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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY ON SEPTEMBER 11TH

9/11 Day is the nonprofit that founded and leads the National September 11th Day of Service and Remembrance. As we prepare to commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11, 50,000 volunteers in 50 cities will come together to pack 20 million meals for people experiencing food insecurity. We are organizing the largest day of service in American history and we need your help!

Event Support Volunteers do not pack individual meals but instead are the support and backbone to the event’s success, helping welcome participants, lead meal-packing teams, keep supplies moving, and ensure the event runs smoothly. Volunteers must be 18+, and all positions are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Event Support Volunteer Opportunities (Assigned as needed)
Table Captains – Lead and energize meal-packing teams
Heavy Lifters / Runners – Keep supplies moving and meal-packing stations stocked
Hospitality & Registration – Welcome, check in, and assist volunteers
Set-Up & Break-Down Crew – Help prepare and reset the event space

Learn more about the event and register for Charleston directly HERE.

Together, let’s honor the 25th anniversary of 9/11 through compassion, unity, and service. We hope you’ll join us for what will be our most meaningful and ambitious year yet.

Event Details

Charleston Meal Pack for 9/11 Day – Set Up Day 

Join us in packing 20 million meals for the September 11 National Day of Service & Remembrance (“9/11 Day”)

This email includes everything you’ll need to know. Please read it all the way through. Thank you for registering to participate in our Set Up Day for our 9/11 Day Meal Pack for Charleston on Thursday, September 11, 2026 at the Gaillard Center in Charleston. We are grateful for your willingness to be a part of this nationwide effort (visit 911day.org).

Date/Time: Thursday, September 10, 2026 1-5p

Location: Gaillard Center – Grand Ballroom, 95 Calhoun Street Charleston. Garage and street parking is available, and CARTA use from the Visitors Center and carpooling is suggested.

WHEN TO ARRIVE 

Please plan to arrive promptly before our 1 p.m. start. All participants will go through a quick registration/check-in process in the ground floor lobby. You can wear a fanny pack or small bag for phone/keys/light wallet and water bottle but please leave valuables at home or locked in your car. There is no locked storage on site.

HOW TO GET THERE AND WHERE TO PARK 

33 Alexander Street Charleston = garage entrance

Located at 95 Calhoun Street, the Gaillard Center’s Grand Ballroom in Charleston (note: the Grand Ballroom is an exhibition hall, adjacent and connected to the Gaillard performing arts venue – different building).

GARAGE: Look for the garage entrance on 33 Alexander Street, with 600 parking spots. You will receive a parking voucher after the event to “chase” your ticket upon exit to cover your parking fees that day for support staff only.

Alternative if full: the nearby Aquarium Garage on 24 Calhoun Street has plenty of parking just a short walk to the Gaillard, but leave time to find parking and make the 10-minute walk. Neither garage takes cash and is card-only. The venue is ADA compliant. For more details on parking and accessibility, click here.

WHERE TO GO ONCE YOU ARRIVE   

Once you have parked, proceed out of the garage to the Calhoun Street entrance and you will see the Grand Ballroom in the exhibition hall side, across the lobby from the performing arts side. Once you enter, look for the check-in table and show your registration check-in confirmation on your phone – we will direct you from there. 

WHAT TO BRING

• Ticket: Please have your ticket ready for check-in, either printed or accessible on your phone. You can find your ticket in the confirmation email sent by noreply@order.eventbrite.com.
• Bag Restrictions: We discourage volunteers from bringing purses, backpacks and large totes, all of which are subject to search.
• Food & Drink: Food and drinks are not allowed in the meal pack area. You may bring a water bottle.

WHAT TO WEAR

Wear comfortable and casual clothing. Closed-toe shoes are recommended. The facility is air-conditioned but dress comfortably to lift, pack, and move. It is best to leave jewelry and valuables at home. No weapons or firearms of any kind will be permitted. Permanent jewelry and hard-to-remove piercings (such as nose rings or cartilage piercings) are permitted.

WHAT TO EXPECT

After registration, our set up day for Charleston Meal Pack for 9/11 will be fun and energizing experience setting up supplies and ingredients for the next day’s event, when 500 more volunteers will create red lentil jambalaya meals for the Lowcountry Food Bank to distribute to those in need. Supplies and ingredients include setting up tables with table coverings; bins, bags, boxes and laminators to seal the bags, and of course, all the food ingredients at about 50 stations. 

TRAINING ZOOM CALLS: OPTIONAL FOR SET UP VOLUNTEERS 

We will hold two Support Staff Zoom calls to give you an overview of the day and your role. You may attend either call; this is an optional 30-minute introduction, and we highly recommend that you do.

Links:

TUESDAY 9/8 11AM: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8077427872?pwd=nukMHxxZFkvzZ5drt5LDA1h0xbUcp8.1&omn=84578346476

WEDNESDAY 9/9 6PM: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8077427872?pwd=nukMHxxZFkvzZ5drt5LDA1h0xbUcp8.1&omn=83794795416

Video of meal pack operations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnJxFG4E4jw

THANK YOU again for your willingness to serve as part of this important effort.  With your help, we will provide much needed support to food-insecure families in the Lowcountry. 

