SEGMENT #1: Dorchester Paws
GUEST: Preston Hayden, Director of Marketing and Development
ISSUE: Pets/Animal Control
Formerly known as the Francis R. Willis SPCA, Dorchester Paws has been serving the Lowcountry for 51 years, all of it in the same Summerville building. In 2025, the non-profit hopes to break ground on a new facility. Preston Hayden, the organization’s Director of Marketing and Development explained Dorchester Paws need for the new shelter and the capitol campaign that started during the holiday season to raise money to fund it. Hayden shared the shelters commitment to being a No Kill facility and the challenges that has created. He also discussed the organization’s other needs including fostering animals and volunteering and their next major fundraising event, an oyster roast on Feb. 1.
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SEGMENT #2: James Island Outreach
GUEST: Jeff Gordon, Executive Director
ISSUE: Community Service
Helping Neighbors, Uniting Community is the motto of James Island Outreach, a non-profit formed in 1989 following Hurricane Hugo. Jeff Gordon, the executive director of the organization, explained the main service they provide is a food pantry, open multiple days each week. James Island Outreach does provide other services, including their newest addition, assisting with home roofing repairs, which is also their biggest current need, looking for funding and expertise. Golden spoke about being one of the few non-profits operating on James Island and the Outreach’s connection with 27 local churches. He also provided information on their other needs and shared that the Outreach serves more than just residents of James Island.
https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-dorchester-paws-james-island-outreach-jan-26-2025
SEGMENT #1: Dorchester Paws
GUEST: Preston Hayden, Director of Marketing and Development
ISSUE: Pets/Animal Control
Former known as the Francis R. Willis SPCA, Dorchester Paws has been serving the Lowcountry for 51 years, all of it in the same Summerville building. In 2025, the non-profit hopes to break ground on a new facility. Preston Hayden, the organization’s Director of Marketing and Development explained Dorchester Paws need for the new shelter and the capitol campaign that started during the holiday season to raise money to fund it. Hayden shared the shelters commitment to being a No Kill facility and the challenges that has created. He also discussed the organization’s other needs including fostering animals and volunteering and their next major fundraising event, an oyster roast on February 1.
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SEGMENT #2: Southeastern Wildlife Exposition
GUEST: John Powell, Executive Director
ISSUE: Tourism/Economic Development
The start of the tourist season in the Charleston area begins with the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, this year February 14 through the 16. For the past 20 years, John Powell has been the Executive Director of SEWE. Powell shared the growth of the Exposition over that time frame and talked about how wildlife art is still the center of what has become a wide-ranging event. Along with art, SEWE includes outdoor and wildlife events like the Dock Dogs competition in the Birds of Prey exhibition in Marion Square. Powell explained the partnership that has been created not just with the city of Charleston, but the surrounding communities, and went in-depth on the economic effect of the Exposition, sharing how SEWE generates about $35 million dollars for the Lowcountry.
https://soundcloud.com/charleston-radio-group/lowcountry-forever-dorchester-paws-sewe-jan-12-2025?si=44086a5daa74480db87aa585411fdb3d&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
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
