volunteer.

Other organizations for young professionals have volunteering and giving as a part of their makeup: Columbia Opportunity Resource, Leadership Columbia, Leadership Lexington. Nonprofits such as Historic Columbia and the Columbia Museum of Art have their own organizations for young leaders.

The Museum of Art’s Contemporaries gets young people involved with www.columbiabusinessreport.com

the museum as well as each other.

“It’s a great way to meet other people,” said Haskell Kibler, the organization’s president. “We make sure everyone knows the museum is for all ages.”

The group, with about 250 members, holds networking and educational events. The Contemporaries also raise funds for art acquisition, and have contributed a Dale Chihuly chandelier and Henry Mandell mural.

Seniors find new hours to share While young volunteers must juggle professional demands and sometimes child care, retirees are often free of many obligations. RSVP, the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program, matches up talents

hen Adam Landy was growing up in Aiken, his family did not have a lot of money, but they did have the time to give back. For many years, his mother, Darlean, delivered meals to seniors for the Council on Aging. “My mother would take my youngest brother and I with her to deliver the meals. It was eye-opening to see that she volunteered her time to do this and to help people that were suffering more than we were,” Landy said.

An attorney with McNair Law Firm, P.A., Landy volunteers his time as chair of United Way of the Midlands’ Young Leaders Society.

He is a graduate of United Way’s Blueprint for Leadership, and he found the course to be invaluable in learning what nonprofit board service is about and how to conduct proper due diligence before joining a board.

His passion as a volunteer is financial empowerment. He serves with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. “We work hard for our money and we need to make good, sound financial decisions,” he said.

His involvement with the Young Leaders Society has allowed him to meet people from other professions that he would not have met otherwise. The first level of any relationship is trust, he explained, and now he has a network of professionals to call on.

Landy says it’s a privilege to meet prominent members of the community by serving on the Young Leaders Society Steering Committee, United Way Financial Stability Council, and United Way Annual Fundraising Campaign Committee. He says it is a “pleasure and a joy” to positively impact the Midlands.

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

13

Jennifer Ashburn

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fter taking some time out from volunteering during law school and the early years of her career, Jennifer Ashburn was ready to get involved again.

“I needed balance in my life,” she said.

About three years ago, she enrolled in the United Way’s Blueprint for Leadership program to prepare for nonprofit board service, and soon learned that Habitat for Humanity was looking for board members.

Now, she is the new president of Habitat’s board.

Her goal as president is to work on strategic planning and to help Habitat as it transitions to a new model of rehabbing foreclosed houses instead of focusing mainly on new construction.

Habitat, as other nonprofits do, eases people into serving, asking them first to help build houses, work at the ReStore and make a family home visit before they join the board, Ashburn said.

“When people volunteer, they become engaged in the mission of the project and see the value it brings to the community.

Then they are more likely to give their treasure,” she said.

Volunteering complements her professional life, as she builds relationships and expands her network of people she knows and can call on.

But the biggest satisfaction comes from seeing a family move into their new home.

Ashburn came in right behind a family who had been given the key to their Habitat house and the children were racing about claiming bedrooms.

“It made me tear up – I was so emotional seeing them excited about having their own room.”

Colonial Life employees work on building a house for Habitat for Humanity, a favorite project..

and interests of active seniors to community needs.

“The beauty is the wide variety of places they can volunteer,” said Beverly Brandt, who manages the program for Senior Resources.

The program is open to anyone 55 and older and covers Richland, Lexington and Newberry counties. About 450 seniors, average age 75, volunteer at 50 stations, from Meals on Wheels to schools to Dorn Veterans Administration Medical Center to the State Museum. The volunteers can choose how often and how long they serve.

Deborah Jones, who retired from Westinghouse in 2005 but said she “didn’t come home to sit,” volunteers at Greenview Park. Among other things, she coordinates a food co-op, which means trips to the State Farmers Market to buy produce, then dividing the food into bags for members. “I enjoy doing it. I was a Girl Scout leader and always enjoyed volunteering,” she said.

Another senior, Helen Johnson, has volunteered with Meals on Wheels since she retired in 1988. Once she couldn’t get a woman on her route to answer the door, and discovered that she had fallen and injured herself.

Maria McMurtury, retired from retail and restaurant management, came home to Whitmire in Newberry County

14 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

and operates the food pantry associated with Harvest Hope Food Bank.

“Working people come,” she said.

“They work but don’t make enough.”

Corporations build good volunteers Corporations in the Midlands community have helped their employees become good volunteers by giving them time and support. Colonial Life, one of the 2014 Association of Fundraising Professionals award winners, has a longstanding tradition of community engagement, said Marie McGehee, manager of community relationships.

Colonial Life runs one of the largest United Way campaigns in the Midlands, but it’s not just about giving money, McGehee said. Employees are encouraged to do hands-on volunteering and to join nonprofit boards.

A favorite project, celebrating the company’s 75th anniversary, was building a Habitat for Humanity house, with about 300 employees involved. The company has a corporate time slot for volunteering at Harvest Hope. And it has a matching gifts program that allows an employee to apply for a grant to participate in a nonprofit fundraising walk or to match an employee donation.

Even before they reach the point of starting their careers, young people are busy preparing to be the next volunteer www.columbiabusinessreport.com

leaders. In college, high school and even elementary school, students are stepping up to the plate.

University students learn to serve In the University of South Carolina’s Honors College, students who are studying hard to meet the required GPA still take time to work in the community.

“Volunteering is not required,” said Susan Alexander, director of service learning and undergraduate research.

“They do so much more.”

Nicholas Lenze, a junior biochemistry major, started his own charity, Carolina Homeless Outreach. It grew out of a class in the Honors College addressing homelessness. The group provides service opportunities and advocates changing stereotypes of homeless people.

“The most important thing is just to listen,” Lenze said. “To hear their story, hear what they have to say.”

Volunteering at that point in their lives can have a profound effect on career plans. Katherine Barrack, an elementary education major from Atlanta, came to USC planning to become a college pro-

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Jacob Cook

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acob Cook travels all over South Carolina in his job as vice president of business development for Sun Solutions USA. He attends events and meets young professionals everywhere.

“I was looking for a way to tie it all together at the state level,” he said, and that opportunity came with a new organization, LeadSC.

Cook is chairman of LeadSC, which in conjunction with the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce brings young professionals together with top leaders to promote personal, professional and community development. LeadSC had its first summit in Columbia in September with more than 200 members attending. Speakers included top leaders from state government, business and the nonprofit world.

“We learn from one another,” Cook said.

Many of the members of LeadSC are already involved with nonprofit boards, he said. Cook himself has been involved for the past five or six years. “I wanted to make a difference on the front end of my career . . . I’ve made some of my best difference through volunteer work,” he said. Cook has volunteered with Lexington County Sheriffs Foundation, Lexington Rotary Club and Harvest Hope, among other nonprofits.

He has a personal interest in volunteering with Special Olympics – he has a family member with Down syndrome.

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

15

Pete Stewart

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ete Stewart was able to retire early from his job with NCR – about 20 years ago. He and his wife had never had children of their own, but he loved to read with them.

He found the perfect way to use his newfound time: reading to children, tutoring and mentoring.

An RSVP volunteer, Stewart loves what he does.

“I don’t do it out of duty. I really get a kick out of reading to the kids,” he said.

He favors books by Dr. Seuss and enjoys reading them year after year.

Stewart started out with Rolling Readers at Nursery Road Elementary School in the Irmo area. Reading and tutoring led to mentoring children, especially those without fathers in the home.

He would get involved in their activities, such as sports, and share his interest in math and technology.

He continues reading to first- and second-graders at Dutch Fork Elementary and has been involved with the United Way’s Midlands Reading Consortium at Harbison West Elementary.

“I stress the importance of reading to the kids I read to. It’s the most important thing you learn,” he said.

Stewart has also taught adults to read through the Greater Columbia Literacy Council. And he started straightening books in the Friends of the Library shop at Lexington County Library’s Irmo branch and soon found himself an officer of that group.