See you Friday, September 11th!  

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Photo Credit: Matt Stone/Boston Herald

By Mark A Leon

Dog owners in the Summerville area have a brand-new destination to enjoy with their four-legged companions. GoDog Dog Park Bar officially opened its doors on July 29, 2026, bringing a unique combination of off-leash recreation, craft beverages and community gathering space to the rapidly growing Nexton development. 

Located at 652 Scholar Way in Nexton, the membership-based dog park and bar is the second phase of the GoDog campus, which first introduced premium daycare, boarding, bathing and training services in 2025. The addition of the outdoor social space completes the company’s vision of creating a one-stop destination where dogs receive exceptional care while owners enjoy time with friends and neighbors. 

Unlike a traditional dog park, GoDog’s newest attraction is designed to be as enjoyable for people as it is for their pets. Guests can relax with beer, wine and other beverages while watching their dogs play safely in a secure, supervised environment. Membership requirements and vaccination policies help ensure a safe experience for every canine visitor. 

The concept has become increasingly popular across the country, combining the social atmosphere of a neighborhood bar with the energy of a community dog park. For many pet owners, it offers an opportunity to meet fellow dog lovers, work remotely outdoors or simply unwind after work without leaving their pets at home.

GoDog founder Ben Eberdt previously said the company designed every aspect of the campus to meet the needs of both pets and their owners. Nexton’s walkable, pet-friendly environment made it a natural choice for South Carolina’s first GoDog location, creating a destination that extends beyond pet care into community building. 

The opening also reflects the continued growth of the Nexton community, which has attracted new restaurants, retailers and recreational amenities as one of the Charleston region’s fastest-growing mixed-use developments. The addition of the Dog Park Bar further strengthens Nexton’s reputation as a lifestyle-focused destination for residents and visitors alike. 

For dog owners across Berkeley and Dorchester counties, GoDog’s July 29 opening provides more than just another place to let pets run free—it creates a new social hub where friendships can form on both ends of the leash. Whether stopping by after work, spending a weekend afternoon outdoors or meeting fellow pet lovers, the new Dog Park Bar offers a fresh way to enjoy life with man’s best friend.

GoDog Nexton Dog Park Bar

• Address: 652 Scholar Way, Summerville, SC 29486
• Opened: July 29, 2026
• Features: Membership dog park, outdoor bar, daycare, boarding, bathing and training services.

Follow their journey on Instagram.

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Photo Credit: GoDog

By Mark A Leon

Three development sites are forcing the Holy City to confront what lies beneath its streets

Charleston likes to call itself a living museum.

But beneath some of its newest construction projects are people who were buried here long before anyone imagined cranes, parking garages, student dormitories or luxury apartments.

In the past few years, human remains and historic burial grounds have emerged as an increasingly uncomfortable part of Charleston’s development story. At one construction site, workers unexpectedly uncovered dozens of graves. At another, more than 50 graves were found beneath a stadium. And at a third, the city is debating what should happen to a proposed student residence hall on land that was once a municipal cemetery believed to contain thousands of graves.

These aren’t murder mysteries. They are something more complicated: Charleston’s forgotten dead coming back into the conversation.

1. Courier Square: 74 graves beneath King Street

In May 2025, construction at 635 King Street, part of the Courier Square development, uncovered 74 unmarked graves.

The discovery occurred on land that was once associated with St. James Methodist Church, founded in the late 18th century. Historical evidence suggested there had been a cemetery there, but the graves were not visibly marked when modern development began.

The discovery was a reminder of how easily Charleston’s historic burial grounds can disappear from the visible landscape.

The remains were ultimately slated for reinterment at Bethany Cemetery after Charleston City Council approved a plan developed with the church, cemetery officials and preservation organizations.

But the bigger question remains: How many other graves are beneath Charleston properties where no one knows they are there?

2. Johnson Hagood Stadium: More than 50 graves beneath The Citadel

Then came another startling discovery.

During construction associated with renovations at Johnson Hagood Stadium, crews uncovered more than 50 unmarked graves containing human remains. The affected area was beneath the eastern side of the stadium, where construction was underway.

Subsequent reporting identified approximately 54 possible 19th-century gravesites. Archaeologists have been painstakingly removing and documenting the remains.

The discovery is particularly significant because this was not an unknown cemetery in the broadest historical sense. Charleston has known for years that the area was associated with historic burial grounds.

And yet, more than a century later, people were still building over it.

The episode illustrates a fundamental problem with Charleston’s historic landscape: the absence of a headstone does not mean the absence of a grave.

3. 106 Coming Street: The cemetery that may contain thousands

Perhaps the most consequential case is also the one where construction has not yet produced a new discovery of human remains.

At 106 Coming Street, the College of Charleston is pursuing plans for a major student housing complex. But the property sits on land that was once an 18th-century municipal cemetery. Historic Charleston Foundation describes the site as a former municipal burial ground and has raised concerns about preservation, memory and development.

The project has become controversial precisely because archaeologists and historians believe the ground could contain the remains of thousands of people.

