That’s right! You knew he and his friends would be back once again – this year he is even stronger, more friends, in fact, this year he is seventy-five Friends strong. Mike Gorski and his Friends have generously secured $75,000 that will now be used to match dollar-for-dollar donations made by YOU, the residents of Kiawah, Seabrook, and Johns Islands.
Yes, folks, you heard right! They are matching dollar-for-dollar for your donations made. It’s a win-win for both Backpack Buddies programs which are the Backpack Buddies Seabrook Island and the Backpack Buddies Group of Kiawah Women’s Foundation. The two organizations are both 501(c)(3) nonprofits whose missions are to feed local, hungry school children on the weekends. These children receive breakfast and lunch at school but are food insecure on weekends and school holidays. Backpack Buddies is currently providing approximately 650 weekly bags to children in the Charleston County schools they support.
Mike Gorski, Owner of Island Transportation, launched this project 6 years ago to help raise additional funds for both Backpack Buddies’ programs. Each year the Challenge has proven to be more successful to raise funds for these 2 separate programs that serve so many children in need. Here is the yearly recap: 2017 – $ 8,800, 2018 – $28,000, 2019 – $40,000, 2020 – $80,000, and 2021 – $138,260.
This year’s goal is $150,000 plus, but he needs your help to achieve this lofty goal. Some resident donations have been coming in and Mike reports that we are off to a good start but that the momentum needs to continue and the donations need to keep coming in. As it has already been stated, the Friends are matching your donations dollar-for-dollar. All of your donations are tax-deductible as permitted by law.
Making a resident donation is very easy. Just call or text Mike Gorski at 864-316-3894 and tell him your donation amount. He will provide all of the details for the different ways that you can make your donation. Thank you in advance for your support and please make your donation now before the campaign ends at the end of March so it will be matched dollar-for-dollar.
-Submitted by The 2022 Gorski Challenge Committee