SEGMENT #1: Charleston Animal Society
GUEST: Kay Hyman, Senior Director of Community Development
ISSUE: Pets
This year, the Charleston Animal Society celebrates its 150th anniversary. The oldest animal agency in South Carolina, and one of the oldest in our nation, will celebrate with its largest fundraising event of the year. Their annual “Paws in the Park” is on Saturday, Nov. 23. Kay Hyman, the Senior Director of Community Development of the Animal Society, discussed the importance of their anniversary. She also shared specific information about what would be taking place at the celebration, and how people could purchase tickets. Hyman laid out the needs the organization has and how the funds from the event would be used.

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SEGMENT #2: Big Brothers, Big Sisters
GUEST: Grace Hamilton, Development Director
ISSUE: Youth Services/Mentoring
There are “bigs” and “littles.” Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Lowcountry is doing what they can to assist young men and women grow through mentors. “Bigs” are adults who mentor the “littles,” the young boys and girls who benefit from the mentorship provided. Grace Hamilton, the organization’s Development Director discussed their major fundraiser, the “Big Lowcountry Boil” on Dec. 7. Hamilton shared information about the event, and the many ways it is a key event, both in fundraising and marketing. To give context, Hamilton explained how Big Brothers, Big Sisters works, their needs, and the way the individuals can get involved.

https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-charleston-animal-society-big-brothers-big-sisters-nov-17-2024

SEGMENT #1: Salvation Army
GUEST: Captain Joshua Davis
ISSUE: Community Service
Each holiday season, the Salvation Army conduct its annual “Kettle Campaign,” which is the non-profit organization’s largest fund raiser of the year. Captain Joshua Davis, head of the Salvation Army in the Tri-County area, provided all the details on the campaign kick-off event on Saturday, Nov. 16. Captain Davis also discussed the challenges of the Kettle Campaign including finding people to man each kettle and shared information on how individuals, and even business and groups can volunteer to ring. In 2023, more than 5800 individuals received assistance from the Salvation Army. Captain Davis explained the various ways the Salvation Army helps, and the other programs they’ll provide this holiday season.

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SEGMENT #2: Sullivan’s Island Police Department
GUEST: Police Chief Glenn Meadows
ISSUE: Policing
Each holiday season, the Sullivan’s Island Police Department reaches out to the community through a Bike for Kids drive, attempting to collect more than 300 new bicycles to donate to children in need through Toys for Tots. Sullivan’s Island Chief of Police Glenn Meadows explained the connection the drive helps make with citizens on the Island and how donations will be accepted. Meadows also discussed some of the other outreach events the department conducts including Coffee with the Chief and House Watch. The Chief shared the biggest challenges for his small department and his implementation of the department’s first official Mission Statement and Core Values.

https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-salvation-army-sullivans-island-police-dept-nov-10-2024

SEGMENT #1: Folds of Honor
GUEST: Eric Timko, Vice President, Board of Directors
ISSUE: Veterans Affairs
Folds of Honor is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of military members who have fallen or been disabled while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Sunday, Nov. 10, the 3rd annual Palmetto Freedom Fest will take place, put on by the Palmetto State Folds of Honor. Board Vice President Eric Timko explained the history of this event, the concert this year and how people could get tickets. Timko spoke of the partnership that Folds or Honor has created with the community and how the money raised from this concert impact families, and how those funds would stay in South Carolina. Along with military members, Folds of Honor has expanded to assist First Responder families, which Timko discussed.

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SEGMENT #2: BarBrewGrass
GUEST: Suzanne Auld, Founder and Director
ISSUE: Children’s Health
After her child was diagnosed with leukemia, Suzanna Auld discovered the challenges, beyond medical issues, that families experience when a son or daughter is hospitalized. BarBrewGrass is a nonprofit she formed to help families with a child being treated at the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital. BarBrewGrass is an annual event, this year taking place at Firefly Distillery in North Charleston. Along with sharing her experience with the hospital, Auld provided the details on this year’s BarBrewGrass event and laid out how the money raised would be used to impact families in need at the Children’s Hospital.

https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-folds-of-honor-barbrewgrass-nov-3-2024?si=452e006ecd0e4a859b207ed5ba1a3c9c&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

SEGMENT #1: Treats For Our Troops
GUEST: Suzi Kopp, Coordinator
ISSUE: Community Service
After October 3, candy piles up in many Lowcountry households. Eight years ago, Suzy Kopp teamed up with Guardian Angels to collect that candy for a good cause. Today, that continues through “Treats For Our Troops.”  Originally the program collected leftover Halloween candy which was then delivered to our troops overseas. Now, the program has changed to a local focus, delivering to area military members and first responders. Kopp explained why the adjustment was made and how donations will be accepted for this year’s campaign.  She also shared the involvement of Sullivan’s Island Elementary and groups receiving the candy.