The College has said the final design will depend in part on archaeological findings, public input and state preservation requirements.

And the debate is no longer theoretical.

In July 2026, the College began demolishing the long-vacant building currently on the property as it moves forward with redevelopment efforts.

That means Charleston is approaching a potentially extraordinary archaeological moment: what happens when construction begins digging into a cemetery that may contain thousands of forgotten Charlestonians?

Charleston’s buried history is much larger than three sites

These three locations aren’t isolated curiosities.

In 2013, construction associated with the expansion of the Gaillard Center uncovered the remains of 36 people of African descent dating to the 18th century. The discovery ultimately led to the creation of the Anson Street African Burial Memorial, which now serves as a place of remembrance.

The story of the Anson Street burial ground is particularly important because it demonstrates what can happen when archaeology, descendants and the community are given the opportunity to transform a construction discovery into something more meaningful.

The people whose graves were uncovered weren’t simply archaeological specimens.

They were someone’s ancestors.

They were mothers and fathers, children and neighbors. They lived in Charleston, worked in Charleston and died in Charleston.

And then, over generations, their cemetery disappeared from the city’s collective memory.

The uncomfortable question

Charleston is experiencing extraordinary growth.

Historic buildings are being restored. Old industrial properties are becoming residential developments. New hotels, apartments and student housing are appearing on land that has passed through centuries of different uses.

But Charleston’s history isn’t confined to its buildings.

It is in the ground.

And the more the city digs, the more it is discovering that the past isn’t always safely contained behind museum glass.

Sometimes it’s underneath a foundation.

Sometimes it’s beneath a parking lot.

Sometimes it’s underneath a football stadium.

And sometimes it may be directly beneath the next place Charleston wants to build.

That creates an uncomfortable challenge for a city that markets its history as one of its greatest treasures:

How do you develop the future without disturbing the people who made the past possible?

The recent discoveries at Courier Square and Johnson Hagood Stadium — and the controversy surrounding 106 Coming Street — suggest that Charleston may have to answer that question much more often in the years ahead.

Because in the Holy City, the most important historical landmark may not always be the building standing above the ground.

Sometimes, it is the ground itself.

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Photo Credit: Historic Preservation Society of Charleston

By Mark A. Leon

After years of strategic investment and modernization, Century Aluminum has reached a major milestone at its Mt. Holly aluminum smelter in Goose Creek, restoring the facility to 100% operating capacity and strengthening South Carolina’s role in America’s manufacturing resurgence.

The company invested $50 million to restart previously idled pot lines at the Berkeley County facility, an expansion that will create 150 new permanent jobs while increasing the plant’s workforce to more than 750 employees.

The project also delivers a significant boost to the nation’s industrial capacity. With the additional production coming online, Century Aluminum estimates the Mt. Holly expansion will increase overall U.S. domestic aluminum production by approximately 10%, reinforcing the country’s ability to manufacture a critical material used in aerospace, automotive, defense, construction, and consumer products.

Located in Goose Creek, the Mt. Holly smelter has long been one of South Carolina’s most important manufacturing assets. Aluminum produced at the facility is essential to supply chains that support everything from lightweight vehicles and military equipment to beverage packaging and infrastructure projects.

The investment comes at a time when domestic manufacturers are placing renewed emphasis on expanding U.S.-based production and reducing reliance on imported materials. By bringing previously idle production lines back into service rather than constructing a new facility, Century Aluminum was able to accelerate the expansion while creating high-paying manufacturing careers in the Lowcountry.

For Berkeley County, the announcement represents another major economic development victory. The addition of 150 permanent positions not only strengthens the region’s manufacturing workforce but also generates broader economic benefits for local businesses, suppliers, and service providers that support the plant’s operations.

Century Aluminum’s expansion underscores the continued momentum of South Carolina’s manufacturing sector, which has attracted billions of dollars in investment across automotive, aerospace, advanced materials, and industrial production. As one of the few remaining primary aluminum smelters in the United States, the Mt. Holly facility plays an increasingly strategic role in supporting domestic manufacturing and national supply chain resilience.

With the expansion complete and the smelter operating at full capacity, Century Aluminum is positioned to help meet growing demand for American-produced aluminum while providing hundreds of stable, skilled manufacturing jobs in the Charleston region for years to come.

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The Ultimate Charleston Fall Bucket List: Oysters, Pumpkins, Porches, Live Oaks & Lowcountry Magic

By Mark A Leon

☐ 1. Take a slow morning walk down Church Street
Start at St. Michael’s and wander toward White Point Garden, taking in the historic homes and hidden gardens along the way.

☐ 2. Photograph the fall light on Rainbow Row
Go early or late in the afternoon when the pastel facades glow.

☐ 3. Wander through the French Quarter
Explore the galleries, boutiques, churches and historic streets around Meeting and Broad.

☐ 4. Tour a historic Charleston home
Fall is an especially beautiful time to experience Charleston’s architecture and interiors.

