enrich SUMMER 2012
philanthropy in our community
Including Your Children in Philanthropy Our Talk About Giving (TAG)
initiative supports Midlands families in raising generous, community-minded children through active engagement in family giving. Through our blog, card game and social media we provide timely and inspirational tips, advice and ideas that parents can use to actively incorporate giving. We understand that teaching our children that giving gifts is just as, or more, rewarding as receiving them sometimes falls on deaf ears. It’s a tough lesson, but once they grasp the concept, it may last a lifetime. One of the blog posts on the site encouraged parents to make their child’s next birthday more meaningful by planning a charitable birthday party rather than filling their already overstuffed toy box. After all, many children these days have more gadgets and gizmos than they could ever possibly play with. We received great feedback from this post. One of our TAG followers, Julie Smith Turner, and her son Jack, decided to dedicate his most recent birthday to a good cause. Julie then shared her story through a TAG blog post. As they planned the usual birthday party with lots of friends, Julie, inspired by TAG’s blog, sat with her almost seven-year-old son to brainstorm about inexpensive gifts that could be put to good
inside
Art supplies collected for Palmetto Children’s Hospital. use by people who really need them.
pile of crayons, paints, coloring books,
“Initially, he reacted like I expected.
colored pencils and markers that our
He wanted gifts at his party,” Julie says.
guests gave so generously,” she says.
“The more we talked about it and I
Delivering the gifts to the hospital
reminded him that he’d still get a few
reinforced Jack’s satisfaction
real presents, he thought it would be nice
with his good deed.
to do something for someone else.” The final idea was all Jack’s. He
“He was very impressed with the Children’s Hospital,” she says. “We looked
decided to help Palmetto Health
at the fish tank and the reception ‘boat,’
Children’s Hospital by asking his friends
and he talked to several folks who worked
to bring art supplies to the party.
there. He thought it was all pretty neat.”
“I can’t say he felt great about forfeiting gifts then, but I could tell he felt better when he saw the massive
Changing with the Times
page 2
Charitable Birthdays cont.
page 3
Call for Nominations
page 3
Protecting our K-9s
page 4
Literacy Plan Completed
page 5
Charitable Connections
page 6
Jack may not understand the full impact of his gifts right now, but Julie
CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
We are a nonprofit organization serving 11 counties in the Midlands by distributing grants and scholarships and linking the resources of donors, nonprofits and community leaders to areas of need. Join us on Facebook for the latest news Our page is public, so you don’t have to join Facebook to view it.
FEATURED FUND
Orangeburg County Library Evolves to Meet Needs The purpose and function of community libraries have
to get involved.” Summer reading programs,
OCL’s bookmobile, which runs daily, extends the library’s
evolved. They are no longer a
family movie nights and baby
reach further into the community.
place to simply house books.
and preschool story times
Boasting more than 3,000 books,
Libraries boast history rooms and
are among the library’s most
the bookmobile serves communities
art galleries, traveling exhibits
popular events. The library also
across Orangeburg County and
and monthly, even weekly,
hosts computer and job-related
makes library resources available
events. The Orangeburg County
workshops throughout the year
to residents who live far from
Library (OCL) embodies this
that are well attended.
any of the library’s branches.
evolution and serves its citizens
The library is a Literacy 2030
well by improving its services and
partner and is focused on
designing programs that meet the
improving literacy. To increase
It circulates more than 2,000 volumes each month. The library offered its patrons access to Freegal
community’s needs and wants. The library’s mission is to
Music Service
educate, inform and enrich
in April, which
the community. To accomplish
allows people to
this, the library has identified
download three
programming, literacy, facilities
free songs each
and staffing projects. Library
week. They can
director Roberta Bibbins recalls
then be played
that when discussing avenues
through iPods
for funding these projects, the
and other music playing devices.
idea of starting a foundation
reading and build awareness
was proposed. This year the
of the importance of literacy,
library created the Orangeburg
the library kicked off a new
the program already,” Bibbins
County Library Foundation with
program this year, One Book,
says. “One of our goals is to
Central Carolina Community
One Orangeburg. For the first
make sure we stay relevant in a
Foundation to sustain and grow
community book club, OCL has
fast-paced world. We already
both the physical spaces as well
chosen the southern, regional
offered downloadable books,
as programs of the library.
book, The Secret Life of Bees.
and music was the next thing we
This book addresses race
wanted to try.”