“I always wanted to operate a small bookstore,” he said, explaining his passion for the library.

At left, RNE student Elizabeth Herring unloads donations for HOPE food drive; top right, NBSC volunteers help out at Harvest Hope; bottom right, Hammond School students work on cleanup project.

fessor. After working with students in the Waverly afterschool program at Pinehurst Park and St. Lawrence Place, she has decided both to stay in South Carolina and to teach elementary children.

Klara Milojkovic of Fort Mill, a chemistry major who enjoys playing piano, has been working with the Honors College’s award-winning Communities in Harmony. The program provides musical outreach to children at St. Lawrence Place and Midlands Family Shelter.

“I’ve learned that every person is the same in their essence. Kids still want to laugh and have fun,” Milojkovic said.

“They want you to see them as an equal.

I will carry that lesson with me.”

Megan Mitchell, a biochemistry major from Charlotte, is enthusiastic about being a part of Project Vida, which teaches health and hygiene to underprivileged children.

“They need somebody to talk to who cares about them and will give them good information,” Mitchell said.

At Richland Northeast High School, the students lead their own service organization, HOPE 365. The letters stand for Helping Other People Everywhere, and it means helping by serving as well as raising money, said Stephanie Stone, adviser.

16 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

The school bridges a wide range of socioeconomic groups and cultures but HOPE 365 links all the students, Stone said. Last year, they raised significant money and donated to the family of Eliza O’Neill, a child with a rare and incurable disease.

This year, the focus is on Transitions Homeless Recovery Center, and students will paint murals and provide coats and blankets. Businesses near the school help with food drives and other needs.

The school has done so well, it is being recognized by Central Carolina Community Foundation’s Best of Philanthropy awards.

At Hammond School, students step right up to help, said Anne Fowler, director of service learning. “We don’t require service hours, they do it because they want to.”

The students pack meals — 35,000 of last year — to send to a school in Haiti.

They participate in USC’s Dance Marathon, Pets Inc., and Families Helping Families. The younger children held a shoe drive for people in Argentina and Costa Rica. And that’s just a start.

“We want them to know about the organizations they are supporting,” Fowler said. “We are making them lifelong service learners.”

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How to build a good volunteer leader

by Licia Jackson

W

hat does it take to be a good volunteer leader? And how do you get there?

The answer to the first question is easy: A good volunteer leader should be curious and eager to learn about the work, have a passion or personal interest in the organization’s mission, be willing to listen and to speak up, be ready to govern and to pitch in and help with the work.

If you’re ready to do all that, there are people in the community who will help you learn.

The United Way of the Midlands offers specialized training for people interested in serving on nonprofit boards through its Blueprint for Leadership program. www.columbiabusinessreport.com

“We’re looking for folks interested in board service, to learn about responsibilities and roles of good board members,” said Karen Oliver, senior director of community resources, United Way of the Midlands. “We prepare them to sit on boards and committees, to be the squeaky wheels.”

The training consists of eight threehour classes, meeting twice a month, February through May. Classes are limited to 25 members, and instruction includes lectures, reading, guest speakers and experts, Oliver said. “It’s the only leadership program that is only focused on nonprofits and governance.”

Participants learn about board members’ legal responsibilities and potential liabilities. They learn good practices

that mean an organization is run well.

And they learn the right questions to ask when they are considering a board appointment, to make sure that the job is a good fit.

Interested people must apply for the program, and there is a cost for tuition.

But there is no age limit; a person can apply at any point in a career.

The class is a good networking opportunity for like-minded people, Oliver said. When it ends, graduates are added to a list that nonprofits look at when they need people to fill various roles.

“We like for them to work on a committee first,” Oliver said. “And it’s always a good idea for a volunteer to get to know an organization in a hands-on role before taking on leadership. Sometimes

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

17

Here are some characteristics of a good volunteer leader: Folks need to be curious and eager to learn about the work.

They should have a passion or at least a personal interest in the mission of the organization.

They need to have willingness to listen and to speak up.

They should be ready to lead (govern) and to serve (roll up sleeves and pitch in as a volunteer).

18 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

www.columbiabusinessreport.com

USC students volunteer on home repair projects in Allendale and at a food bank.

you have to wear both hats.”

One graduate of the program is Jennifer Ashburn, new president of the board at Habitat for Humanity. Ashburn, a lawyer in Columbia, had established her career and was looking for volunteer opportunities “to add balance to my life.”

She enrolled in Blueprint for Leadership about three years ago, and that led to her work with Habitat.

“Affordable housing is a passion of mine,” Ashburn said, “especially in the Midlands, where there is a big need.”

Many universities encourage their students to learn about volunteering in the local community as a part of a broader education. The University of South Carolina builds young volunteers in several ways, including through the Office of Student Engagement.

The university offers 90 service learning courses, said Dottie Weigel, assistant director of the Office of Student Engagement. The courses require serving in the community as an important way to learn.

A geography class might include a project to remap parts of the city where bicyclists are most at risk of accidents. www.columbiabusinessreport.com

An environmental class includes service at Congaree National Park. A history course studies racism in Columbia and plans a town forum on advocacy work.

“We make sure that it’s not just getting out and serving but also learning things beyond the classroom,” Weigel said. Many of the students are from out of state, and it’s important for them to learn about South Carolina outside their campus, she said.

“We took them to Bamberg to do weatherization,” Weigel said. “They went to the school library and said, ‘Where are all the books? Why are they all 20 years old?’” The experience opens their eyes to realities beyond the university.

Midlands residents who want to volunteer have many ways to discover opportunities. Most nonprofits have websites with a volunteer page listing available tasks and requirements.

The United Way of the Midlands has a volunteer page and also the Get Connected portal that can help you find the right opportunity. The website is www. uway.org.

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Volunteers in the Midlands

By the numbers 3,400

Number of volunteers working through United Way of the Midlands in 2013-14

13,759

Hours of volunteer time they contributed

$277,243.85

Value of those hours of service Source: United Way of the Midlands

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

19

Creating a community to care about

by Licia Jackson

E

veryone wants to live in a community people care about, where they are willing to give both time and treasure. The Columbia region proved it is just that kind of place this year with the success of the first Midland Gives event, held May 6.

The 24-hour online giving challenge for local nonprofits, presented by the Central Carolina Community Foundation, raised more than $700,000 for 150 organizations in nine counties. During the day, 3,747 donors made 5,186 gifts, and about a quarter of those gifts came from first-time donors.

The exposure was especially valuable for small nonprofits such as the Elloree Heritage Museum and Cultural Center.

“It’s never a bad thing to get $ 4,500 in one day,” said Megan Carn, museum manager and the lone staff member.

The museum garnered $1,500 in donations, and also won the $3,000 prize offered by Central Carolina Com-

munity Foundation to the organization that received the 1,984th donation. (The foundation offered the prize in celebration of the 30th anniversary of its found-

20 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

ing in 1984.)

Midlands Gives built on regional pride and strong collaboration. The nonprofits had attended workshops to help them use social media to promote the day to their donors, and on May 6 they supported and encouraged each other. News media in the Midlands kept the event in the limelight.

Because it was an online giving event, donors and prospective donors could check the website to keep tabs on the progress of their favorite nonprofit.

Many people learned about organizations they didn’t know existed. Research afterwards showed that 828 donors made first-time gifts to a nonprofit, totaling more than $210,000.

“From the moment the clock hit midnight on May 6, excitement and anticipation grew as we watched the dollars www.columbiabusinessreport.com

climb the leaderboard,” wrote JoAnn Turnquist, president and CEO of Central Carolina Community Foundation.

The event made residents feel good about their community. One donor wrote, “The Midlands Gives event has turned an otherwise rough week into something amazing! Not only have I given to several NPOs I love, but I’ve also been encouraging others and getting them excited about contributing to the community. . . It’s been heartwarming watching the donations rise, doubling since I began watching the leaderboard this morning. As they say, ‘Faith in humanity restored’!”

Giving and volunteering are inextricably linked, says Emerald Anderson-Ford, volunteer center manager at United Way of the Midlands. And when people invest their time and money in a community, they are more likely to want to stay there.