☐ 5. Take part in the 50th anniversary of the Preservation Society’s Fall Tours
Throughout October, the Fall Tours offer access to historic houses, gardens, neighborhoods and architectural sites.
Fall Tours information⁠

☐ 6. Walk the Battery at sunset
Watch the harbor turn gold as the sun drops behind the city.

☐ 7. Explore the historic alleys
Linger in Philadelphia Alley, Stoll’s Alley and the other small passages that make Charleston feel like a living museum.

☐ 8. Visit the Charleston Museum
Spend an afternoon exploring Charleston’s history, natural history and Lowcountry culture.

☐ 9. See Charleston from the water
Take a harbor cruise or get out on a kayak or paddleboard for a completely different perspective of the city.

☐ 10. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride
Tour the historic district at a slower pace while learning about Charleston’s architecture and history.

🎃 Pumpkins, Gardens & Country Roads

☐ 11. Get lost in the Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch corn maze 🎃
A Charleston fall classic. The Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze is one of the area’s biggest autumn traditions.
Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch⁠

☐ 12. Pick out the perfect pumpkin

☐ 13. Take a hayride at Boone Hall

☐ 14. Walk beneath the Avenue of Oaks at Boone Hall

☐ 15. Visit Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
The gardens, walking trails, swamp and historic landscape take on a completely different character as temperatures cool.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens⁠

☐ 16. Experience Magnolia’s “Journey to Indigo”
This 2026 exhibition explores indigo’s history, cultivation and artistic legacy in the Lowcountry and runs through November 15. 

☐ 17. Visit Middleton Place
Explore America’s oldest landscaped gardens, the house museum and historic stableyards across 110 acres.
Middleton Place⁠

☐ 18. Walk the grounds of Drayton Hall
Take your time exploring one of America’s most significant preserved plantation houses and its surrounding landscape.
Drayton Hall⁠

☐ 19. Visit a Lowcountry farm stand

☐ 20. Take a fall drive down Highway 61
The road from Charleston toward the Ashley River plantations is one of the prettiest drives in the area.

🌿 Get Outside

☐ 21. Explore Caw Caw Interpretive Center
Walk the elevated boardwalks and trails through former rice fields and Lowcountry wetlands. 

☐ 22. Hike at Francis Marion National Forest

☐ 23. Explore James Island County Park
Charleston County Parks offer miles of trails, recreation and outdoor programs throughout the Lowcountry.
Charleston County Parks⁠

☐ 24. Watch the sunset at Folly Beach

☐ 25. Walk Sullivan’s Island before dinner

☐ 26. Bike the Ravenel Bridge pedestrian path
Choose a crisp fall morning and take in the harbor, downtown skyline and Mount Pleasant.

☐ 27. Go kayaking on Shem Creek

☐ 28. Look for dolphins from the harbor

☐ 29. Spend an afternoon at Angel Oak
Stand beneath one of the Lowcountry’s most remarkable living landmarks on Johns Island.

☐ 30. Have a picnic beneath the live oaks

🦪 Eat & Drink Your Way Through Fall

☐ 31. Eat your first oyster roast of the season
Fall and winter are oyster season in the Lowcountry. Find a local roast and settle in.

☐ 32. Order a bowl of shrimp and grits

☐ 33. Have an outdoor brunch on a cool morning

☐ 34. Visit the Charleston Farmers Market
The Marion Square market runs Saturdays from 8 a.m.–2 p.m. through November 21, 2026, with local produce, food, artisans, crafts and live entertainment.
Charleston Farmers Market⁠

☐ 35. Buy something delicious you’ve never tried at the Farmers Market

☐ 36. Take a Charleston food tour

☐ 37. Have a Lowcountry seafood dinner at sunset

☐ 38. Attend the Food & Wine Classic Charleston 🍷
The 2026 festival is scheduled for November 13–15, celebrating Charleston’s culinary scene with chefs, wine and food experiences.
Food & Wine Classic Charleston⁠

☐ 39. Head to Summerville for Oktoberfest 🍺
The 2026 celebration is scheduled for October 3 at Hutchinson Square, with German food, music and family activities. 

☐ 40. Find a patio with a fire pit and stay for sunset

🎶 Arts, Culture & Fall Events

☐ 41. Experience the MOJA Arts Festival
The 2026 MOJA Arts Festival runs September 24–October 4, celebrating African-American and Caribbean arts and culture through music, dance, theater, visual art, storytelling and more.
MOJA Arts Festival⁠

☐ 42. Attend Riverfront Revival 🎵
Darius Rucker’s Charleston-area music festival returns to Riverfront Park October 9–10, 2026.
Riverfront Revival⁠

☐ 43. Spend an evening gallery hopping downtown

☐ 44. Discover a Charleston-made work of art
Make a point of buying something created by a local artist rather than taking home another mass-produced souvenir.

☐ 45. Visit the Gibbes Museum of Art

☐ 46. See a performance at the Dock Street Theatre

☐ 47. Attend the Charleston Literary Festival 📚
The annual festival returns in November with intimate conversations featuring acclaimed authors.
Charleston Literary Festival⁠

☐ 48. Catch an outdoor movie under the stars
Freshfields Village and other Lowcountry communities host seasonal outdoor film events. 