“We want the library to be
“We’ve seen success with
funded throughout generations,”
relations and issues that relate
Bibbins, who has been the
Bibbins says. “Through this
to Orangeburg. OCL will show
library director for a little more
foundation, we can establish a
the movie, hold a community
than a year, is thrilled to work
method for support, grow our
discussion and invite a beekeeper
with OCL and Orangeburg during
distribution and create fundraisers
to speak.
this time of growth and change.
– and we don’t have to worry
“The book even mentions
“Orangeburg has so much
about personally investing or
the civil rights march of
potential, and the library is
growing the money. We can
Orangeburg,” Bibbins says. “We
part of making these changes
focus on how the foundation can
wanted to pick something that
and helping people with
supplement our county funding
was engaging. Our focus is to put
informational, educational and
to meet community needs. It’s
the idea in people’s heads about
entertainment needs,” she says.
also a way for people to show
sharing books, reading together
appreciation for the library and
and having discourse.”
Board of Trustees Scott R. Adams John Baker J. Mac Bennett Sharon W. Bryant Serena Burch R. Jason Caskey Chris D. Christiansen Aubria Corbitt Susan Kenney Cotter
Michael C. Crapps Rita Bragg Cullum Judith M. Davis, Vice Chair Eric M. Elkins L. Marion Gressette III Henry B. Haitz III C. Carroll Heyward David G. Hodges Jackie Howie
Bruce W. Hughes, Secretary/Treasurer D. Michael Kelly Ellis M. Knight Ted O. McGee Jr. Catherine R. Monetti Linda O’Bryon David Peterson John C. Pollok page 2
Barbara Rackes Ben Rex George W. Rogers A. Eugene Rountree Terry K. Schmoyer Jr. Martha Scott Smith Nancy Spencer J. Hagood Tighe, Chair Susie H. VanHuss
CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE has laid a foundation that will support not only occasional selfless actions but also a considerate lifestyle. Once again, the post served as an inspiration to others. We heard back from several people sharing their own stories and asking for organizations in our area that have wish lists to help them plan their own charitable birthday party. One of those followers was Kelly Powell. Kelly’s daughters’ birthdays are in January – right after Christmas. And she had concerns about them being overwhelmed with presents. Last December, her three-year-old daughter’s preschool asked the children in the school to bring in a gift for a
Cleaning and other supplies for Palmetto Place Children’s Shelter.
child at Epworth Children’s Home. After participating, Kelly’s daughter was
to help other children. So they selected
that we naturally know to do. It’s not
pleased that she had sent something
Palmetto Place Children’s Shelter, a local
innate,” said Kelly. “As parents we teach
special to a child that didn’t have “as
organization they were not familiar with
our children the most important things
many blessings as she did.” Kelly was
until they learned about it through TAG.
in life, like love, kindness and sharing.
touched and realized that her daughter
Palmetto Place provides a temporary,
They all go hand-in-hand and it’s our
was beginning to learn about the value
safe haven for abused, abandoned and
responsibility to instill these values.”
of helping others and that other children
neglected children in the Midlands.
don’t have the life that she has. With a fourth birthday party looming
Party guests happily brought cleaning
The idea is catching on and Kelly knows of numerous other families who are opting
supplies like soap, detergent and
to host charitable birthday parties for
in the near future, Kelly remembered
shampoo, in addition to pretty hair bands
their young children. The Powell family just
reading about the concept of giving
and gift cards for fun, child-friendly outings
recently attended a party that benefitted
your birthday away on the TAG
like ice cream and roller skating. What a
Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital.
website. So she reviewed the blog
lesson for Kelly’s daughter and her friends
posts that outlined how to plan such a
to learn that some families don’t have
ideas for involving your children in
party and suggested area nonprofits
soap or laundry detergent and that they
giving, visit www.talkaboutgiving.org.
that featured appropriate wish lists.
can help provide these basic necessities.
Kelly’s daughter decided she would like
To learn more about other tips and
“Helping others is not something
Call for Nominations The Community Foundation and
Once the Community Champions
Columbia Metropolitan Magazine
are selected, they will be profiled in
are partnering once again to present
Columbia Metropolitan Magazine and
the third annual Best of Philanthropy
honored at Central Carolina Community
Awards: Honoring Our Community
Foundation’s Annual Celebration in
Champions.
November. Each winner will have a
The spirit of these awards is to honor
$500 donation made in their name
the people in our community whose
to the nonprofit organization of their
actions often go unnoticed except by
choice in the Foundation’s 11-county
those who are directly affected by
Awards are given in five categories:
service area in the Midlands.
their generosity. Every day people in
• Local Business/Business Owner
our community make a difference and
• Student/Student Group
a local community champion.
we want to celebrate those people
• Family
Nominations are only accepted online
who make giving back a priority for
• Individual
at www.yourfoundation.org and must
themselves, their family or their business.
• Group
be received by July 13.
We need your help! Please nominate
PHILANTHROPY page 3
RESPONDING
Protecting Those Who Protect Us: Richland County K-9s After Fargo, a Richland
live at home with their
County K-9 deputy, died in the
officers, many of whom
line of duty last December,
have families and young
Nick and Sylvia Johnson gave
children. The dogs work
the unit a lifesaving gift: K-9
for at least five years,
Storm vests for all of its dogs.
and when they retire,
The Johnsons’ generous grant of $27,600 enabled the Richland County Sheriff’s Department
they go home to live with their officers. “Words can’t describe
to purchase 12 vests for the
how much we appreciate
remainder of the K-9 Unit. Prior
this gift,” Captain Steve
to their gift, the department had
Hair says. “The Johnsons
received donations in memory
were so generous for
of Fargo from others in the
this cause. It is incredible
community to purchase four vests.
that all of our dogs will
“When Fargo died, it exposed this critical need,” Nick says.
be taken care of.” Twelve Belgian Malinois,
“Vests can’t totally protect them,
two Bloodhounds, one
but the dogs will be much safer.
German Shepherd and
We were happy to do it.”
one Dutch Shepherd
The K-9 Storm vests, which
Nick and Sylvia Johnson watch as a K-9 is fitted for his vest.
comprise the K-9 unit.
are guaranteed for the life of
Like their human partners,
the dog, are complete with
the dogs prepare for duty through continual
“If only Fargo had had a vest. It’s such a small thing that can protect [the dogs’] lives. It needed to be done.”
training, which is led by the handlers and Sergeant Alan Cox, a unit handler and certified Master Canine Trainer. “When we hear people say, ‘It’s just
full, wrap-around Kevlar panel
a dog,’ they don’t
inside to provide the unit with
understand,” Steve adds.
top protection. Jim and Glori
Along with the ability
Slater of K-9 Storm Inc. flew
to apprehend felons,
from Canada to do a custom
locate missing persons
fitting for the entire unit.
and detect explosive
“It protects them,” Richland
devices, these K-9s
County Sheriff Leon Lott says. “It
accompany their handlers
doesn’t mean that one may not
to kindergarten classes for
get hurt or killed one day. These
special presentations. To
vests may protect one, and that’s
the delight of the grateful
why it’s so important that we
K-9 unit, the Johnsons understand
have one for all of our dogs.”
that every four-legged public
The dogs and their respective officers are more than partners — they are family. The dogs
A K-9 proudly shows off his new vest.
servant must be well-protected. “We are animal lovers. To think
very difficult,” Sylvia says. “If only Fargo had had a vest. It’s such a small thing that can protect [the dogs’] lives. It needed to be done.”
that someone would shoot a dog is
The Staff JoAnn M. Turnquist | President & CEO x323 Jo Bull | Senior Director of Donor Services x326 Tonia E. Cochran | Director of Marketing & Communications x329 Edward E. Conroy, CPA | Chief Financial Officer x325
Contact Us
Ellen Shuler Hinrichs | Director of Community Philanthropy X322 Kelly Rogers | Staff Accountant X330 Kristin W. Williamson | Interactive Marketing Manager x328
2711 Middleburg Drive, Suite 213 | Columbia, SC 29204 803.254.5601 | 803.799.6663 (F) | info@yourfoundation.org | www.yourfoundation.org page 4
INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE
Regional Literacy Plan Completed The Foundation held a community breakfast on April 25 to reveal the Literacy 2030 regional literacy plan and announce that the Foundation will invest at least $1 million through the initiative over the next three years. Around 125 community and business leaders attended the event, which launched the next step in the Literacy 2030 initiative. The regional literacy plan is the result of an eight-month planning process carried out with the help of the national organization, Literacy Powerline. The focus groups and meetings with literacy service providers resulted in three reports: a needs assessment report, a funding analysis report, and an economic impact study. Together these reports reveal many aspects about the state of literacy in the Midlands. “To transform our community, we must first understand how a person living with low literacy, who we may have never met, directly affects everyone’s quality of life,” said Foundation President & CEO, JoAnn Turnquist. “Collaboration across our entire community is needed to improve lives and every Midlands citizen’s future.” JoAnn and Hagood Tighe, chair of the Community Foundation’s board of trustees, spoke at the event, highlighting the financial and social impact of illiteracy on our community. They presented compelling reasons for people to get involved including the fact that 74% of students who do not read at grade level by the end of the third grade will not catch up in time to graduate with their class. Even more, they are four times more likely to drop out of school. The Foundation’s $1 million investment will specifically aim to increase the number of third-grade students reading at grade level. “The Community Foundation is investing in education in order to improve low literacy and low educational attainment statistics in the Midlands,” said JoAnn. “Like other businesses in the community, we’re focused on having the greatest return on our investment. A vibrant economy is reliant on a pool of skilled employees. If children can’t read by fourth grade, how will they become engineers and nurses?” Supporting a low literate population hits everyone where it hurts: our wallets. If current high school dropouts obtained bachelor’s degrees, the Midlands would save over $300,000 per year in public health costs. If they were to earn high school diplomas, the $900,000 increase in yearly earnings would translate to almost $7 million in additional income taxes each year. To date, partners in this initiative include the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, AT&T and the Boeing Corporation. Our goal is to leverage our funds with those from corporations, foundations and individuals to have a multiplier effect. Through a united community, we can create sustainable change in the Midlands, empower those who need to learn and improve our individual and collective futures. For more information, including links to the reports, visit yourfoundation.org or literacy2030.org.
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Central Carolina Community Foundation 2711 Middleburg Drive, Suite 213 Columbia, South Carolina 29204
Connecting Those Who Want to Give with Those in Need One of the Foundation’s primary objectives is to increase the philanthropic pie by making it easier for people to support our community. Our new online feature, Charitable Connections, helps current and potential donors increase their awareness of community needs. Charitable Connections gives nonprofit organizations in the Midlands 11-county area the opportunity to tell the community about a current project and/or special need that cannot be funded with current resources. This opportunity is open to all organizations that have been determined as charitable under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, public entities or other charitable, educational or faith-based organizations. Interested donors can select projects from categories
table i r a h
One of the Foundation’s primary objectives is to increase the philanthropic pie by making it easier for people to support our community.
onnections
such as Animal Welfare, Education, Arts and Culture and Youth Development. Projects cover a wide range of needs and change quarterly. For example, a donor
may choose to fund temporary, portable ramps to make a home accessible for someone who is disabled, or provide a sponsorship for a low-income student to attend a summer peer leadership training workshop on a college campus. Donor advisors with funds at the Community Foundation may recommend a grant from their fund to an organization directly from our website. For those who do not have a fund, contact information is provided so someone wishing to give can make a gift directly to an organization. The purpose of this online feature is two-fold: to provide our donors with giving opportunities that meet their charitable interests and to provide area nonprofit organizations with an additional platform for seeking funding.
CONNECTING page 6