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Lowcountry

The US has a record-high 550 ‘million-dollar’ cities – South Carolina ranked #12 for U.S. States

April 2, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Low inventory is keeping competition high and home values rising

There are currently 550 U.S. cities where the typical home value is $1 million or more, up from 491 a year ago.
California easily boasts the most million-dollar cities, followed by New York and New Jersey.
Florida, Texas and Delaware are the only states with a net loss in million-dollar cities over the past year.

SEATTLE, April 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The U.S. has a record-high 550 “million-dollar” cities — cities where the typical home is worth $1 million or more — a new Zillow® analysis shows. That is 59 more million-dollar cities than a year ago,¹ reversing losses from when home values were wobbling this time last year.

Zillow logo (PRNewsfoto/Zillow Group)

A tight housing market with few homes available has kept home values rising, even while affordability challenges have hampered buyers. The good news for buyers in the market this home-shopping season is that new listings are on the rise as the effects of “rate lock” — occurring when homeowners are financially incentivized to keep their current home because of the low rate on their current mortgage — are weakening, and the hope for lower mortgage rates later this year may mean a second wave of buyer demand this summer.

“Affordability is still a big challenge for buyers, but that hasn’t stopped prices from growing,” said Anushna Prakash, an economic research data scientist at Zillow. “Buyers this spring are going to see more options to choose from, but they’ll also see a lot of other buyers wandering through the same open houses. Competition will stay fierce, especially for the most attractive and well-priced homes. If mortgage rates drop later this year, as many expect, we may see a surge in million-dollar cities as even more buyers jump in and drive prices higher.”

While million-dollar cities were affected more than the typical U.S. city when home values fell in late 2022, they have generally tracked with the national market over the past year. The typical U.S. home is worth 4.2% more than it was a year ago. In current million-dollar cities, the median year-over-year home value growth is 4.6%.

California is home to 210 million-dollar cities, more than the next five states combined. New Jersey has added the most million-dollar cities over the past year, gaining 14.

Florida, Texas and Delaware are the only states to have a net loss in million-dollar cities over the past year. Florida lost three million-dollar cities — Siesta Key, Santa Rosa Beach and Sanibel — while adding one, the Village of Palmetto Bay, near Miami. Texas lost two million-dollar cities in the Austin area, Sunset Valley and Volente, and added Bellaire, outside of Houston. The typical home in Delaware’s Dewey Beach fell below the million-dollar cutoff.

The New York City metro area, which includes parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, has the most million-dollar cities with 106 — 24 more than a year ago. San Francisco is next with 69, followed by Los Angeles with 63. Other than the New York City metro area, Los Angeles gained the most million-dollar cities over the past year, adding seven. Boston added four during that time, and San Diego, Chicago and San Luis Obispo each added three.

Whether a buyer or renter is searching for a home in a million-dollar city or somewhere with home values closer to average, Zillow has tools that can help.

An affordability calculator can help a buyer better understand what they can afford and set a budget. Buyers can then use Zillow to search for homes filtered for a monthly cost they are comfortable with, instead of only by list price. Buyers can also find and connect with a knowledgeable real estate professional and loan officer on Zillow to help guide them through the home-buying process.

Million-Dollar Cities by State
State	$1 Million Cities – February 2024	$1 Million Cities – February 2023
California	210	198
New York	66	54
New Jersey	49	35
Florida	32	34
Massachusetts	31	27
Colorado	21	21
Washington	18	16
Hawaii	17	16
Texas	14	15
Maryland	10	8
Virginia	7	5
South Carolina	6	6
Connecticut	6	5
Minnesota, Utah	6	4
Illinois	6	3
Missouri	5	5
Nevada, North Carolina, Wyoming	4	4
Montana	4	3
Arizona	4	2
Idaho, Tennessee	3	3
New Hampshire	3	2
Ohio	2	2
Pennsylvania	2	0
Delaware	1	2
Georgia, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Rhode Island, Wisconsin	1	1

Metro Areas With the Most Million-Dollar Cities
Metro Area	$1 Million Cities – February 2024	$1 Million Cities – February 2023
New York, NY	106	82
San Francisco, CA	69	69
Los Angeles, CA	63	56
Boston, MA	23	19
San Jose, CA	18	18
Seattle, WA	17	15
Miami–Fort Lauderdale, FL	17	16
Washington, DC	14	12
San Diego, CA	10	7
Santa Maria–Santa Barbara, CA; Santa Rosa, CA	9	9

About Zillow Group:

Zillow Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: Z and ZG) is reimagining real estate to make home a reality for more and more people. As the most visited real estate website in the United States, Zillow and its affiliates help people find and get the home they want by connecting them with digital solutions, dedicated partners and agents, and easier buying, selling, financing and renting experiences.