☐ 49. Attend a Halloween event 👻
From spooky historic tours to family-friendly celebrations, check the Charleston event calendar for October happenings.
Explore Charleston Events Calendar⁠

☐ 50. Spend an entire fall day doing absolutely nothing on a Charleston porch ❤️
Coffee in the morning. A good book. A breeze through the live oaks. Maybe an oyster roast later. No schedule required.

🍂 And One More Thing…

Make your own Charleston fall tradition.

Maybe it’s buying a pumpkin every October. Maybe it’s the first oyster roast. A Saturday morning at Marion Square. A walk on Folly Beach after dinner. An annual photograph beneath the Angel Oak. Or simply wandering downtown with no destination.

Because the best part of fall in Charleston isn’t checking everything off the list.

It’s slowing down long enough to remember why you love this place.

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Healthy Churches 2030 Roadmap Tour: Upgrade Your Health Agenda

Free health event hosted in North Charleston, SC, Saturday, August 29

Richmond, VA – The Balm In Gilead, Inc. is bringing the Healthy Churches 2030 Roadmap Tour: Upgrade Your Health Agenda, to North Charleston on Saturday, August 29, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Charity Missionary Baptist Church, 1544 E Montague Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405.

What is your health agenda? Individuals, families, congregations and communities at-large are invited to attend the conference and explore the answer to this question. Attendees will receive life-saving health information, hear from medical experts and more. Lunch is included.

The event will also feature a special musical performance by acclaimed gospel artist VaShawn Mitchell, a seven-time Stellar Award winner, three-time GMA Dove Award winner, and multiple GRAMMY nominee. 

“When families have access to the care, knowledge, and resources they need, entire communities prosper. We’re committed to removing the barriers that stand in the way of health equity and ensuring every family has the opportunity to thrive with dignity, hope, and opportunity,” said Dr. Pernessa C. Seele.

Register at Roadmaptourcharleston.eventbrite.com

Conference Presenters:

• Dr. Pernessa C. Seele, Founder & CEO, The Balm In Gilead, Inc.
• Felicia Veasey, MHADirector, Community Health Roper St. Francis Healthcare
• Brenda Hughes, MPH Lowcountry, Community Engagement Team Manager South Carolina Department of Public Health
• Regina L. Nesmith-Dimery, MS Community Engagement Manager Pee Dee Public Health Region S.C. Department of Public Health
• Cary Goodman Program Consultant, The Balm In Gilead, Inc.
• Stephen Kohn, EdD Financial and Health Advocate

Roadmap Tour Schedule

AUGUST 29 –North Charleston, SC
SEPTEMBER 12 – Richmond, VA

RoadmapTour.BalmInGilead.org

The Roadmap Tour is part of the Healthy Churches 2030 Initiative, a multifaceted effort driven by the principles of Healthy People 2030, a program led by the Department of Health and Human Services.   

The Healthy Churches Roadmap Tour is supported by Bristol Myers Squibb, Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation and the American Kidney Fund.

About The Balm In Gilead, Inc.

Founded in 1989, The Balm In Gilead, Inc., a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization, has developed an international reputation for providing an insightful understanding of religious cultures, values, and extraordinary abilities to build strong, trusted partnerships with faith communities throughout the world. By working with national, regional, and local faith-based partners, we establish grass-roots health delivery systems and increase the number of individuals who have the knowledge to lead in areas of health promotion, disease prevention, screening, and disease management. To learn more, visit www.BalmInGilead.org.

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CHARLESTON, S.C. – ESPN Events has officially announced the six teams participating in the 2026 Shriners Children’s Charleston Classic, set to return for its 18^th year at TD Arena in Charleston, S.C. This year’s event will be held on November 20 and 22 and consist of three standalone games on each day, with each team playing one game on November 20 and one game on November 22.

The six participating teams are Dayton, Minnesota, Northwestern, Oklahoma State, Utah, and Virginia Tech.

Matchups, tip-off times, and ESPN network designations for all games will be announced in the coming months.

Team Highlights

• Dayton (Atlantic 10) has posted five consecutive 20-win seasons under head coach Anthony Grant. The Flyers are coming off a 25-win season in 2025 and an NIT quarterfinal appearance.

• Minnesota (Big Ten) is led by returning senior forward Jaylen Crocker-Johnson, who averaged 13.4 points and led the team with 6.8 rebounds per game last year.

• Northwestern (Big Ten) made the first back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances in program history in 2023 and 2024, reaching the Second Round both years.

• Oklahoma State (Big 12) finished the 2025-26 season 20-15 and reached the NIT Second Round. The Cowboys are led by returning senior guard Kanye Clary, who averaged 10.6 points and 4.6 assists last year.

• Utah (Big 12) Head Coach Alex Jensen begins his second season back at his alma mater, looking to take another big step in returning the Runnin’ Utes to national prominence as they battle in the Big 12 Conference.

• Virginia Tech (ACC) is led by senior forward Amani Hansberry, who averaged 14.3 points per game and earned NABC First Team All-East Region honors.