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SEGMENT #2: Lowvelo
GUEST: Chris Winn, Event Manager
ISSUE: Health & Human Services
Lowvelo is the annual bike ride that takes place in the Lowcountry on the first Saturday of November, to benefit the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center. Chris Winn, the Lowvelo event manager, provided the details on this year’s Nov. 2 ride, which includes 5 different length rides.  He explained how people can enter to participate in the rides or take part on a stationary bike at the ride’s finish, or even virtually. Winn discussed the community partnerships the ride has developed, and the additional ways the event impacts the community. Plus, he shared how 100% of money raised by participants goes directly to funding cancer research and where those proceeds have made a positive impact.

https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-10-27-2024-treat-for-our-troops-lowvelo?si=883d6f77edd9483c9d896073976d1676&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

SEGMENT #1: Exchange Club of Charleston
GUEST: Jay Wallace, PR Chairperson
ISSUE: Community Service
Each fall there’s 11 days of rides, games, food, live entertainment and fun.  The Exchange Club of Charleston puts on the Coastal Carolina Fair. The non-profit event raises money for area charity organizations. Jay Wallace, the PR Chair of the Exchange Club of Charleston explains the mission of the Exchange Club, and the amount of work they put into the event each year.  He shared some of the groups that received more than $500,000 the Fair generated last year. Wallace revealed some of the new offerings at the 2024 Fair, as well as sharing the entertainment lineup and the specialty days that are part of the event. In addition, he provided information on how to join the Exchange Club.

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SEGMENT #2: American Cancer Society
GUEST: Tricia Bantz, Senior Development Manager
ISSUE: Health & Human Services
One in eight women are affected by cancer. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and this year the American Cancer Society is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Charleston Making Strides event. This year’s event is in a new location, at John’s Island County Park on Saturday, Oct. 26. Tricia Bantz with the American Cancer Society describes the event, explains what “Making Strides” is about, and how people can join the free event. Additionally, Bantz talked about where the money that the event raises will go, and some of the many services the American Cancer Society provides in the Lowcountry.

https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-exchange-club-of-charleston-american-cancer-society-oct-20-2024?si=9f0d38f564b44cc7a1b6717b31872a9f&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

SEGMENT #1: Downs Syndrome Association of the Lowcountry
GUEST: Erica Chiovarou, President
ISSUE: Special Needs
Each October, the Lowcountry Buddy Walk happens on Daniel Island to bring awareness of Downs Syndrome. What is Downs Syndrome and how does it affect individuals and families dealing with it? Answers to those questions are provided by Erica Chiovarou, the President of the Downs Syndrome Association of the Lowcountry, and the organizer of the Lowcountry Buddy Walk. Chiovarou provided information on the Oct. 20 event and discussed the importance of the event, as both those with Downs Syndrome and their families are rarely among others dealing with it. She spoke of the purpose of the event, and how funds raised will help.

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SEGMENT #2: Dorchester Heritage Center
GUEST: Phyllis Hughes, Board Chairperson and President
ISSUE: Veterans
The Wall That Heals is a Vietnam Veterans Memorial Replica and Mobile Education Center. The Dorchester Heritage Center applied to have the Wall come to the Lowcountry. Center Board Chair and President Phyllis Hughes explained that process, and the importance of bringing the wall to the Center. Hughes discussed involving Gold Star Families in the event and using cadets from the Citadel to assemble the wall, available for anyone to visit, for free, Oct. 17 through 20. In addition to speaking about the wall, she also explained the mission of the Dorchester Heritage Association and the part the Center plays in the community.

https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-downs-syndrome-assoc-of-the-lowcountry-dorchester-heritage-center-oct-13-2024?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing&si=3f4502a7bfa9418d85784c1a767c122c

SEGMENT #1: South Carolina State Election Commission
GUEST: Syndi Bain, Voter Education Outreach Coordinator
ISSUE: Voting
Tuesday, Nov. 5 is Election Day in South Carolina and across our nation. Syndi Bain, Voter Education Outreach Coordinator with the South Carolina State Election Commission discussed voting in this year’s election.  Bain explained how to check that your registration is current, where to go to location your polling place, and what specific elements you need to bring with you to vote. She also provided information on absentee voting and how early voting will work in the Palmetto State for this election. Additionally, Bain share details on how to help at the polls and the need for poll workers.

