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Charleston- Area Nonprofits Receive Record Donations

January 30, 2021 by 0 Comments
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CHARLESTON, S.C. – Charitable giving grew by nearly 8% during the third quarter of 2020 over 2019 according to the Fundraising Effectiveness Project’s 2020 Third Quarter Report, which is administered by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). The amount raised on Giving Tuesday (December 1, 2020) was 25% higher than it was in 2019. The Winkler Group, a nonprofit consulting firm based in Charleston, South Carolina, predicts these trends will continue in 2021 based on their work with both local and national nonprofit clients.

Factors that are motivating major donors: the stimulus bill recently passed by Congress and the desire to move forward post-pandemic. With the stimulus bill, donors can elect to deduct up to 100% of their adjusted gross income (AGI) limit for cash contributions—this was increased from 60%. This applies to contributions made in 2020, but the Winkler Group expects to see similar incentives in 2021.

Over the past year, record stock market gains have inflated the value of many potential donors’ stock portfolios. These donors are motivated to avoid paying taxes by giving appreciated stock to charities instead.

“From the beginning, we predicted that donors would be generous in response to the crisis, but we were not prepared for the levels of generosity we have witnessed,” said Tim Winkler, founder and CEO of the Winkler Group. “We fully expect to see the trend of transformational gifts continue well into  2021.”

HALOS, a nonprofit organization based in Charleston that serves family members and friends raising children in an effort to keep them out of foster care, received nearly $130,000 from one donor in the last few months of 2020. “We received multiple smaller gifts then one large gift from a donor who doesn’t want recognition. This donor was simply compelled by our communication and wanted to help,” said Jennifer Richard, director of philanthropy, HALOS. “We were able to give specific examples of how donations were making an impact, and then we received a transformational six-figure gift. Our clients are disproportionately impacted by the pandemic—they are facing eviction and food insecurity– and by sharing stories of how their lives were changed through generosity, this donor stepped up in an extremely impactful way.”

Winkler Group research has found that large gifts have crossed sectors, from higher education to community service organizations, not only to front-line organizations fighting the impacts of COVID-19. Donors are giving because they are exhausted by the pandemic, a term called pandemic fatigue. Donors are looking toward the future and donating to ensure the causes they care deeply about thrive post-pandemic. 

For Dorchester Paws, the largest animal shelter in Dorchester County, a donor recently stepped forward with a $500,000 gift to help build a new shelter. “It was such a significant gift,” said Maddie Moore, director of the shelter. “Our staff veterinarian cried when she heard about it. This gift will have a profound impact on the sustainability of our shelter.”

These gifts were made to organizations and institutions that kept fundraising throughout the pandemic. Winkler Group studies revealed that these gifts underscore the importance of regular donor communication and more cultivation than solicitation.

Read more research from Winkler Group and download free fundraising resources, such as “Four Benchmarks that Will Predict Your Campaign’s Success in 2021.”

About Winkler Group

Founded in 2004, the Winkler Group is national nonprofit consulting firm headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, with offices in North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. The firm specializes in working with nonprofits to develop the strategies to raise more money with capital campaigns and strategic planning. With a hands-on, servant leadership model, Winkler Group works to strengthen the philanthropic health of organizations so they can spend time focusing on their mission. Visit winklergroup.com or call (843) 849-6256 for more information.

Both HALOS and Dorchester Paws are clients of Winkler Group.

Lowcountry

The Conversation – Original Poem

January 29, 2021 by 0 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

Like the beating of my heart, the words have flowed

A lifetime of conversation we have shared

Often sad

Sometimes blessed with love

Days of melancholy; nights of bliss

In the late night talks

And the heartfelt letters

In the calling to the road and the homecoming of warm tears

 

Been down on my knees and touched the angels in the clouds

I’ve let it all out to you

Never held back the words as I continue to whisper to you

 

Seen the world and shared every moment with you

In the cabins, cities, mountains and oceans

Under a bright orange sky and cleaned by the powdering of the rain

 

I’ve shared it all with you

 