“There’s a correlation between corporate giving and volunteering,” she said.

Becoming a volunteer in the community can be empowering, because it Midlands Gives events happened all over: at Cromer’s (at left) and Brookland Foundation (above). affirms the need for the skills that a person has, Anderson-Ford said.

“People say they get more out of it than they give. They are happier and often it leads to longevity of life,” she said.

United Way’s studies find that 86% of its volunteers are also donors of funds. Here are some opportunities to volunteer in 2015. Find out more at uway.org.

One company gave $2,000 last year; then it sponsored three projects over the holi»M artin Luther King Jr. »D ay of Action, days that involved its employees in volDay of Service, April 11, 2015: unteering. This year, company donations Kick off National Volunteer Week Jan. 19, 2015: grew to $14,000. by joining the United Way in Day of Join Americans nationwide as we “Unless you really can see what’s going Action. Again, there will be a variety honor Dr. King’s legacy of service. on, you don’t understand the bigger picof projects to choose from, and a full ture,” Anderson-Ford said.

There will be a variety of projects to The nonprofits that participated in description will be available in the choose from, and the full description Midlands Gives 2014 enhanced their spring. of projects will be available closer to social media presence, as well as renewthe actual date. ing connections with board members » SC Mission, Fall 2015: and volunteers and attracting new SC Mission is a two-day free »V ITA Tax prep, donors. medical clinic held at the State Central Carolina Community FounTax Season 2015: Fairgrounds that seeks to address dation is already registering nonprofits for Anyone interested can help those in the second Midlands Gives event, which immediate health concerns as well low income homes prepare and file will be May 15, 2015. Registration is open as connect patients with a medical state and federal taxes during the online at midlandsgives.org through home. Volunteers are needed to tax season. Training for volunteers is Feb. 15. serve in a variety of clinical and provided.

Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization non-clinical roles. Interpreters are in good standing with the IRS and with a especially needed. local office in at least one of the 11 Midlands counties the foundation serves is eligible to take part.

Calendar of volunteering

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www.columbiabusinessreport.com

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

21

Helping out

Midlands

The Contemporaries raised money to purchase a Dale Chihuly chandelier for the Columbia Museum of Art.

VOLUNTEERS

Folks in the Midlands are always helping out. It’s in our DNA. In the photos here, you see just a few of the jobs volunteers have accomplished recently. The Columbia Museum of Art’s young professionals group, the Contemporaries, have raised money to make acquisitions, including a Dale Chihuly chandelier. During the United Way of the Midlands’ Days of Action in April, more than 500 people volunteered at 30 different agencies. And at SC Mission: Midlands, volunteers provide free medical care to those who need it. You can find out more about volunteering at uway.org/volunteer.

22 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

www.columbiabusinessreport.com

Helping out

Medical professionals and many others provide free medical care at the annual SC Mission: Midlands.

Volunteers at SC Mission provided more than 6,500 tests and treatments to patients.

Volunteers perform landscaping work at Vital Connections.

Any age group can volunteer at United Way, including these young women who decided to give their time to help clean up Transitions.

Preventive treatments are part of the services of SC Mission.

A volunteer plants a garden at the Family Shelter.

www.columbiabusinessreport.com

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

23

ng Giving g Giving Giving G Giving G Nonprofit Spotlight Section The following Midlands nonprofits are featured in this section:

26 �������������������������������������������������� Habitat for Humanity 45 ��������������������������������� Goodwill Industries of Upstate/ Midlands of South Carolina 27 ������������������������������������������������������� Senior Resources 31 ��������������������������������������������������American Red Cross

47 ��������������������������������������� Richland County First Steps

33 ������������������������������������������ SC Community Loan Fund

48 ���������������������������Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital

35 ��������������������������������������������Harvest Hope Food Bank

49 �������������������������� Mental Illness Recovery Center Inc.

37 ���������������������������The Salvation Army of the Midlands

51 �����������������������������������������������������YMCA of Columbia

39 ����������������������������� Nancy K. Perry Children’s Shelter

53 ��������������������������������������������������������������������� City Year

41 ���������������������������������������Palmetto Health Foundation 55 ����������������������������������������United Way of the Midlands 43 ������������������������������������������������� Work in Progress Inc.

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Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

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NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

Mission statement Seeking to put God’s love into action, Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.

Name of your organization: Central SC Habitat for Humanity Year established locally: 1985 Top local executive: Roy Kramer Contact information: 209 S. Sumter St., Columbia, SC 29201 803-252-3570 Fax: 803-252-7525 Website: www.habitatcsc.org Corporate giving contacts: Roy Kramer, Executive Director 209 S. Sumter St., Columbia, SC 29201 803-252-3570 ext. 2109 E-mail: rkramer@habitatcsc.org Average number of volunteers in 2014: 2,600+ Volunteers are the cornerstone of our ministry and are an essential component of our operations and activities. There are many ways to get involved at Central SC Habitat for Humanity and experience is not necessary. From participating on our build sites to working at our ReStore, there are volunteer opportunities for people ages 14 and up who are committed to alleviating poverty housing in the Midlands.

Total operating budget (2014-2015): $1.7 million Percent of revenue dedicated to program services: 96% of our revenue is dedicated to program services.

Geographic area or specific population served: The Midlands, including Richland, Lexington and Fairfield counties.

Greatest need: Our single greatest need is for unrestricted funds to support our operations, which allow us to expand our work in the Midlands. Financial donations are just as important to our ministry as picking up a hammer.

2014 Top achievements: Central SC Habitat for Humanity has broadened from building houses to serving entire neighborhoods. As an NRI affiliate, when we build or renovate a home, we survey the entire block to identify needs of existing homeowners and find ways in which we can partner to build a thriving neighborhood. Exterior repairs, weatherization and yard cleanup have been some of the ways Habitat is changing the landscape in which we operate.

26 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

In addition to the 18+ households we served as an NRI affiliate, in 2014, Central SC Habitat for Humanity served 190 households (current mortgage holders). We moved 11 new families into homes this year and welcomed 35 new partner families into our program. Through our programs of repair, counseling and homeownership, we served 178 individuals this past year.

The ReStore moved to a new location (2814 Augusta Highway, West Columbia), providing for expanded donation and shopping hours and improved customer access.

2015 Goals: The upcoming year will be a significant milestone for Central SC Habitat for Humanity as we will celebrate our 30th anniversary of building homes, communities and hope in the Midlands. With a continued focus on strengthening our internal operations, capacity and service delivery, we have a much focused external agenda that includes: • Continuing to address the needs of neighborhoods, not just individual homes, in order to build thriving communities.

• Strengthening Central SC Habitat for Humanity as a leading voice for affordable housing solutions in our community.

Corporate and individual giving opportunities: • Corporate sponsorship opportunities are now available for our 2015 build projects, including the 30th Anniversary Blitz Build.

• All levels of corporate giving for our build projects include guaranteed volunteer opportunities for your employees as well as recognition and publicity of your donation.

• The Carpenter’s Club – The Carpenter’s Club will recognize individuals who make an annual contribution of $300 or more.

Benefits: • Special invitations to Ground Breaking and Dedication Ceremonies • Special lapel pin, signifying your support of Habitat’s mission • Subscription to the HabitatChat newsletter • Recognition in our Annual Report

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NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

Mission statement Empowering seniors to remain healthy and independent

Name of your organization: Senior Resources, Inc. Year established locally: 1967

• Holiday Card Campaign (Share the Love) November-Dec. 31, 2014 Give the Gift that Gives Again For $5, honor your loved one and feed a senior over the holidays!

Top local executive: Pamela M. Dukes, Executive Director Contact information: 2817 Millwood Ave., Columbia, SC 29205 803-252-7734, ext. 261 Fax: 803-929-0349 Website: www.seniorresourcesinc.org

• March for Meals – The Wild Run – Major Fundraiser Feb. 21, 2015 5K Run & Walk at Timmerman Trail, Cayce, SC Supports our Meals on Wheels and Meals Programs

Average number of volunteers in 2014: 1,100 Total operating budget (2014-2015): $2,577,516 Percent of revenue dedicated to program services: 83% Geographic area or specific population served: Primarily Richland County, but a few programs also serve Lexington and Newberry counties Greatest need: Donations to eliminate the waiting list. We currently have over 100 seniors on a waiting list to receive services.