Owned and operated by ESPN Events, the Shriners Children’s Charleston Classic is in its 18th year. Past Classic champions include Utah State and Clemson (2025), Drake (2024), Houston (2023), College of Charleston (2022), St. Bonaventure (2021), and Florida (2020).

The family-friendly event provides participating teams with a week of competition, practice, and unique experiences throughout historic Charleston. The Charleston Classic website offers information on things to do in the historic city, tickets, and additional event details. Tickets will go on sale after the matchups and game times are announced later this summer.

Pre-Sale Signup

For first access to premium seats and the lowest prices, sign up today:

Event Ticket Information – ESPN Events

About Shriners Children’s
Shriners Children’s improves the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, conducting innovative research, and offering outstanding education programs for medical professionals. Children with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care, regardless of the families’ ability to pay, and receive all care and services in a compassionate, family-centered environment. For more information, please visit shrinerschildrens.org.

About ESPN Events
ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, owns and operates a portfolio of collegiate sporting events nationwide. In the 2025-26 academic year, the 35-event schedule included three early-season college football kickoff games, 17 college bowl games, 10 college basketball events, two college volleyball events, the premier regular season college softball and gymnastics events, as well as the Band of the Year National Championship. Collectively, these events accounted for over 400 hours of live programming on ESPN platforms, reaching 60 million viewers and attracting more than 650,000 annual attendees. Each year, the portfolio of events features more than 20 Division I conferences and hosts over 4,000 participating student-athletes. With satellite offices in more than 10 cities across the country, ESPN Events builds relationships with conferences, schools and local communities, as well as providing unique experiences for teams and fans.

Follow ESPN Events on Instagram, Facebook, X and YouTube pages.

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By Mark A Leon

When a global manufacturer announces a new facility in the Charleston region, or an innovative technology company selects the Lowcountry for expansion, there’s often an organization working behind the scenes long before the ribbon-cutting ceremony takes place. That organization is the Charleston Regional Development Alliance (CRDA), a public-private partnership that has spent more than three decades helping transform the Charleston metropolitan area into one of the Southeast’s most dynamic economies.

Representing Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties, the CRDA serves as the region’s lead economic development organization, bringing together business leaders, local governments, educational institutions and workforce partners with one common objective: creating long-term prosperity through strategic economic growth. Rather than competing county by county, the alliance markets the Charleston region as a unified destination for investment, innovation and talent.

Three Decades of Regional Leadership

Since its founding more than 30 years ago, the Charleston Regional Development Alliance has helped recruit and support hundreds of business expansion and relocation projects that have reshaped the regional economy. According to the organization, its efforts from 1995 through 2025 helped facilitate more than 330 business announcements, nearly 39,000 new jobs, $13 billion in capital investment, and approximately $1.5 billion in annual payroll across the three-county region.

While Charleston has long been recognized for its history, tourism and quality of life, CRDA has played a significant role in expanding the region’s economic identity to include aerospace, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, logistics, technology and professional services. Today, companies from around the world view the Lowcountry as a competitive location for investment because of the collaborative foundation built over decades.

A Single Point of Contact for Growing Businesses

One of CRDA’s greatest strengths is simplifying what can often be a complicated process for businesses considering relocation or expansion.

The alliance provides confidential, no-cost assistance to corporate decision-makers by coordinating site selection, labor market analysis, workforce availability, incentive information, commercial real estate opportunities and introductions to regional partners. Instead of navigating multiple agencies independently, businesses work through a single organization that connects them with local governments, utilities, higher education institutions, workforce development organizations and state agencies.

This streamlined approach saves companies valuable time while allowing local governments and economic development partners to present a unified vision for regional growth.

Supporting Charleston’s Key Industries

Much of Charleston’s economic success can be traced to the development of industry clusters rather than isolated business recruitment.

CRDA actively promotes sectors including:

• Aerospace and aviation
• Automotive manufacturing
• Logistics and global trade
• Advanced manufacturing
• Life sciences
• Technology and software
• Corporate headquarters and professional services

The organization’s regional strategy leverages assets such as the Port of Charleston, an expanding international airport, interstate connectivity, higher education institutions and a highly skilled workforce to attract employers seeking long-term growth opportunities.

Investing in Innovation

Economic development today extends well beyond recruiting new employers.

Recognizing this, CRDA has broadened its mission to strengthen the region’s innovation ecosystem. Through initiatives such as the Charleston Region Innovation Scorecard and partnerships with research institutions, entrepreneurs and The Catalyst Foundation, the alliance measures innovation performance while encouraging startup growth, technology commercialization and research collaboration.

This focus helps ensure the Charleston region remains competitive as industries increasingly rely on advanced technologies, automation and highly skilled talent.

Addressing Workforce Challenges

One of the biggest challenges facing the Charleston region is balancing rapid job growth with housing affordability and workforce availability.

CRDA works closely with educational institutions, technical colleges and workforce development organizations to help employers build talent pipelines. In addition, the organization has launched initiatives such as the Charleston Workforce Housing Fund, designed to preserve attainable housing options for the employees who keep the region’s economy moving.