Together we stand

Fewer than better

A little older, little wiser

More profound this mystery

Awakened in meditation as the answers unravel

Each memory a new clue to a puzzle in flux

 

Let’s have another drink and keep this conversation going

In the songs, the poems, the confessions, we have witnessed it all

These words have lit the darkness

A profoundness of strength these vocal weapons have gifted

 

I love the conversation

The conversation with you

Lowcountry - Mount Pleasant, SC

Mount Pleasant Farmers Market Applications Available

January 28, 2021 by 0 Comments
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MOUNT PLEASANT, SC – The Town of Mount Pleasant is now accepting applications for the 2021 Farmers Market season, which will run every Tuesday from 3:30 to 7:00 p.m. from April through September at the market pavilion on Coleman Boulevard. 

Interested farmers and prepared food vendors are encouraged to submit applications before the Feb. 6 deadline.  Applications can be found online at experiencemountpleasant.com.  

All applicants are required to read the market rules and regulations before submitting their application.  The definition of farmer applicants and food vendors are explained in detail in these rules. Food trucks or trailers are not allowed at the market due to space limitations.    

“The success of our market relies heavily on the professionalism of our farmers and vendors who are dedicated to bringing a wholesome, healthy, affordable, and fun market experience for our patrons,” said Farmers Market Manager Tracy Richter. “I urge all local farmers and food vendors to apply for the market and help us make our 24thyear the best one yet!” 

The market manager and the Farmers Market Advisory Board review all applications and select all vendors. While exclusivity is not offered to vendors, organizers strive to deliver a diverse and balanced market. All vendors are required to practice environmentally acceptable packaging as specified in Town of Mount Pleasant ordinance 18024. Details and FAQs for this ordinance are listed on tompsc.com.

For more information about the 2021 Farmers Market season, or to download an application, visit experiencemountpleasant.com  or email Tracy Richter at farmersmarket@tompsc.com. 

Lowcountry

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Issues a National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin

January 28, 2021 by 0 Comments
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WASHINGTON – The Acting Secretary of Homeland Security has issued a National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin today after consultation with the intelligence community and law enforcement partners. There is currently a heightened threat environment across the United States that is likely to persist over the coming weeks. DHS does not have any information to indicate a specific, credible plot; however, violent riots have continued in recent days and we remain concerned that individuals frustrated with the exercise of governmental authority and the presidential transition, as well as other perceived grievances and ideological causes fueled by false narratives, could continue to mobilize a broad range of ideologically-motivated actors to incite or commit violence.

Summary

The Acting Secretary of Homeland Security has issued a National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin due to a heightened threat environment across the United States, which DHS believes will persist in the weeks following the successful Presidential Inauguration.  Information suggests that some ideologically-motivated violent extremists with objections to the exercise of governmental authority and the presidential transition, as well as other perceived grievances fueled by false narratives, could continue to mobilize to incite or commit violence.

Duration

Issued:  January 27, 2021 11:00 am
Expires:  April 30, 2021 01:00 pm 

Details

  • Throughout 2020, Domestic Violent Extremists (DVEs) targeted individuals with opposing views engaged in First Amendment-protected, non-violent protest activity.  DVEs motivated by a range of issues, including anger over COVID-19 restrictions, the 2020 election results, and police use of force have plotted and on occasion carried out attacks against government facilities. 
  • Long-standing racial and ethnic tension—including opposition to immigration—has driven DVE attacks, including a 2019 shooting in El Paso, Texas that killed 23 people.
  • DHS is concerned these same drivers to violence will remain through early 2021 and some DVEs may be emboldened by the January 6, 2021 breach of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. to target elected officials and government facilities.
  • DHS remains concerned that Homegrown Violent Extremists (HVEs) inspired by foreign terrorist groups, who committed three attacks targeting government officials in 2020, remain a threat.
  • Threats of violence against critical infrastructure, including the electric, telecommunications and healthcare sectors, increased in 2020 with violent extremists citing misinformation and conspiracy theories about COVID-19 for their actions.  
  • DHS, as well as other Federal agencies and law enforcement partners will continue to take precautions to protect people and infrastructure across the United States.
  • DHS remains committed to preventing violence and threats meant to intimidate or coerce specific populations on the basis of their religion, race, ethnicity, identity or political views.
  • DHS encourages state, local, tribal, and territorial homeland security partners to continue prioritizing physical security measures, particularly around government facilities, to protect people and critical infrastructure.