2014 Top achievements: In 2014, the Meals on Wheels program delivered over 81,000 meals to seniors’ homes. Almost 16,000 meals were served to seniors at one of our senior centers. Seniors needing transportation to the senior center were provided over 365,000 miles of transportation. In 2014, Senior Resources received additional funding through corporate grants and other sources to cut our waiting list in half, but the need is still great.

2015 Goals: One of our goals in 2015 is to secure enough funding to eliminate our waiting list for services. We also intend to continue providing high quality, preventive services that allow seniors to remain independent and healthy in their homes.

Corporate giving opportunities: • We gratefully accept unrestricted gifts that support all of our programs, as well as operations.

• We have available sponsorship opportunities for our major fundraisers, Every Senior Counts and March for Meals. We also seek sponsorships for our Holiday Card Campaign, Senior Prom and fundraising campaigns specific to each of our programs. Sponsor levels and benefits for Every Senior Counts and March for Meals are available.

• After experiencing major funding cuts, we have needs for targeted support of our Meals on Wheels, Senior Companions, Foster Grandparents, RSVP, Wellness Center Programs; as well as transportation. We gladly accept in-kind donations.

• All gifts will enable Senior Resources to reduce the waiting lists of seniors for our programs, and enhance the services we provide.

• Our Meals on Wheels program relies greatly upon volunteers to deliver hot, nutritious noontime meals to our clients. We welcome volunteers for this program. We also welcome volunteers at each of our four Wellness Centers, where they interact with our clients, entertain them and provide wellness, crafts and educational activities for them.

Fundraising events: • Every Senior Counts 8th Annual Luncheon – Major Fundraiser Nov. 6, 2014, 12–1 p.m.

Seawells, Columbia, SC Have lunch on us and learn how you can be the agent of change for the elderly in our community!

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Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 27

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

Mission statement The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and generosity of donors.

2014 Goals: Increase volunteers and financial giving, along with blood donations.

Name of your organization: American Red Cross Top local executive: Bill Cronin, Executive Director Contact information: 2751 Bull St., Columbia, SC 29201 803-540-1240 Website: www.redcross.org/sc/columbia

Fundraising events: • Clara Barton Major Gifts Campaign • Fire Hurts. Red Cross Helps.

• Holiday Giving Campaign • Ready 365 • Ready When the Time Comes

Average number of volunteers in 2014: 543 Total operating budget (2014-2015): $1.5 million Percent of revenue dedicated to program services: 91 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to our programs and services.

Geographic area or specific population served: Central South Carolina including: Richland, Lexington, Calhoun, Orangeburg, Clarendon, Sumter, Lee, Kershaw, Fairfield, Newberry, Saluda counties.

Greatest need: Financial contributions from new and existing donors.

New volunteers. Blood donations. Community partners. Monetary donations.

Corporate giving opportunities: The Red Cross accepts financial donations throughout the year. Anyone interested in donating can call 1-800-REDCROSS or go to www. redcross.org or mail a check to their local chapter. Corporate donors are encouraged to contact Bill Cronin, Executive Director of the Central SC Chapter, at 803-540-1220 or Dick Miller, Regional Chief Development Officer with the Palmetto SC Region at 843-764-2323.

2014 Top achievements: The Red Cross in this region responds to a disaster every 6.5 hours. In this region in 2013/2014 FY, Red Cross assisted 5,200 individuals affected by disaster; distributed 119,078 units of blood to area hospitals; trained 58,721 in lifesaving skills, such as CPR/AED, First Aid and Aquatics and provided emergency communication services to 9,032 members of the armed forces and their families.

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Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 31

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

Mission statement To support the development of vibrant, sustainable communities by providing loans, technical assistance and advocacy for affordable housing, healthy food retail, community facilities and community businesses.

Name of your organization: South Carolina Community Loan Fund (SCCLF) Year established locally: 2004 Top local executive: Michelle Mapp Contact information: 1535 Hobby St., Suite 209, North Charleston, SC 29405 843-973-7285 Fax: 843-973-3598 Website: www.sccommunityloanfund.org Corporate giving contacts: Michelle Mapp, Executive Director 1535 Hobby St., Suite 209, North Charleston, SC 29405 843-973-7285 E-mail: michelle@sccommunityloanfund.org Average number of volunteers in 2014: 31 Total operating budget (2014-2015): $895,959 Percent of revenue dedicated to program services: 89% Geographic area or specific population served: SCCLF provides loans to nonprofit, for profit and government agencies working to revitalize and transform South Carolina by financing projects that: 1) provide affordable housing; 2) create access to food and essential services; 3) increase the quality and availability of neighborhood facilities; 4) create employment opportunities; 5) attract additional investment; and 6) strengthen the social and economic fabric of the community.

Greatest need: Impact investments! Impact investments made into SCCLF generate a measurable, beneficial social and environmental impact alongside a financial return. Investments with us are socially and fiscally responsible, are invested wisely and offer South Carolina accredited investors a return of 2%. Investments require a minimum investment of $25,000 and have a minimum term of five years.

Our investments come from financial institutions, foundations, religious institutions, government entities, businesses, and individuals seeking to make a positive social impact in our local community.

2014 Top achievements: • Changed the name of the organization from the Lowcountry Housing Trust to the South Carolina Community Loan Fund to better represent our expanded mission and geographic service area • Transitioned to a statewide organization with the expansion of our services to the entire state of South Carolina • Provided 11 loans for $2.3 million in financing that facilitated more than $17.3 million in community development projects; we financed 20 housing units, one healthy food outlet, three community facilities, and two community businesses, creating or retaining 78 jobs and providing a safe, affordable place to call home for 50 individuals and families • Secured $4,284,000 in new equity and debt capital to finance community development projects throughout South Carolina.

2015 Goals: • Renewal of the South Carolina Community Economic Development Act and extension of the South Carolina Community Development Tax Credit, a unique tool that catalyzes private capital to transform and revitalize underserved communities from the inside out • Provide $4 million loans to nonprofit organizations and for profit businesses that face insurmountable odds in acquiring capital from traditional funding sources Fundraising events • 2015 Tri-County Housing Summit • 2015 South Carolina Food Access Summit • 10th Anniversary Gala Corporate giving opportunities: We accept donations, stock transfers and in-kind gifts.

Donate: From the first time homebuyer, to the entrepreneur starting their own business, to the senior citizen who has access to food and essential services, your support and donations help to transform lives and build strong communities.

For more information on how to support us, please visit www. sccommunityloanfund.org. All contributions and investments to SCCLF may qualify for a 33% SC Community Development Tax Credit. For more information, consult your financial adviser and review SC Schedule 14.

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Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 33

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

Mission statement To provide for the needs of struggling people in SC communities by gathering and sharing quality food with dignity, compassion and education.

Name of your organization: Harvest Hope Food Bank Year established locally: 1981 Top local executive: Denise Holland, CEO Contact information: PO Box 451, Columbia, SC 29202 803-254-4432 Fax: 803-254-6011 Website: www.harvesthope.org Corporate giving contacts: Amy Lowery, donor relations director, or Debbie Summers, volunteer coordinator PO Box 451, Columbia, SC 29202 803-254-4432 E-mail: alowery@harvesthope.org Average number of volunteers in 2013: From January through September 2013 Harvest Hope benefited from the commitment of 3,370 volunteers providing the valuable gift of their time, an average of 374 volunteers every month.

Total operating budget (2014-2015): $7,594,420 Percent of revenue dedicated to program services: 98% Geographic area or specific population served: 20 Central South Carolina counties Greatest need: Harvest Hope works with the community to gather donations, dedicating 98 cents out of every dollar donated to our mission to provide for struggling families in the community, and can provide five meals for a dollar. Donating is easy at www.harvesthope.com. Harvest Hope also needs volunteers to help with sorting donated food, packing emergency food boxes and providing food directly to those in need at our Emergency Food Pantries. Volunteering at Harvest Hope is a great community or business team building opportunity: for more information call 803-254-4432 and ask about volunteering or visit www.harvesthope.com.