Zillow Group’s affiliates, subsidiaries and brands include Zillow®, Zillow Premier Agent®, Zillow Home Loans℠, Trulia®, Out East®, StreetEasy®, HotPads®, ShowingTime+℠, Spruce® and Follow Up Boss®.

All marks herein are owned by MFTB Holdco, Inc., a Zillow affiliate. Zillow Home Loans, LLC is an Equal Housing Lender, NMLS #10287 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). © 2023 MFTB Holdco, Inc., a Zillow affiliate.

¹ February 2023 Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) figures are unavailable for 11 cities with ZHVI above $1 million for February 2024.

SOURCE Zillow

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Lowcountry

Food & Wine Announces Winners of Its 2024 Global Tastemakers Awards – Congratulations Chubby Fish and Charleston, SC

April 2, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Honoring the Best Culinary Travel Experiences Domestically and Abroad: Restaurants, Cities, Bars, Hotels, Airlines, Cruises, Airports, Coffee, Bakeries and More

Charleston, South Carolina named #6 Top U.S. City for Food and Drink and Chubby Fish named 7th Top Restaurant in the U.S.

NEW YORK, April 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — FOOD & WINE announces its 2024 Global Tastemakers awards, a celebration of the best food and drink experiences and destinations in the U.S. and abroad. From the best restaurants and bars to the best cities, hotels, cruises, airports, and airlines for food and drink, the results were curated and ranked by respected food and travel experts from around the globe in collaboration with FOOD & WINE editors. The complete lists and awards methodology are now featured on foodandwine.com/globaltastemakers with highlights in the May issue of FOOD & WINE, on newsstands April 19.

May 2024 Issue Food & Wine Cover

“From a boundary-pushing pizzeria in Caserta, Italy, to a family-owned Thai restaurant in Los Angeles and a fresh new Mexican-American cocktail bar pulsating with its own rhythm in New York City, this list spotlights the finest culinary experiences around the world,” said FOOD & WINE Editor in Chief Hunter Lewis. “Each winner of our Global Tastemakers offers a thoughtful and passionate approach to cuisine, hospitality, and a true taste of place that will inspire readers to book their next trip.”

This year’s results reveal a surprising mix of honorees in the Best International Restaurants rankings, with Mérito in Lima, Peru, taking the top spot, followed by Peterman in Sydney and SodaBottleOpenerWala in Mumbai, ranked No. 2 and No. 3, respectively. Domestically, small cities made their mark with Charleston, South Carolina, and Portland, Maine, among the top 10 U.S. Cities for Food and Drinks. On the Best U.S. Cities for Bakeries list, Indianapolis captured the Plus One designation, an editors’ pick for honorable mentions of up-and-coming spots they don’t want readers to miss. A majority of the Best Hotels in the U.S. for Food and Drinks are almost exclusively outside of big cities, aside from Honolulu and New Orleans.

FOOD & WINE editors introduced the 2024 Global Tastemakers awards on foodandwine.com, saying: “We’re here to celebrate the culinary experiences that draw us to a destination from those life-affirming meals that define a trip to creatively crafted cocktails that elevate an evening with every sip, standout culinary offerings at hotels to unforgettable bites on cruises — the flavors we can’t wait to share with fellow travelers.”