How You Can Help 

  • We ask the public to report suspicious activity and threats of violence, including online activity,  to local law enforcement, FBI Field Offices, or their local Fusion Center.
  • Your choice can make a difference. Choose non-violent ways to make your voice heard and support friends and family in doing the same.
  • Communities are strongest when they are not divided:  Strengthen your community by standing together against violence.

Be Prepared 

  • Avoiding large crowds, including protests, is safest due to ongoing pandemic conditions. However, if taking part in protests do so peacefully, safely, and wear masks.
  • Be responsible for your personal safety. Make note of your surroundings and security personnel. Carry emergency contact as well as medical and other needs information with you.
  • Connect, Plan, Train, and Report to prepare businesses & employees.

Stay Informed 

  • Local, state and federal agencies will provide specific information about emerging threats as additional information is identified. The public is encouraged to listen to local law enforcement and public safety officials.
  • Last year, DHS released a Homeland Threat Assessment to the public examining the threat environment through 2021.
  • The DHS Lexicon on terrorism includes terminology for DVEs and HVEs.

Types of Advisories 

Bulletin

Describes current developments or general trends regarding threats of terrorism.

Elevated Alert

Warns of a credible terrorism threat against the United States.

Imminent Alert

Warns of a credible, specific and impending terrorism threat against the United States.

Source Link

Lowcountry

Wesley Donehue Expands His Empire With New Brand Management Venture: Company will be headquartered in Charleston, S.C.

January 28, 2021 by 0 Comments
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With cancel culture and political polarization approaching peak intensity across the country, self-described South Carolina “truth bomber” Wesley Donehue is launching a new venture aimed at helping companies navigate the nation’s “current hostile political environment.”

This week, the Palmetto political consultant/ businessman announced the founding of Laurens Group – a Charleston, S.C.-based “strategic communications firm” which aims to offer its clients “integrated public relations and reputation management services.”

According to a news release announcing the firm, Laurens Group intends to “advice, protect and advocate for clients who are vulnerable to attacks from those aggressively pushing unfair, narrow-minded, anti-business agendas.”

The firm is named after Charleston native John Laurens, an advisor to general George Washington and one of the first prominent abolitionists of the American Revolution.

Donehue told us the goal of his new firm is to expand upon the sort of work his other company – Push Digital – did for Orlando, Florida-based SeaWorld in recent years.

In 2013, CNN released a documentary entitled “Blackfish” which chronicled the 2010 death of Dawn Brancheau, a SeaWorld trainer who was killed by a 12,500-pound orca (a.k.a. “killer whale”) named Tilikum. The documentary assailed SeaWorld for its practice of using captive orcas for entertainment -unleashing a cancel culture campaign against the company that damaged its reputation and drove down attendance at its parks.

Donehue and his team at Push developed a multi-pronged response that addressed the film’s inaccuracies while at the same time highlighting SeaWorld’s animal rescue and rehabilitation work.

Now he wants to take the same approach into a much broader battle – helping companies who find themselves targeted by cancel culture goons to “uphold foundational American values and sustain our country’s great, inclusive legacy.”

“We’re getting blown up by corporations who saw our SeaWorld work and who are waking up to the realization that they aren’t in a marketing fight – they are in a political fight,” Donehue told us. “We are launching Laurens Group to focus on that need rather than having Push just do it on the side. We are hiring senior political strategists who know how to go to war.”

According to the release, Push Digital is “pivoting to focus on what they’re best known for,” which is “delivering award-winning creative and launching innovative media and advertising campaigns for their political, advocacy and brand clientsPush Digital and Laurens Group will be headquartered out of a 203-year-old historic home located just south of Calhoun Street in downtown Charleston. The home is currently undergoing renovations but Donehue and his companies are targeting late spring for its grand opening.

Lowcountry

Grain & Barrel Spirits Partners With Virgil Kaine Lowcountry Whiskey

January 26, 2021 by 0 Comments
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CHARLESTON, S.C. – January 26, 2021 – ( Newswire.com )

Grain & Barrel Spiritstoday announces a partnership with Virgil Kaine Lowcountry Whiskey, another Charleston-based craft spirit company. Virgil Kaine joins Grain & Barrel’s award-winning lineup – such as Dixie Vodka and Chicken Cock Whiskey – as well as the soon-to-be-released High Goal Gin.

Virgil Kaine was founded by Charleston-based chef David Szlam in 2011. He and his business partner chef Ryan Meany are driven by flavor, and their debut release was Virgil Kaine Ginger Infused Bourbon, a Bourbon blended with ginger grown on a nearby sustainable farm, Spade & Clover Gardens (Johns Island, SC). The Bourbon’s nose of sorghum, orange, and oats is followed by a ginger palate balanced with dried apricot and sherry, finishing full with vanilla and light tannins. Virgin Kaine Ginger has become a bartender favorite along the east coast.

Grain & Barrel Spirits founder and CEO Matti Christian Anttila says, “Virgil Kaine fits naturally into the Grain & Barrel portfolio: similar to our other brands, it highlights American craftsmanship and takes a very flavor-driven approach to product development. Virgil Kaine Ginger is not just a delicious product beloved by consumers and bartenders, but also a great starting point for what will be exciting innovation as we expand Virgil Kaine nationally in 2021.”

Virgil Kaine Lowcountry Whiskey founder and President David Szlam adds, “With Grain & Barrel at the helm of distribution, we at Virgil Kaine can focus on what we do best: making delicious whiskeys.”

About Grain & Barrel Spirits

Based in Charleston, South Carolina, Grain & Barrel Spirits develops and scales craft spirits that connect the best artisans to consumers worldwide. One of the company’s core brands is Dixie Vodka, the leading premium homegrown vodka produced in the Southeast and the Official Vodka of NASCAR; one of the fastest-growing craft brands in the United States, Dixie won prestigious 2019 and 2020“Rising Star” Growth Brands Award s from Beverage Dynamics magazine. Other brands in the Grain & Barrel portfolio include Chicken Cock Whiskey, an historically significant whiskey brand established in Paris, Kentucky, in 1856; and, coming to market in Q1 2021, High Goal, a small batch, ultra-premium gin produced in Charleston. Grain & Barrel has twice been named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing privately held companies in America and is a proud member of 1% For The Planet.

About Virgil Kaine Lowcountry Whiskey

Founded in Charleston South Carolina, Virgil Kaine started with a simple idea: to use its founders’ culinary know-how to make great-tasting whiskey. Chefs David Szlam and Ryan Meany source the best ingredients and apply the creativity yet scientific rigor of a professional kitchen to the art of whiskey making. Their aim is to create the most delicious whiskeys, no matter what the industry may expect. Receiving national recognition and numerous awards — including Gold Medals in 2016, 2017, and 2018 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition — Virgil Kaine Lowcountry Whiskey is for the whiskey lover looking for something distinctive and above all – tasty.

Hi-res images, interviews, and media samples available upon request.

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY

Contact: 
Christine Deussen 
Deussen Global Communications, Inc. 
cdeussen@deussenglobal.com
m. 917-545-1459

Related Links 

Matti Anttila | LinkedIn
Virgil Kaine Website

Lowcountry

Charleston, S.C. Selected as Pilot Market for American Dream 2021: Showcase of Smart Homes

January 26, 2021 by 0 Comments
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House X provides “smart mortgage”, free air purification and free renewable energy for home buyers

CHARLESTON, S.C., Jan. 26, 2021/PRNewswire/ — House X today announced Charleston, South Carolina as one of the 21 Pilot Cities to launch the American Dream 2021, expanding home ownership; featuring over 40,000 new, healthier, energy-efficient homes across the country valued at over $18 Billion with up to $364 million in stimulus by providing home buyers free renewable energy and a discounted mortgage.