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2014 Top achievements: Harvest Hope provided approximately 8,700,000 meals to struggling individuals and families in the Midlands in the first nine months of 2014.

2014 Goals: Harvest Hope will continue to find ways to gather more food to provide for struggling individuals and families across 20 counties of South Carolina, including right here in the Midlands, and make sure hunger needs are met by anyone facing an empty table. Harvest Hope also continues to expand its sustainable goals and increase our on-site rotating seasonal gardens and increase partnerships with local large and small scale providers of fresh produce.

Fundraising events: Harvest Hope looks forward to working with the community to gather donated food and funds at Empty Bowls, Food From the Heart, our own Holes for Hope Golf Tournament, Share Your Holiday and many other food drives held by the community throughout 2014 and 2015.

Corporate giving opportunities: • Empty Bowls Feb. 20, 2015: Annual Silent Auction and Fundraising Gala Contact: Amy Lowery 803-254-4432 ext. 1143 • Pack 2 Feed –A year-round opportunity for companies or organizations to have an in-house volunteer effort. Harvest Hope will deliver food and boxes for packing at your location and then pick up completed boxes to distribute in our own Midlands communities. For more information about Pack 2 Feed opportunities, please contact Debbie Summers at 803-254-4432 ext. 1145 or at dsummers@harvesthope.org.

• 4th Annual Holes for Hope Charity Golf Tournament Date & location to be announced.

For more information contact: Amy Lowery at 803-254-4432 ext. 1143 or Skot Garrick at ext. 1113, or by e-mail at alowery@harvesthope.org or sgarrick@harvesthope.org.

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 35

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

Mission statement The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Name of your organization: The Salvation Army of the Midlands Year established locally: 1906

serve as the case manager to the homeless men and women who visit the Day Center; continuing our partnership with Transitions to serve breakfast, lunch, and supper to the homeless and hungry every day; engaging more children in Christian youth activities than in at least 20 years, with an average of 32 young people attending weekly Christian character building programs; continuing our free afternoon reading program – Leveraging Literacy – to children in grades 2-5 who read below grade level and establishing school bus transportation from Watkins-Nance Elementary School to The Salvation Army; assisting 327 children through our Clothes for Kids program; sending 80 children to a weeklong summer camp in Denton, NC.

Top local executive: Major Roger Coulson Contact information: 3024 Farrow Road, Columbia, SC 29203 803-309-6435 Fax: 203-516-9818 Website: www.DoingtheMostGood.org Corporate giving contacts: Major Roger Coulson, Regional Coordinator P.O. Box 2786, Columbia, SC 29202 803-309-6435 E-mail: roger_coulson@uss.salvationarmy.org Average number of volunteers in 2014: 2,000+ The Salvation Army has many volunteer opportunities, including serving meals to the homeless, helping at the Family Store, ringing bells and assembling gift bags/boxes and distributing toys at the Christmas warehouse.

Total operating budget (2014-2015): Midlands Regional Coordinate FY 2014 budgeted expenses are $3,681,343 Percent of revenue dedicated to program services: Based on the 990 for FY 2013, admin/FR to program ratio is 19.79%; therefore 80.21% of revenue would be dedicated to program services.

Geographic area or specific population served: The Midlands, including Richland, Lexington, Fairfield, Newberry and Kershaw counties Greatest need: Funds to meet all the requests for service, funds to expand services to youth and funds to deal with the issue of homelessness for individuals and families. Financial donations allow us to continue providing life-changing programs and services to local people in need. This Christmas season, new unwrapped toys are needed to assist local children.

2014 Top achievements: Sending a case manager to Transitions Homeless Shelter every afternoon to

2014 Goals: Reap the benefits of our outreach efforts into the neighborhood. We have recently conducted two outreach events – serving food in poor communities, inviting young and old to attend church and youth programs; grow church leadership at The Salvation Army; continue to grow the Leveraging Literacy afternoon reading program; continue to provide and increase funding for permanent housing for the homeless, increasing capacity to provide emergency assistance, including food pantry, rent for families facing eviction or utility cutoff, including water, electric and gas.

Fundraising events: The Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle Campaign kicks off on Nov. 21 and concludes on Dec. 24. Look for Salvation Army bell ringers in front of WalMart and Sam’s Club store locations beginning on Nov. 28 through Dec. 24.

Businesses, churches, and other organizations are invited to host toy drives to benefit the local children we will help this Christmas season. Unwrapped toys are due to the South Carolina State Fairgrounds by Dec. 13.

Corporate giving opportunities: Donations are needed to help local people with emergency assistance. During the Christmas season, we request that that you adopt angels, fill stockings, dress bears, and/or sponsor a toy drive at your office, church or business to help local children in need.

Programs supported by:

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Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 37

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NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

Mission statement The Nancy K. Perry Children’s Shelter exists to provide residential care and nurture to children who are in crisis because of sexual or physical abuse, neglect, abandonment, exploitation or caregiver emergency.

Fundraising events: Corporate donors such as UPS, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, Radius Church and many others have supported our Christmas Drive, Playground Renewal Project and food drives. Cayce Women’s Club hosted Rocketman, a tribute concert to Elton John at the Koger Center in Columbia. The Lexington Business Exchange donated all proceeds to the shelter from the Annual Bowling for the Kids this year. We participated in Kid’s Day and will receive half the proceeds.

Name of your organization: The Nancy K. Perry Children’s Shelter Year established locally: 1972 Top local executive: Jarrell M. Smith, Ph.D. Contact information: PO Box 344, Lexington, SC 29071 803-359-8595 Fax: 803-359-8518 Website: www.nkp4kids.org Corporate giving contacts: Jarrell M. Smith, Ph.D., Executive Director PO Box 344, Lexington, SC 29071 803-359-8595 Cell: 803-466-8847 E-mail: jsmith@nkp4kids.org Average number of volunteers in 2014: 27 Total operating budget (2014-2015): $410,191 Percent of revenue dedicated to program services: 80% Geographic area or specific population served: Lexington County Greatest need: To further increase mental health services for the children on site at the shelter, even though funding has been cut in half.

2014 Top achievements: We continued the provision of mental health services for the children, although funding was reduced.

2015 Goals: 1. To continue to increase mental health services for the children.

2. To increase ways of raising funds.

3. To continue to provide home-like, loving and supportive environment to each child in our care.

4. To provide a life changing experience for each child who spends time with us.

5. To further develop our relationship with community businesses, churches, civic clubs and citizens.

Corporate giving opportunities: The Woman’s Club of Cayce presents — the 5th Annual Tokyo Joe Productions present Rocketman, Elton John Tribute Concert to Benefit the Nancy K. Perry Children’s Shelter at the Koger Center, Jan. 17, 2015, 7:30 pm.

All proceeds will benefit Nancy K. Perry Children’s Shelter. You may preview a sample of the show at: www.rocketmantribute.com Help support this event by becoming a sponsor. The levels are: • England - $5,000 • New York - $2,500 • Hollywood - $1,000 • Las Vegas - $500 • Friend - $100 Many benefits and advertising opportunities are provided at each sponsorship level. If you are interested in tickets or being a sponsor at some level, call Vickie Lovett, 803-739-2275 or Jarrell Smith at the Nancy K. Perry Children’s Shelter at 803-359-8595.

This year’s 8th Annual “Bowling for the Children” fundraising event will be held at JC’s Lexington Bowling Alley on US 1 in May 2015. Several hundred local residents attended in an evening of fun. There were raffles and events for the whole family. Business, corporate and individual sponsors are solicited and needed. Call Ted Sutton of Sutton & Sons Realty at 803-606-4747 or the shelter at 803-359-8595.

Our Christmas Drive, Playground Renewal Project, and Food Drives are excellent giving opportunities. Call Jarrell Smith 803-359-8595 or Jeremy Vetter at 803-446-6060.

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Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 39

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

Mission statement Engaging community partners to enhance health care for patients and families served by Palmetto Health

Name of your organization: Palmetto Health Foundation Year established locally: 2000, after the merger of the Baptist Medical Center Foundation and the Richland Memorial Hospital Foundation Top local executive: Samuel J. Tenenbaum, President Contact information: 1600 Marion St., Columbia, S.C. 29201 803-434-7275 Fax: 803-434-2815 Website: PalmettoHealthFoundation.org Corporate giving contacts: Samuel J. Tenenbaum, President 1600 Marion St., Columbia, S.C. 29201 803-434-7275 E-mail: Sam.Tenenbaum@PalmettoHealth.org Average number of volunteers in 2014: 240 Total operating budget (2014-2015): $3.2 million Percent of revenue dedicated to program services: Of every dollar raised through Palmetto Health Foundation, 96 cents was spent on programs and services vital to the mission of Palmetto Health.

Geographic area or specific population served: The Midlands of South Carolina Greatest need: Community support to raise funds for programs and services offered at Palmetto Health, the largest and most comprehensive integrated health care system in the Midlands.

2014 Top achievements: In fiscal year 2014, Palmetto Health Foundation raised more than $6.7 million for Palmetto Health. Funding distributions totaled more than $4 million, surpassing our goal of $3.1 million.

Distributions included: • $1.4 million for Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital programs and services • $347,000 for the latest health care equipment and upgrades at Palmetto Health Breast Health Center • More than $400,000 on enhancements in Women’s Services • More than $432,000 for Palmetto Health Baptist Parkridge

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• $275,000 on the latest health care equipment at Palmetto Health Baptist • More than $164,000 for program services at Palmetto Health Heart Hospital • More than $122,000 for Hospice and Palliative Care programs and services • More than $102,000 for clinical outcomes and education • More than $220,000 for SimCOACH™ • $75,000 for enhancements in Surgery Services 2015 Goals: Palmetto Health Foundation plans to make funding distributions totaling more than $4.6 million to Palmetto Health for patient care and clinical performance, equipment upgrades and expansion of programs and services in the areas of Children’s Hospital, Breast Health, Women’s Services, Heart Hospital, Surgery, Palmetto Health Baptist Parkridge, Trauma, Cancer Services and other programs.

Fundraising events: • Walk for Life/Race for Life Oct. 18, 2014 – Finlay Park WalkForLifeColumbia.org • Festival of Trees Nov. 22-23, 2014 – Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center FestivalofTreesColumbia.org • KEMOPALOOZA March 20, 2015, 6-10 p.m. – EdVenture Children’s Museum KEMOPALOOZA.org • McDaniels Golf Classic Auction: April 23, 2015 Tournament: April 24, 2015, Fort Jackson Golf Club McDanielsGolfClassic.org Corporate giving opportunities: Sponsorship opportunities are available for all signature fundraising events listed above. Corporate gifts also can be applied to designated areas of Palmetto Health.

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 41

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

Mission statement To provide qualified candidates to the local job market by referring people who have experienced mental illness or emotional problems to the appropriate job opportunity.

2014 Top achievements: • Partnerships with Columbia Area Mental Health, South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation and South Carolina Department of Mental Health.

• Over 70 placements in 2014 thus far.

• Received a first-time grant through Richland County Council • IPS program recognized at SCVRD Richland County annual award ceremony.

• TWIN award received by Rosemary Hedden in January 2014 from the Palmetto Center for Women – Tribute to Women in Industry award “for outstanding achievements as a leader and role model in business and in the community.” (Twin Award Program Source) • Launched WIP Facebook page and WIP newsletter • Volunteered for The Palmetto Half Marathon, having been the 2012 recipient of the Palmetto Half Marathon community financial award • Volunteer annually with Columbia Adult Care to provide assistance with recreation therapy event

Name of your organization: Work In Progress, Inc. Year established locally: 1996 Top local executive: Rosemary B. Hedden Contact information: 1413 Calhoun St. 803-758-0066 Fax: 803-779-6117 Website: workinprogresscolumbia.com Corporate giving contacts: Rosemary B. Hedden 1413 Calhoun St. 803-758-0066 E-mail: Rhwip@aol.com Average number of volunteers in 2014: 10 Total operating budget (2014-2015): $342,000 Percent of revenue dedicated to program services: 76% Geographic area or specific population served: Richland and Lexington counties

2015 Goals: • Increase Work In Progress Inc. presence in communication through Twitter and Facebook.

• Increase and seek new sources for funding/donations

Greatest need: Employment opportunities for the work candidates that we serve. Part-time and full-time positions within Richland and Lexington counties. Financial support to increase the numbers of persons that we are assisting with finding work in Richland and Lexington counties.

Fundraising events: • Light the Way Concert series: December 2013 • BUY A MEAL…Provide A BUS RIDE TO WORK: Sept. 11, 2014, National Day of Service and Remembrance fundraiser raised money to purchase bus tickets for clients.

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Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 43

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

Mission statement Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina helps people become independent through education and training leading to employment.

Name of your organization: Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina, Inc. Year established locally: 1973 Top local executive: Patrick Michaels, President and CEO Contact information: 115 Haywood Road, Greenville, SC 29607 864-351-0100 Fax: 864-351-0063 Website: www.goodwillsc.org Corporate giving contacts: Brad Majors, Vice President of Marketing and Development 115 Haywood Road, Greenville, SC 29607 864-351-0137 E-mail: giving@goodwillsc.org Total operating budget (2014-2015): $49 million Percent of revenue dedicated to program services: 92.5% Geographic area or specific population served: 16 South Carolina Counties: Abbeville, Anderson, Cherokee, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, Newberry, Oconee, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg and Union.

Greatest need: Goodwill relies on donations to provide the funds that support job training and placement programs for South Carolinians looking for employment. Donations of clothing, furniture, household items, computers, electronics, and other items sustain Goodwill’s programs and help to ensure that everyone looking for employment is able to access Goodwill’s services. Monetary gifts are invested directly into our mission services to help people find jobs.

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2014 Top achievements: • Helped 48,886 people in their employment search • Placed 10,057 South Carolinians into employment (in the 16 South Carolina counties we serve) • Annual wages of people placed into employment will generate an economic impact of over $99 million • We devote over 92 cents of every dollar we spend to our mission.

2015 Goals: • Expansion of Mission Services: • Open new Goodwill Job Connections in Lexington and Seneca.

• Increase number of people placed into jobs.

• Increase opportunities for people to complete certified career training programs.

Fundraising events: • April 18, 2015 – Goodwill Mud Run Presented by St. Francis Sports Medicine • October 2015 – Goodwill Industries Champions Tribute, TD Center, Greenville Corporate giving opportunities: • Sponsorship opportunities are available for the Goodwill Mud Run presented

by St. Francis Sports Medicine (www.goodwillmudrun.org) and the Goodwill Industries Champions Tribute (www.goodwillsc.org/champions).

• Financial gifts provide opportunities for individuals to enroll in certified career training programs in nurse aide, manufacturing, retail, food service, custodial, call center, or construction.

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 45

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NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

Mission statement Through family, child care providers, and community involvement, RCFS will assist children to reach school, healthy and ready to learn.

Name of your organization: Richland County First Steps to School Readiness Partnership Year established locally: 2000 Top local executive: Rick Noble, CEO Contact information: Rick Noble 2008 Marion St., Suite B, Columbia, SC 29201 803-256-7237 Fax: 803-212-4205 Website: www.rcfirststeps.org Average number of volunteers in 2014: 67 Total operating budget (2014-2015): $2,043,174 Percent of revenue dedicated to program services: 96% Geographic area or specific population served: Richland County Greatest need: The first three years of a child’s life are the most critical period for development of their human potential (cognitive, socialemotional, health, motor skills, language, early literacy).

RCFS works with the people who are the first and best teachers of each child: the parents, extended family and other caregivers (child care workers) to help them improve their parenting and caregiving skills so that they have the ability and confidence to nurture the child’s brain development and help him/her grow into a healthy and capable young person, one who is ready for school and a successful childhood.

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2014 Top achievements: • Served 1,321 children • Delivered more than 4,309 hours of technical assistance and/or home visits • Distributed more than 2,679 books as part of our literacy program • Worked with 55 child care providers and Early Head Start Centers • Trained 661 child care staff • Conducted more than 1,142 group training hours • Also, we received funding for a Mentoring Initiative where “Seeing is Believing” for low-quality child care centers to partner with high-quality child care centers to improve child care practices.

2015 Goals: • Expand and improve Mentoring Initiative • Expand and improve our collaboration with local school districts • Continue to reach the most at-risk children and families through our four quality programs (Early Head Start, Parents as Teachers, Nurse-Family Partnership and Excellence in Care and Early Learning).

Fundraising events: Midlands Gives Corporate giving opportunities: United Way of the Midlands, private contributions

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 47

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

Mission statement Palmetto Health Foundation’s mission is to engage community partners to enhance health care for patients and families served by Palmetto Health.

Name of your organization: Palmetto Health Foundation/Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital Year established locally: Palmetto Health Foundation was established in 2000, after the merger of the Baptist Medical Center Foundation and the Richland Memorial Hospital Foundation. Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital was established in 1983.

Top local executive: Samuel J. Tenenbaum, President, Palmetto Health Foundation Contact information: 1600 Marion St. Columbia, S.C. 29201 803-434-7275 Fax: 803-434-2815 Website: PalmettoHealthFoundation.org | CH.PalmettoHealth.org Corporate giving contacts: Samuel J. Tenenbaum, President 1600 Marion St. Columbia, S.C. 29201 803-434-7275 E-mail: Sam.Tenenbaum@PalmettoHealth.org Average number of volunteers in 2014: 850 volunteers at Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital Total operating budget (2014-2015): $3.2 million total operating budget for Palmetto Health Foundation Percent of revenue dedicated to program services: Of every dollar raised through Palmetto Health Foundation, 96 cents was spent on programs and services vital to the mission of Palmetto Health.

Geographic area or specific population served: Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital serves more than 80,000 children statewide each year in its inpatient and outpatient facilities. Palmetto Health Foundation’s geographic area/population served is the Midlands of South Carolina.

Greatest need: Palmetto Health Foundation’s greatest need is community support to raise funds for programs and services offered at Palmetto Health, the largest and most comprehensive integrated health care system in the Midlands.

2014 Top achievements: In fiscal year 2014, Palmetto Health Foundation raised more than $6.7 million for Palmetto Health. Funding distributions totaled more than $4 million, surpassing a $3.1 million target. $1.4 million was spent on Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital programs and services, including: • $22,350 on Children’s Services at Palmetto Health Baptist • $22,700 on Camp Wonderhands • $30,000 on Children’s Seizure Disorder Program • $33,027 on Reach Out and Read

48 Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands

• $62,462 on Kohl’s Buckle Buddies • $78,000 on Pediatric Oncology Services • $164,000 on Pediatric Orthopedic Services • $204,000 on CAMP KEMO Programs • $290,000 on Child Life Services • $509,000 on children’s patient care programs and services 2015 Goals: Palmetto Health Foundation plans to make funding distributions totaling more than $4.6 million to Palmetto Health for patient care and clinical performance, equipment upgrades and expansion of programs and services in the areas of Children’s Hospital, Breast Health, Women’s Services, Heart Hospital, Surgery, Palmetto Health Baptist Parkridge, Trauma, Cancer Services and other programs. The total distributions planned for Children’s Hospital in 2015 are $2 million.

Fundraising events: • Festival of Trees (signature fundraising event) Nov. 22-23, 2014, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center FestivalofTreesColumbia.org • KEMOPALOOZA (benefiting CAMP KEMO Programs) March 20, 2015, EdVenture Children’s Museum KEMOPALOOZA.org • B106.7FM Children’s Hospital Radiothon (Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals partner event) Feb. 3-4, 2015, Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital, Warren Atrium, 7 Medical Park Drive, Columbia b106fm.com • University of South Carolina Dance Marathon (Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals partner event) March 21, 2015 Strom Thurmond Wellness and Fitness Center, University of South Carolina, uscdm.org Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital has been a member of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals since 1985. CMNH partners and events greatly impact programs and services of Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital through their fundraising efforts, totaling more than $11 million since 1985.

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NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

Mission statement MIRCI is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that assists individuals with mental illness to recover in the areas of their lives impacted by their illness through housing, behavioral health care and assistance with obtaining and managing their disability income.

2014 Top achievements: • Providing supportive housing with Assertive Community Treatment Team services to over 300 individuals and families, with over 70% having been homeless before entry.

• Of those housed, 96% remained housed for six months or longer, and 92% remained housed for a year or longer.

• In the year following entry into MIRCI housing and services, inpatient psychiatric hospitalizations dropped by 89% and emergency department visits for mental illness dropped by 54%.

Name of your organization: Mental Illness Recovery Center Inc. Year established locally: 1960 Top local executive: Julie Ann Avin Contact information: 3809 Rosewood Drive, Columbia, SC 29205 803-786-1844, extension 110 Fax: 803-754-7783 Website: www.mirci.org Corporate giving contacts: Julie Ann Avin, President and Executive Director 3809 Rosewood Drive, Columbia, SC 29205 803-786-1844, ext. 110 E-mail: javin@mirci.org Average number of volunteers in 2014: 60 Total operating budget (2014-2015): $3,956,184 (FY 2014) Percent of revenue dedicated to program services: 94% Geographic area or specific population served: Midlands area of South Carolina; individuals with mental illness and/or co-occurring substance use disorders, many of whom were homeless upon service entry.

Greatest need: Additional housing subsidies to house homeless individuals and families with mental illness and/or co-occurring substance use disorders.

2015 Goals: • Through a new HUD Continuum of Care for the Homeless grant, MIRCI will be housing an additional 20 chronically homeless individuals using the Housing First model.

• MIRCI will continue to reduce inpatient psychiatric hospitalizations and emergency department visits for individuals in its housing and services.

Fundraising events: The premiere fundraiser is 52 Windows – An Evening of Art to benefit the housing and homeless programs of MIRCI. This gala will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2015, at 701 Whaley from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m.

Corporate giving opportunities: Corporate sponsorships are available for 52 Windows. Benefits to sponsors include recognition in printed media, complimentary tickets to the event, links on MIRCI website, and the opportunity to support getting homeless individuals with mental illness into stable housing and behavioral health care services.

Sponsored by

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Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 49

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

Mission statement To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all

Name of your organization: YMCA of Columbia Year Established Locally: 1854 Top local executive: Bryan Madden, Chief Executive Officer Contact information: 1612 Marion St., Suite 100, Columbia, SC 29201 803-748-9622 Email: info@columbiaymca.org Corporate giving contact: Wendy Broderick, Chief Development Officer 1612 Marion St., Suite 100, Columbia, SC 29201 803-748-9622 ext. 113 Email: wendybroderick@columbiaymca.org Average number of volunteers in 2014: 792 Total operating budget (2014-2015): $9,805,000 Percent of revenue dedicated to program services: 88% Geographic area or specific population served: The YMCA of Columbia includes five branches serving Richland, Kershaw, Lexington, Calhoun, and Orangeburg counties and is also home to Palmetto Center for Women (formerly the YWCA).

Greatest needs: The YMCA of Columbia is a cause-driven organization that is for youth development, for healthy living and for social responsibility. A strong community can only be achieved when we invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors. The Y lives its mission to ensure no one is turned away due to inability to pay. This is made possible through the Y’s Annual Campaign, which allows for scholarships and financial aid for those who need it most.

2014 Top achievements: The YMCA of Columbia raised nearly $300,000 in support of the Annual Campaign to ensure all have access to the Y regardless of their ability to pay. The Y also secured nearly $425,000 in grant funding for programming such as LIVESTRONG at the YMCA for cancer survivors, and implementation of healthy eating and physical activity (HEPA) standards in after school programs.

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2014-2015 Goals: The YMCA of Columbia goals include: to open the first-ever YMCA Healthy Living Center in Ballentine, launch the Diabetes Prevention Program throughout the association, seek funding for Achievement Gap programming for summer day camp and after school programs, and launch the Y’s signature Social Responsibility program, Togetherhood, to promote community service throughout the Midlands.

Fundraising events: The YMCA of Columbia hosts six annual races: Bunny Hop 5K, Festival of Roses 5K/12K, Run Red Bank 5K/10K, Tom Hoskins Memorial Sprint Triathlon, Pumpkin Run 5K and Harborside Lights 5K, where all proceeds benefit the Annual Campaign. Palmetto Center for Women hosts the annual Prayer Breakfast and TWIN Awards, and all branches also host various individual events throughout the year.

Individual Giving Opportunities: • Annual – An annual gift will support the YMCA of Columbia Annual Campaign to ensure all have access to the Y’s life-changing programs and services regardless of their ability to pay.

• Capital – A capital gift will support facility updates and enhancements around the YMCA of Columbia association.

• Endowment – A gift to the YMCA of Columbia Endowment will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Corporate Giving opportunities: The YMCA of Columbia appreciates the support of numerous corporations around the Midlands. Corporate giving opportunities include annual giving, capital giving and youth sports, race, or special event sponsorship.

Sponsorship Opportunities: All YMCA of Columbia races include sponsorship opportunities with recognition at the event. Sponsorships are also available for youth sports teams to ensure all youth have the opportunity to be involved, and have access to the appropriate equipment.

Palmetto Center for Women events offer differing levels of sponsorship each year.

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 51

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

Mission statement City Year is an education-focused nonprofit organization and AmeriCorps program that partners with public schools to keep students in school and on track to graduation. In Columbia, and 24 other communities across the United States, this innovative public-private partnership brings together teams of young AmeriCorps members who commit to a year of full-time service in schools. Corps members provide individual support to students who need extra care and attention, focusing on attendance, behavior and course performance through in-class tutoring, mentoring and after school programs.

Name of your organization: City Year Columbia

most students in the direst of need. We also proudly serve in Lexington County School District 4 at Sandhills Elementary School.

Year established locally: 1993 Top local executive: Gail Wilson-Giarratano, Executive Director and Vice President Contact information: 1122 Lady St., Suite 600, Columbia, SC 29201 803-727-1570 Fax: 803-727-1579 Website: https://www.cityyear.org/columbia Corporate giving contacts: Gail Wilson-Giarratano, PhD. Executive Director and Vice President 1122 Lady St., Suite 600, Columbia, SC 29201 803-727-1570 Cell: 803-354-3889 Fax: 803-254-1297 Email: gwilsong@cityyear.org Average number of volunteers in 2014: 300 Total operating budget (2014-2015): $1,152,029 Percent of revenue dedicated to program services: 79% Geographic area or specific population served: Richland and Lexington counties Greatest need: City Year Columbia’s greatest need is sponsorship and donations in order to expand our reach in the Eau Claire Neighborhood, where 40% of people live in poverty. City Year already serves in Hyatt Park Elementary and Heyward Gibbes Middle School, both located in the Eau Claire Neighborhood, but our long-term impact goals are to fully permeate the area’s school feeder pattern so our corps members work with the

www.columbiabusinessreport.com

2014 Top achievements: • 93% of teachers agreed that City Year corps members helped improve students’ respectfulness toward one another • 81% of students in grades 6-9 earning a D or worse in English improved to a C or better • 100% of principals agreed or strongly agreed that City Year corps members had a positive impact on the respect that students exhibit to their peers.

2015 Goals: • Log more than 41,000 service hours in the schools we serve • Provide more than 350 students with one-on-one attention through strategically created focus lists • Maintain and improve impact statistics from 2014 • Continue to provide positive impact to the communities we serve Fundraising events: • “Leader’s for Life” Reception for the Legal Community, Oct, 30 2014 • Annual Ripples of Hope Gala 2015: March 2015

Giving Opportunities: All information can be found on our website at http://www.cityyear.org/columbia For more information about City Year giving opportunities, please visit our national website or contact City Year Columbia at 803-727-1570 or gwilsong@cityyear.org

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 53

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

Mission statement We unite people and resources to improve the quality of life in the Midlands.

Name of your organization: United Way of the Midlands Year established locally: 1925 Top local executive: Mac Bennett, President and CEO Contact information: 1800 Main St., Columbia, SC 29201 803-733-5400 Fax: 803-758-8925 Website: www.uway.org Corporate giving contact: Mike Gray, Senior Vice President, Resource Development 1800 Main St., Columbia, SC 803-733-5422 E-mail: mgray@uway.org Average number of volunteers in 2014: So far in 2014: 2,062 volunteers, totaling an average of 6,186 hours of volunteer service, which amounts to $124,647.90 worth of time donated.

Total operating budget (2014-2015): $9,300,274 Percent of revenue dedicated to program services: Per our most recent 990 (2012/2013), the amount to program services was 84.5%.

Geographic area or specific population served: United Way of the Midlands partners with agencies, businesses, community leaders and individuals to determine and respond to the critical human service needs in Calhoun, Fairfield, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg and Richland counties.

Greatest need: UWM focuses on three primary areas: early education, especially literacy; financial stability, including homelessness; and improving access to health care.

2014 Top achievements: 1. In 2014, UWM deepened its focus on early learning with the goal of ensuring students are reading at grade level by third grade. Through the Midlands Reading Consortium, over 300 volunteers met weekly with 500 K-second-grade students to provide one-on-one support with reading. Over 80% of the students improved their literacy.

2. In 2014, in partnership with local and statewide partners, UWM helped lead an initiative to develop and improve access to services and housing for people who are homeless. The new single, coordinated assessment system will link agencies across the state. www.columbiabusinessreport.com

3. UWM continues to serve as lead agency for MACH, the 14-county coalition of homeless service providers in the Midlands.

4. In 2014, UWM also directed donor resources to improving access to health care. The SC Mission Midlands 2014 partnership provided health services to more than 500 people in a two-day health care event at the State Fairgrounds.

5. When UWM’s Legacy Society was created in 2013, its Planned Giving Committee was recruited and has since generated over $1.3 million in expectancies during its inaugural year.

2015 Goals: UWM will focus on final implementation of the coordinated assessment system for homeless services and housing. UWM will continue to work with health care partners to increase dental services for uninsured and underinsured. UWM will also focus on reaching students and their families outside of school to enhance learning skills to help them succeed.

To accomplish these things, United Way has a $10.5 million Community Workplace Goal and a $1 million Combined Federal Campaign goal.

Fundraising events: Dec.11- Women in Philanthropy Leadership Breakfast, Palmetto Club, 8-10:30 a.m. Contact Paula Thayer, 748-7287, pthayer@uway.org Jan. 15-Young Leaders Society Oyster Roast, Adams Pond, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Contact Whitney Chisholm, 733-5419, wchisholm@uway.org.

February TBD-Campaign Finale/Awards Celebration, 5-6:30 p.m. Contact Mary Wright, 733-5445, mwright@uway.org Feb. 26-Humanitarian of the Year honoring Judy Davis, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 6:30 p.m. Contact GB Olsen, 758-6992, golsen@uway.org.

May TBD- Women in Philanthropy Power of the Purse. Contact Paula Thayer, 748-7287, pthayer@uway.org.

Corporate giving opportunities: United Way welcomes individuals and organizations to increase community capacity to care for itself through individual, leadership and major gifts, corporate gifts and sponsorship and employee giving.

For information on: Corporate and Workplace Giving - Mike Gray, 733-5422, mgray@uway.org Individual/Retiree Giving - Claudia Brooks, 733-5112, cbrooks@uway.org Legacy Gifts, Leadership, Major Gifts, Affinity Groups - GB Olsen, 7586992, gsolsen@uway.org.

Sponsorship and Co-Marketing Opportunities - Whitney Chisholm, 7335419, wchisholm@uway.org.

Giving: Your guide to community giving in the Midlands 55