The Exchange Club of Kiawah-Seabrook Foundation is honoring Leroy Blake of Johns Island with the Angel Oak Award for his outstanding volunteer contributions to the people and quality of life on Johns Island and Wadmalaw Island.
The Exchange Club of Kiawah-Seabrook is proud to honor Mr. Leroy Blake as this year’s Angel Oak Award recipient. Among many strong nominations, Leroy stood out for the depth of his volunteer service and his unwavering commitment to the residents of Johns and Wadmalaw Islands. As nominator Shirley Salvo shared, “We could not get along without Leroy Blake at the Blessing Basket—his dedication is very much appreciated.”
For nine years, Leroy has been a driving force behind the Sea Islands Blessing Basket, using his truck to collect, transport, and distribute hundreds of pounds of food each month to nearly 300 families. He and his wife, Marva, also deliver to shut in clients and bring valuable insight to the Blessing Basket Board of Directors.
A servant leader in every sense, Leroy is active in his church, serves as President of the Bethlehem St. James United Methodist Men, supports the Meal Train program, and is a longtime member of the Johns Island Civic Group. He has also served 12 years as a St. Johns Fire District Commissioner and recently partnered with the Fire Department to distribute safety fliers through the Blessing Basket.
Leroy’s impact spans hungry families, homebound neighbors, and young men seeking guidance. He embodies the values of the Angel Oak Award—service, compassion, and the belief that we rise by lifting others.
A lifelong Johns Island resident, Leroy served 22 years in the U.S. Air Force before returning home, where he and Marva raised three sons who also became military veterans.
The public is cordially invited to attend The Angel Oak Award Banquet May 20, 2026 at 5:30 pm. The banquet will be held at Wingate Place, 3850 River Road, Johns Island, SC.
Ticket Options:
Individual Ticket: $125
Full Table Sponsorship: $1,300 for 8 seats
Half Table Sponsorship: $650.00 for 4 seats
Ticket includes dinner, beer/wine/cocktails, and live music
To register, click here or scan the QR code below.
All proceeds support the Exchange Club’s mission to strengthen the Johns Island and Wadmalaw Island communities through child abuse prevention, youth and education programs, community outreach (including health, housing, hunger, and mentoring), and the display of flags honoring South Carolina’s fallen heroes during major holidays and events.
Please consider contributing to the Exchange Club of Kiawah-Seabrook Foundation to help fund our community grants program. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax deductible. To donate, click here.
-Submitted by The Exchange Club of Kiawah-Seabrook
(Image credit: Kiawah-Seabrook Exchange Club)