The virtual home buying event is limited to selected markets in the United States–admission is free to consumers. Free stimulus incentives apply to all contracts executed from January 27-April 15, 2021 for registered home buyers.

The Charleston Pilot includes: 

  • Over 1,100 new homes in over 115 communities with 329 homes ready for quick move-in
  • Renewable electricity at zero cost to registered home buyers  
  • 1% discounted mortgage for the first 12 months, followed by either 14 or 29 years of fixed-rate record low mortgage rate on FDA conforming loans 
  • Local Impact:
    • Potential reduction in carbon emissions–equivalent of removing 2,420 gas-powered cars off the road per year 
    • Potential free stimulus for renewable energy= $7.7 milliongoing back into the local economy 

Experts Available for Interview:

  • House X: William Farrell, President 
  • Delos: Paul Scialla, CEO and Founder  
  • RESNET: Ryan Meres, Program Director
  • The MReport: Rachel Williams 

WHY: The purpose of the event is to expand home ownership by educating consumers on the advantages of smart, healthier, sustainable homes that are more efficient, lower carbon footprint and less expensive to own, operate, protect and maintain – lowering total cost of ownership. The home is more important than ever since the onset of the pandemic and the trend was a highlight at CES with smart home technology with a focus on hygiene, cleanliness, energy-efficiency and sustainability.

HOW:

  • The Smart Mortgage™: House X has partnered with a leading mortgage lender to create a special below-market mortgage; a one percent discounted mortgage for the first 12 months of a 15- or 30-year fixed rate conforming mortgage. 
  • The Healthier Home: In collaboration with Delos, every home buyer will receive a multi-room advanced air purification system for their new home upon move-in, helping reduce particles that carry airborne bacteria, viruses and allergens.
  • The Location Report™:  Nothing will impact the financial picture of a home as much as its location. With custom insights available nowhere else, the House X Location Report reveals 300+ insights about any address in America. It is free to registered home shoppers.
  • The RESNET Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index is the nationally recognized system for inspecting and calculating a home’s energy performance. Similar to a MPG sticker for cars, except for new homes.

WHEN: American Dream 2021 Pilot Program will include free stimulus incentives on fully executed purchase contracts betweenJanuary 27 – April 15, 2021.

WHERE: American Dream 2021 is limited to home purchases in selected pilot cities available on houseX.com. 

PILOT MARKETS:

CALIFORNIA

Los Angeles/Riverside Area 

Orange County 

Sacramento

San Diego Area

San Francisco

FLORIDA

Jacksonville

Orlando

Naples

Sarasota

Tampa 

Miami

GEORGIA

Atlanta

NORTH CAROLINA

Charlotte

Raleigh/Durham

PENNSYLVANIA

Philadelphia

TENNESSEE 

Nashville 

TEXAS

Austin

Dallas/Fort Worth

Houston

San Antonio

About House X:

House X World is a consumer-focused Smart Home Marketplace that empowers home enthusiasts with data and resources to make more informed decisions while making their home purchase and investing on the consumer’s behalf to make a home a smart home at zero cost to them.  HOUSE X companies are consumer advocates and licensed realty organizations that exclusively represent home shoppers and buyers – not home sellers.  The company serves as the primary manager of American Dream Pilot Project. The executives of House X have over 40 years of experience in representing builders, developers, Federal, State and local governments.

Lowcountry

Attention Pug Owners: Mount Pleasant has a Pug Meetup Group

January 26, 2021 by 0 Comments
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Official Website to Learn More and Join

What they are about

Okay, so you’re owned by a pug – that goes without saying! I am too, as are many others. Why do we love these big-eyed, wrinkle-faced Pugsters so much? There are so many reasons & that’s reason enough to join the Charleston Area Pug Group! Our steadily-growing group of friendly Pugaholics & their Pugs meet for outings once a month to provide our furbabies and ourselves with some time for socialization and out-and-out fun! We encourage members to get involved, suggestions for outings and events are always welcome!

There are currently almost 500 members

The next event is Valentine’s Day!