enrich SPRING 2010
philanthropy in our community
Bringing a Smile to a Child’s Face
Helen Clay is no stranger to philanthropy or to Central Carolina Community Foundation. In 1996 her parents, Henry and Emily Clay, started a fund with the Community Foundation. Fourteen years later, Helen has started her own fund at the Foundation. In January, Helen established the Helen’s Hugs fund at the Foundation with a goal of building teddy bears year-round for children at the Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital in Columbia. Helen is actively raising money through personal appeals and presentations. She is also recruiting student volunteers to help build the bears. On January 30, Helen and five friends went to the BuildA-Bear store in Columbia and built 36 bears to be delivered to the Children’s Hospital. Helen hopes the teddy bears will comfort the children during their long hard days and nights in the hospital, just as she was once comforted. When she was 11, Helen was in this same hospital. During her long stay she was encouraged by people reaching out to her in many kind ways. One memorable moment occurred when a young teenage boy sent Helen a box filled with toys and treats. When Helen found out that the teenage boy had once been in the hospital and now put together gift boxes for hospitalized
inside
Top photo/top row: Cate Mabry, Caitlin Harriford, Charlotte Hanchard bottom row: Lillian Parrott, Helen Clay, Charlotte Jones Left photo: Helen Clay, JoAnn Turnquist, Cate Mabre
children, she was greatly touched and inspired to follow his example. Through Helen’s Hugs, Helen is now helping children who are hospitalized. She is, as they say, paying it forward. “I really like giving to kids in the hospital because I know how a gift can make a bad day feel better,” said Helen. “When I was in the hospital receiving treatment for my cancer, I always appreciated getting gifts. I hope these teddy bears will lift the spirits of the sick children and let them know someone cares.” Helen will manage this program until
she graduates from Heathwood Hall. Upon graduation, she plans to recruit a student who will continue the program. “We are thrilled to support Helen and the work she is doing,” said JoAnn Turnquist. “Her courage and compassion have been an inspiration to the Foundation’s staff, board and donors. We hope that Helen’s story will be used by parents and teachers in our community to teach children the importance of philanthropy.”
Making Education a Priority page 2 CCAP Grants Awarded
page 3
President’s Letter
page 3
Buck Smith’s Legacy
page 4
From Tragedy to Triumph
page 5
Get in the Pink
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