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SEGMENT #2: Lowvelo
GUEST: Chris Winn, Event Manager
ISSUE: Health & Human Services
Lowvelo is the annual bike ride that takes place in the Lowcountry on the first Saturday of November, to benefit the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center. Chris Winn, the Lowvelo event manager, provided the details on this year’s Nov. 2 ride, which includes 5 different length rides.  He explained how people can enter to participate in the rides, or take part on a stationary bike at the ride’s finish, or even virtually. Winn discussed the community partnerships the ride has developed, and the additional ways the event impacts the community. Plus, he shared how 100% of money raised by participants goes directly to funding cancer research and where those proceeds have made a positive impact.

https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-sc-state-election-commission-lowvelo-oct-6-2024?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing&si=9e220f0933044d75a7fb4b080e8fee3b

SEGMENT #1: MAD USA Inc.
GUEST: Christan Rainey, Founder and CEO
ISSUE: Domestic Violence
On Sept. 30, 2006 Christan Rainey’s life was forever changed when his month and 4 siblings were murdered in a domestic violence incident. Out of that tragedy, he formed MAD USA, Inc., a non-profit to assist victims of domestic violence and educating people, particularly men, about domestic violence. The organization’s 8th annual Domestic Violence Awareness Event will take place at the Sam’s Club in North Charleston on Saturday, Oct. 5. Rainey provided all of the information for the event, including who the event is for, and how it will assist the community. He also shared some tips for both victims, and steps you can take if you believe someone is begin affect by domestic violence.

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SEGMENT #2: American Cancer Society
GUEST: Tricia Bantz, Senior Development Manager
ISSUE: Health & Human Services
One in eight women are affected by cancer. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and this year the American Cancer Society is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Charleston Making Strides event. This year’s event is in a new location, at John’s Island County Park on Saturday, Oct. 26. Tricia Bantz with the American Cancer Society describes the event, explains what “Making Strides” is about, and how people can join the free event. Additionally, Bantz talked about where the money that the event raises will go, and some of the many services the American Cancer Society provides in the Lowcountry.

https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-mad-usa-inc-american-cancer-society-sept-29-2024?si=a78b777e12534403a489616602a8bfee&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

SEGMENT #1: MOJA Arts Festival
GUEST: Charleton Singleton, Artistic Director
ISSUE: Arts & Culture
This year is the 40th anniversary celebration of the MOJA Arts Festival, a celebration of African-American and Caribbean Arts. The 11-day festival runs Sept. 26 through Oct. 6. Charleton Singleton is the Artistic Director of this year’s event and shared the history of this event. Singleton also provided a detailed line up of the entertainment elements of the festival, as well as the non-entertainment events.  In addition, he discussed the educational aspects of the festival, and shared the positive effects MOJA has had on him. Plus, Singleton shared the importance of Charleston’s relationship with the festival and its economic impact.

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SEGMENT #2: BarBrewGrass
GUEST: Suzanne Auld, Founder and Director
ISSUE: Children’s Health
After her child was diagnosed with leukemia, Suzanna Auld discovered the challenges, beyond medical issues, that families experience when a son or daughter is hospitalized. BarBrewGrass is a non-profit she formed to help families with a child being treated at the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital. BarBrewGrass is an annual event, this year taking place at Firefly Distillery in North Charleston. Along with sharing her experience with the hospital, Auld provided the details on this year’s BarBrewGrass event and laid out how the money raised would be used to impact families in need at the Children’s Hospital.

https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-moja-arts-festival-barbrewgrass-sept-22-2024?si=8c8d45f6462249e4a74c8d2057597774&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

SEGMENT #1: The Spina Bifida Association
GUEST: Jordan Kirby, Ambassador
ISSUE: Children’s Health
It’s not a common disease, plus one most people don’t know much about. Jordan Kirby’s son Colt was diagnosed with Spina Bifida in her 20th week of pregnancy. The Spina Bifida Foundation is now extending the lives of patients with the disease, and searching for treatments, and ultimately a cure. Kirby shared her experiences and discussed how both Colt and her family deals with his Spina Bifida. The Kirby family is an ambassador family and will be a part of the Charleston Spina Bifida Walk and Roll event Saturday, Sept. 28 in Goose Creek. In addition to sharing event information, Kirby talked about how the Association specifically helped her family and the importance of supporting the Walk and Roll event.

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SEGMENT #2: Carolina Children’s Charity
GUEST: Sonya Beale, Executive Director
ISSUE: Children’s Health & Human Services
Established in 1987, the Carolina Children’s Charity serves Children under 18 in Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton and Dorchester Counties.  Executive Director Sonya Beale explained how the Charity began and the services they provide to Lowcountry families. The Charity has provided $4.7 million dollars in services yet receives no government funding. The Charity hosts 4 major fundraising events, including Care, Give, Run their annual 5K on Sept. 21. Beale provided information on the event, including the activities that day, how people can register and provided examples of how the funds raised that day would be used.

https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-spina-bifida-association-carolina-childrens-charity-sept-15-2024?si=3e461493605744a3b920468b2afacb49&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing