Category: Fundraisers

Recently, the Backpack Buddies of Seabrook Island (BPBSI) held a Thank You Party for the many volunteers who make the organization run smoothly.

The event was held at the Oyster Catcher Community Center, where Shirley Salvo of Sea Islands Hunger Awareness Foundation (SIHAF) was the guest speaker. She regaled everyone with her story about her years with SIHAF, where she has worked tirelessly to address the hunger issue on Johns and Wadmalaw Islands. Volunteers were also treated to an interesting PowerPoint presentation, where many of them were featured on the slides.

Shirley’s message was interesting to all the volunteers, as BPBSI’s mission is to provide weekend food and snacks to needy school children in the Charleston area who attend local schools and live below the poverty line. Thanks to a generous donation of $20,000 from SIHAF, Backpack Buddies Seabrook Island can continue to support local children in need.

With more than 160 volunteers who rotate through roles that include organizing, buying, packing, and delivering the food to each of the locations, BPBSI is a well-tuned operation. Every Thursday during the school year, you can see the assembly line at Oyster Catcher – it would rival a Fortune 500 company!

The volunteers enjoyed good food and drinks provided by the BPBSI Board, as well as the company of fellow volunteers. A special award was given to Gabe Sutton, who helps on Thursdays, cutting up used boxes, stapling and packing bags, and helping the drivers load their cars. His efforts make the process run more smoothly.

Backpack Buddies Seabrook Island (BPBSI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. To learn how you can donate to help provide nutritious weekend meals to children living below the poverty line, click here.

Read more to see pictures of the event.

Sea Island Habitat for Humanity is officially kicking off its Mid-Year Annual Appeal, inviting the Lowcountry community to help transform “Blueprints to Bricks”. This year’s campaign focuses on starting the development of Sweetgrass Preserve, a brand-new affordable housing neighborhood designed to ensure that those who serve the island can afford to live here. It is located on Johns Island, about a half mile from Main Road on Black Pen Road, across from the Berkeley Electric Building. Click here for more information on Sweetgrass Preserve.

Among the first homeowners moving into the neighborhood this year is Maria, a local early childhood education teacher. For years, Maria has laid the foundations for the community’s youngest dreamers, but she has struggled to secure a foundation of her own.

Her new 3-bedroom, 2-bath home at Sweetgrass Preserve is more than just four walls – it is a promise of a safe, permanent sanctuary for Maria and her elderly grandmother. Maria’s story reflects the mission of this mid-year appeal of ensuring that dedicated community members can finally plant permanent roots in the soil that raised them.

Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic is pleased to announce that its 19th Annual Golf Invitational will take place on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at the Cassique Course at Kiawah Island Club.

A limited number of spots remain for the Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic’s 19th Annual Golf Invitational at Cassique on June 16. This event sells out quickly, so don’t miss the opportunity to play a challenging course while supporting a meaningful cause. Registration is available for both teams and individual players.

Click here for full details and registration.

Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic provides a free medical home to uninsured adults across the Tri-County area, serving more than 1,200 patients, many of whom work in hospitality, landscaping, and construction across the Barrier Islands.

-Submitted by Lori Leary

(Image credit: BIFMC)