13th Annual “Midlands Gives” helps nonprofits continue their efforts

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — The 13th annual giving challenge known as “Midlands Gives” kicked off Tuesday morning — and continues until just before midnight Tuesday night.

According to its host, Central Carolina Community Foundation, the event has raised over $32 million for nonprofits across 11 counties since 2014.

CCCF held a block party at Segra Park — as a way to get nonprofits together for some fun and games, and allow them to spread the word about their cause.

The day helps spotlight up-and-coming nonprofits as well.

Michael Hazin with the Arts Center of Kershaw County says they’re focused on expanding what they can offer surrounding communities in terms of entertainment.

“We have so many incredible things coming up this next season. Plays, musicals, events that are outdoor showings of some very famous things that we’re excited about — and of course our education department is really focused on bringing children in and really helping them learn what the arts are all about,” says Hazin.

The center’s new Executive Director Chad Henderson says the center is small but fierce in the art they offer up to the community.

“Get on the road, get on I-20 and come see us, you’re gonna have a great time, you’re gonna go downtown and have a great night, maybe see a great play and have a great dinner, so don’t keep us off your list — put us on it,” Henderson says.

Beth Lechner, Program Director at SC Career Kids — says the nonprofit provides hands-on career exploration for elementary school students.

“Not to mention that the careers for these kids — don’t even exist yet. So looking for what they might be curious about, what are they good at, and what’s available in our state for them,” says Lechner.

Councilman Gabriel Benfield finds SC Career Kids has been great for the Irmo area, saying, “You can tell a lot about a civilization about how they treat their elderly and their young and so we wanna come together in both of those groups of people and SC Career Kids helps them get off to a great start.”

Elizabeth Barrett, Director of Programs at PAALS — says “Midlands Gives” is one of their biggest fundraisers each year.

The group raises and trains service dogs — like the dog Icon — for clients across the Midlands.

“And we depend on it so much. We utilize this money for our general funding, which goes into veterinary care, food for the dogs, equipment for them, but then it’s also to provide these dogs for free that we serve,” says Barrett.

For a link to donate to any of these nonprofits, visit Midlands Gives website here.