Charleston magazine Society blog

The smell of freshly cut grass lured guests to the tents at Blackbaud Stadium on Daniel Island for the 9th Annual Charleston Battery “Special Night for Special Olympics Gala.”
 

Guests first entered to both silent and live auctions stocked with everything from framed photography from recent Special Olympics projects to an ultimate Bahamas getaway with monies raised to help assure that Special Olympics athletes can continue to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience the joy of participation in year round sports training and competitions. Once past the hustle and bustle of the auction, guests spilled out into an additional tent that looked like the set of “Wild Kingdom.” All of the décor was safari-inspired with stuffed lions, giraffes, and zebra nestled within oversized palm trees. One really cool prop and auction item was a sailboat that was perched in the center of the room that everyone cleverly decided to use as a photo backdrop.
 

The spirit of Special Olympics shined throughout the night as guests mingled with a few of the athletes that were in attendance. I was fortunate enough to be introduced to Special Olympics golfer Darryl Malone, who could not stop laughing as he told me how much he likes playing golf and that he hopes to play at Kiawah one day. As I cruised around the room, I could clearly see that this was a tight-knit group. There were hugs and kisses being given and great stories from the past being shared. It was truly a special night.

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Fish and Fashion—that was the aptly named theme for this year’s Goodwill Annual Fall Gala & Fashion Show held at the South Carolina Aquarium. There, a mixture of sponsors and supporters gathered in their Sunday’s best to compete for original memorabilia from the College of Charleston coaches John Kresse and Bobby Cremins, gift packages, trips, and other one-of-a-kind items to raise funds for Goodwill’s mission of helping those with barriers to employment find secure job placement.
 

I knew the evening was going to be jammed packed because as soon as I walked through the doors, guest were given the program and told to listen out for event announcements. The Frank Duvall Jazz Trio provided the sounds, ABC News 4’s Tom Crawford hosted the live auction and Avis MacLellan, owner of The Model’s Studio, coordinated a “Red Carpet” fashion show. 
 

Ok, the fashion show was definitely interesting. Each model came down a 20 foot escalator, introduced themselves, told the crowd what they were wearing, and then walked the “Red Carpet” runway.  Keep in mind, there were over 20 models. All of the clothes were fashionable pieces that were donated and found at Goodwill retail stores. Some of the brands included Armani and Prada.  Most of the models were from The Model’s studio, but a few of the television’s news anchors and reporters from channels 4 and 5 volunteered to strut their stuff. My good friend and Live 5 News reporter Sheldon Dutes looked amazing in an Italian grey suit, and ABC News 4 anchor Victoria Hansen looked remarkable in a stunning blue evening gown.  
 

My night ended with a plate full of shrimp and grits and great conversation with my new friends from BB&T. Most of the seated tables were reserved and they graciously allowed me to sit with them. Thanks guys.

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Raising money for breast cancer awareness and a cure brought out thousands of runners and walkers to Daniel Island in the pouring rain Saturday, October 18th. The grounds at Family Circle Tennis Center were muddy, but race participants were geared up and ready to “Race for a Cure.” Spirits were high and the crowd was filled with emotion.  

As I made my way through the Sponsor Village, local businesses were giving away essentials for today’s race and signature pink parting gifts.  Bio-Lo provided beverages and snacks while Stella Nova gave away free mani’s and  product samples. The Warriors in Pink booth sponsor by Ford Cares was a high traffic designation giving away the cutest pink scarves covered with warrior symbols, which most women opted to wear considering the rain had not stopped and everyone’s hair was a mess.

The Survivor Celebration was the quit a tear-jerker. More than 100 breast cancer survivors gathered onstage with pink roses raised, swaying from side to side rejoicing. Honorary Race Chair, Victoria Hanson joined the women on stage and allowed a few of them to announce how many years they have been cancer free. After several inspirational songs, everyone knew their purpose and was ready to run.

Money raised and continued support provides mammograms and diagnostic testing for uninsured and underinsured women in our service area.

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