FOOD & WINE Global Tastemakers 2024 highlights are as follows:

TOP 10 U.S. CITIES FOR FOOD AND DRINKS
1. New York City
2. New Orleans
3. Chicago
4. Austin, Texas
5. Los Angeles
6. Charleston, South Carolina
7. Miami
8. Washington, D.C.
9. Portland, Maine
10. Honolulu, Hawai

TOP 10 INTERNATIONAL CITIES FOR FOOD AND DRINKS
1. Tokyo, Japan
2. Istanbul, Turkey
3. Mexico City, Mexico
4. Paris, France
5. Lima, Peru
6. Rome, Italy
7. Singapore
8. Copenhagen, Demark
9. Osaka, Japan
10. Madrid, Spain

TOP 20 U.S. RESTAURANTS
1. Anajak Thai in Los Angeles
2. Aragosta in Deer Isle, Maine
3. Semma in New York City
4. Birdie’s in Austin, Texas
5. Kasama in Chicago
6. Damian in Los Angeles
7. Chubby Fish in Charleston, South Carolina
8. Daru in Washington, D.C.
9. Bell’s in Los Alamos, New Mexico
10. Kann in Portland, Oregon
11. Locust in Nashville, Tennessee
12. Naro in New York City
13. Leah and Louise in Charlotte, North Carolina
14. March in Houston, Texas
15. Maty’s in Miami
16. Kin in Boise, Idaho
17. Nixta Taqueria in Austin, Texas
18. Mister Jiu’s in San Francisco
19. Tatiana in New York City
20. Mosquito Supper Club in New Orleans

BEST OVERALL U.S. WINNERS
BEST U.S. RESTAURANT: Anajak Thai, Los Angeles
BEST CITY IN THE U.S. FOR FOOD AND DRINKS: New York City
BEST CITY IN THE U.S. FOR BAKERIES: New York City
BEST HOTEL IN THE U.S. FOR FOOD AND DRINKS: Blackberry Farm, Walland, Tennessee
BEST U.S. HOTEL BAR: Silver Lyan, Washington, D.C.
BEST BAR IN THE U.S.: Superbueno, New York City

BEST OVERALL INTERNATIONAL WINNERS
BEST INTERNATIONAL RESTAURANT: Mérito, Lima, Peru
BEST INTERNATIONAL HOTEL FOR FOOD AND DRINKS: The Lodhi, New Delhi, India
BEST CITY FOR COFFEE: Copenhagen, Denmark
BEST INTERNATIONAL CITY FOR BAKERIES: Paris
BEST MARKET FOR FOOD AND DRINKS: La Boqueria, Barcelona, Spain
BEST INTERNATIONAL HOTEL BAR: Connaught Bar, London
BEST INTERNATIONAL BAR: Bar Benfiddich, Tokyo
BEST AIRLINE FOR FOOD AND DRINKS: Emirates Airways
BEST AIRPORT FOR FOOD AND DRINKS: Changi, Singapore
BEST INTERNATIONAL CITY FOR FOOD AND DRINKS: Tokyo
BEST CRUISE LINE FOR FOOD AND DRINKS: Silversea

The 2024 FOOD & WINE Global Tastemakers awards were voted on by 180 food and travel writers from across the globe and ranked by an expert judging panel. To access the methodology and the full list and descriptions of the honorees, please visit foodandwine.com/globaltastemakers and on Instagram @foodandwine.

Capital One is the presenting sponsor of the FOOD & WINE 2024 Global Tastemakers awards.

About FOOD & WINE
Food & Wine celebrates the global epicurean experience with its award-winning magazine, website, social platforms, newsletters, podcasts, premium events such as the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, and accolades like its annual Best New Chef awards. With rigorously tested recipes and the most trusted restaurant, drinks, culinary travel, and home coverage, the brand inspires and empowers people to discover, create, and devour the best in food and drink—every day and everywhere. FOOD & WINE is part of the Dotdash Meredith publishing family.

SOURCE Dotdash Meredith

Lowcountry

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream Is Launching 4 Intergalactic Ice Cream Flavors Just in Time for the Solar Eclipse

April 1, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is bringing outer space to scoop shops across the country with its brand-new LTO collection, Punk Stargonaut, launching today!

Ahead of this natural phenomena, Jenis is taking ice cream lovers on a flight through the galaxy with four cosmic ice creams and edible space dust!