These efforts recognize that successful economic development is about more than attracting employers—it also requires ensuring workers can afford to live and build careers in the communities they serve.

Why Regional Collaboration Matters

Perhaps CRDA’s greatest contribution has been changing how the Lowcountry approaches economic development.

Rather than competing internally, Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties increasingly collaborate on projects that benefit the entire metropolitan area. This regional mindset allows the Charleston market to compete more effectively against larger metropolitan areas across the Southeast for major corporate investments.

For businesses evaluating multiple states and regions, a coordinated strategy often becomes a deciding factor.

Looking Ahead

As population growth, technological innovation and global competition continue to reshape local economies, organizations like the Charleston Regional Development Alliance will play an increasingly important role in guiding sustainable growth.

By connecting businesses with resources, supporting entrepreneurs, fostering innovation and strengthening partnerships across the public and private sectors, CRDA continues to help ensure the Charleston region remains one of America’s premier places to invest, work and build a business.

For many residents, the organization’s work happens quietly behind the scenes. Yet the new jobs, expanding industries and economic opportunities enjoyed throughout the Lowcountry are often the result of years of planning, collaboration and strategic leadership.

In many ways, the Charleston Regional Development Alliance serves as both the architect and ambassador of the region’s economic future—helping preserve the qualities that make the Lowcountry unique while ensuring it continues to thrive for generations to come.

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A church’s cookbook committee reaches for financial salvation and finds all-out war in this brand new comedy, all captured in ridiculously nuanced honesty by a mockumentary film crew straight out of Best in Show or The Office.  

PURE Theatre will open its 24th season with the world premiere of Church Wars, a new comedy by Fred Thompson, directed by PURE Co-founder and Artistic Director Sharon Graci. The production runs August 28 through September 19 at the Cannon Street Arts Center, with a Pay What You Will preview on August 27.

Charleston audiences will remember Thompson as the playwright behind PURE’s hugely popular Atwater, which found notorious South Carolina political operative Lee Atwater at the gates of heaven, furiously lobbying Saint Peter to let him in. In Church Wars, Thompson turns that same uniquely comic and sardonic eye toward another institution built on faith, fellowship, ambition, and the deeply held conviction that somebody else is doing it wrong.

The church is in financial trouble. The solution? A cookbook.

Not just any cookbook, mind you. This one will be chock-full of cherished family recipes, lovingly collected and sold to an eager public. And if the committee’s planned first printing of 100,000 copies seems overly optimistic, well, that is exactly the kind of negativity the church does not need right now.

Everyone is happy to share a treasured family recipe until someone suggests changing it or leaving it out. Before long, project-managing the cookbook is creating far more trouble than it was meant to solve.

Church Wars unfolds as a live film-within-a-play mockumentary, blending onstage action with documentary video footage that catches the characters saying more than they intended and reacting before they can edit themselves.

“Fred has an extraordinary ability to expose the absurdity in people without ever losing sight of their humanity,” said Graci. “These characters are completely certain they are acting in the best interest of the church. Once the cameras start rolling, things go perfectly, gloriously off the rails.”

The production features PURE Theatre Core Ensemble members Camille Lowman, Emily Wilhoit, R.W. Smith, Anna Lin, and Michael Smallwood, joined by Julian Gordon, Ngaa Magombedze, Edie Allen, Tara Holwenger, Samantha Smith, and Mason Monti.

“PURE’s audience is amazing,” said Graci. “For 24 seasons, they have actively participated in the generative nature of professional theatre by showing up for new work and helping us bring new plays fully to life. Church Wars is our third world premiere in a row, following The Ocean We Swim In and Red Shirts, and it could not be more different from either of them. Fred has filled this church with characters who feel unmistakably Southern, from their fierce loyalties to the grudges tucked beneath all that fellowship. We know them, we love them, and, if we’re honest, most of us know exactly where we’d be sitting at that committee table.”

Tickets for Church Wars range from Pay What You Will to $53. Pay What You Will performances will be held on August 27 and September 2, with Pay What You Will tickets available for online purchase one week before opening. Student tickets are available for $12 for every performance.

Tickets are available now at puretheatre.org.

Additional information about Church Wars can be found on PURE’s website at puretheatre.org or by calling the box office at 843.723.4444, Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

ABOUT PURE THEATRE

Founded in 2003, PURE Theatre is Charleston’s award-winning professional theatre company, now entering its 24th season. Built around a resident ensemble of actors, directors, and designers, PURE produces bold contemporary plays, often Southeastern and world premieres, that bring the most current voices in American theatre to Charleston. Known for exceptional ensemble work at close range, PURE offers audiences a boutique cultural experience that complements the city’s historic and culinary landscape.

PURE Theatre creates exceptional theatre experiences that enliven thought, ignite conversation, and heighten consciousness for a diverse gathering of artists and audiences.

PURE’s staff includes Sharon Graci, Co-founder and Artistic Director; Rodney Lee Rogers, Co-founder and Producing Director; David Mandel, Associate Artistic Director; Joy Vandervort-Cobb, Associate Artistic Director; Tippy Trombly, Patron Experience and Marketing Manager; and Isabella Gardner, Associate Patron Experiences Manager.

Serving on PURE Theatre’s board of directors are Stephanie Hunt, President; James M. Ward, CPA, Treasurer; Michael Culler; Amy Gaffney; David Smalls; Bea Wray; and Josh Wilhoit.

by Mark A Leon

It’s National Oyster Day, and in Charleston, that’s about as good an excuse as we need to order another dozen.

There are few foods more deeply woven into the Lowcountry than the humble oyster. Charleston’s relationship with the bivalve goes well beyond the restaurant plate — oysters help build reefs, filter coastal waters and have long been part of the region’s culinary culture. And while South Carolina’s wild oyster harvesting season is a cooler-weather affair, Charleston’s raw bars keep oyster lovers supplied year-round with selections from around the East Coast and beyond. (SCDNR⁠)

So, in honor of National Oyster Day — August 5 — here are five solid Charleston stops for getting your slurp on. (National Day Calendar⁠)

1. The Ordinary

The Ordinary
Web⁠
Address: 544 King St, Charleston, SC 29403, United States
Phone: +1 843-414-7060
544 King Street

If oysters are the mission, The Ordinary is one of Charleston’s essential stops. Housed in a beautifully repurposed historic bank building on Upper King, this seafood hall puts the raw bar front and center, with a rotating selection that showcases the different flavors of oysters from coastal waters.

The experience feels distinctly Charleston but decidedly modern — elegant without being precious. And if you’re willing to venture beyond the half-shell, the restaurant’s celebrated crispy oyster sliders are another reason to come hungry. (Charleston Area CVB⁠)

Best for: A more polished oyster night with plenty of seafood to explore.

2. 167 Raw Oyster Bar

167 Raw Oyster Bar
Web⁠
Address: 193 King St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States
Phone: +18435794997
193 King Street

There’s a reason 167 Raw has become almost synonymous with Charleston’s modern seafood scene. The intimate King Street oyster bar is buzzy, casual and serious about its seafood, with a constantly changing selection of oysters and an atmosphere that feels more like a great neighborhood hangout than a formal restaurant.

The only catch? Popularity. 167 Raw does not take traditional reservations, and waits can be part of the experience. But for many oyster devotees, a little patience is a small price to pay for a plate of beautifully shucked oysters — and perhaps one of the city’s legendary seafood sandwiches afterward. (Charleston⁠)

Best for: Oyster obsessives who don’t mind a little wait for a lot of reward.

3. The Darling Oyster Bar

The Darling Oyster Bar
Web⁠
Address: 513 King St, Charleston, SC 29403, United States
Phone: +1 843-641-0821
513 King Street

The name gives away the agenda. The Darling is one of Charleston’s most unabashedly oyster-centric restaurants, with a lively raw bar right on King Street.

It’s a particularly good choice if your table has mixed seafood tastes. You can settle in over oysters and cocktails while the rest of the group explores everything from seafood starters to Lowcountry favorites. The raw bar regularly features multiple oyster varieties, making it a fun place to compare the subtle differences in flavor and texture. (Charleston Area CVB⁠)

Best for: A lively night out when oysters are only the beginning.

4. Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar

Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar
Web⁠
Address: 205 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States
Phone: +1 843-853-8600
205 East Bay Street

Just steps from the City Market, Amen Street is an easy choice when you want oysters without turning dinner into a major production. The downtown raw bar has a relaxed, energetic atmosphere and a menu built around seafood, making it particularly well suited to a spontaneous oyster-and-cocktail stop.

The oyster bar is often the star for diners who want to sample the raw selection, while the broader menu makes it easy to turn the visit into a full Charleston seafood dinner. (Tripadvisor⁠)

Best for: A casual downtown oyster stop while exploring the Historic District.

5. Leon’s Fine Poultry & Oysters

Leon’s
Web⁠
Address: 698 King St, Charleston, SC 29403, United States
Phone: +1 843-531-6500
698 King Street

For something a little more relaxed, head to Leon’s. The casual Upper King favorite famously pairs two Southern obsessions — fried chicken and oysters — in a converted auto-shop setting that feels quintessentially Charleston without feeling remotely formal.

Leon’s is especially appealing if you’re not looking for a white-tablecloth seafood experience. Grab a cold drink, settle into the laid-back atmosphere and order the oysters alongside that famous fried chicken. It’s a combination that sounds slightly improbable until you realize it makes perfect sense.

Best for: Casual Charleston dining, cold drinks and oysters without the fuss.

A Charleston Oyster Note

If you’re looking specifically for South Carolina wild oysters, remember that August isn’t the traditional harvesting season. SCDNR’s recreational harvest season generally runs from October into the spring, with harvesting prohibited during the warmer months. (SCDNR⁠)

But that doesn’t mean you have to wait until fall to celebrate. Charleston’s oyster bars source oysters from a variety of farms and regions, meaning a good half-shell is still very much on the menu in August.

So today, raise a cold drink, order a dozen, add a squeeze of lemon — and celebrate one of the Lowcountry’s greatest gifts from the sea.

Happy National Oyster Day, Charleston.

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