Three NEW Flavors

Nebula Berry – tart like a blueberry and vibrant like a raspberry with an elderflower fragrance
Cosmic Bloom – a tropical delicacy, citrusy like a mandarin, refreshing like a kiwi, and punchy like passion fruit
Purple Star Born – reminiscent of Concord grape and puckery-like blackcurrants – intensely juicy

A Fourth Flavor – returning for a victory lap around earth

Supermoon – created from the moon dust that glitters in the sky during a harvest supermoon + tastes like candied violet and marshmallows

Space-Themed Topping

Space Dust (NEW) – an LTO fizzy popping candy topping from a distant galaxy for a flavor explosion that rocks

Additionally, in local scoop shops, Jeni’s will be offering exclusive branded eclipse glasses, complimentary with purchase beginning the weekend of April 5th. As an extra treat, customers can enhance their favorite Punk Stargonaut flavor(s) with Space Dust for just $0.50. And mark your calendars for eclipse day (April 8), when Space Dust will be free with any Punk Stargonaut flavor purchase!

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Lowcountry

On This Day in Charleston History: April 1, 1960 – Burke High School Kress Building Sit-In

April 1, 2024

by Charleston Daily 1 Comment

The Burke High School Kress building sit-in occurred inspired by similar actions across the nation and marked the beginning of the local Charleston Movement.

It began when 24 students from Burke High School marched into the S.H. Kress building (present-day H&M) and sat at the lunch counter to protest Jim Crow apartheid segregation laws. Multiple attempts were made by the staff to remove the students, including removing stools and scrubbing ammonia on the lunch counter to discourage any additional protestors.

A few hours later, management reported a fake bomb threat to police. Despite police orders to evacuate the building, the students remained seated. Ultimately, leading to the students’ arrest and trespassing charges.

The following students were involved in the sit-in: John Bailey, James Gilbert Blake, Jenniesse Blake, Andrew Brown, Deloris Brown, Minerva Brown, Charles Butler, Mitchell Christopher, Allen Coley, Corelius Fludd, Harvey Gantt, Joseph Gerideau, Kennett Andrew German, Cecile Gordon, Annette Graham, Alfred Hamilton, Caroline Jenkins, Francis Johnson, Joseph Jones, Alvin Delford Latten, Verna Jean McNeil, David Paul Richardson, Arthur Singleton, and Fred Smalls.

Image 1: Burke High School students at the S.H. Kress sit-in, April 1, 1960. From left to right: Alvin Latten, David Richardson, Verna Jean McNeil, Minerva Brown King, and Fred Smalls (Photograph by Bill Jordan, courtesy of the Post & Courier)

Image 2: S.H. Kress store on King Street, Charleston, SC, ca. 1960 (Avery Photograph Collection, folder 30-41)

Story courtesy of Avery Research Center, College of Charleston

Lowcountry

10 Reasons Charleston, SC Area Traffic is Concerning and How to Adjust

April 1, 2024

by Charleston Daily 3 Comments

By Mark A. Leon

Whether you live in the Tri-County or plan to move here and you are embarking on your research, you have heard the anecdotal comments on social media outlets about how bad the traffic is in the Lowcountry .

We feel there needs to be more context to truly understand the concerns and potential dangers.

It is not new to anyone that South Carolina is one of the fastest growing states in the U.S. and Charleston is the heart of this growth with residency and new housing stretching to the coastal regions and west bound.

Let us dig a little deeper and provide the specific issues that are causing the “traffic” pain points.

Charleston is becoming a hot region for retirees. Older cautious drivers will continue to be a major part of the driving population during daylight and early evening hours. Many will drive at or under the speed limit and make mistakes feeling the pressures from other drivers.
It is common for drivers to come to an almost complete stop to make a right turn off a major roadway. Be prepared and keep a safe distance.
On major two-lane roads, it is normal behavior to see drivers at or just above the speed limit in the left lane. The traditional thinking that the left lane is for passing only is not as prevalent in the Lowcountry.
Intersection traffic lights are timed out based on daily traffic patterns. For example, if you are at a light looking to turn into a major roadway during rush hour, you may wait 4 minutes and your light will remain green for less than 10 seconds. These patterns do force some drivers to turn after the turn even after the signal goes red to avoid the long waits. The Lowcountry transportation commission has built in a 2 second delay with most signal changes.
Lane changing signals are sparsely used so don’t take it personally.
Structurally, we are an intracoastal community with roads designed to have traffic limits. As we continue to grow, we will test those limits. If you are on a bridge or downtown, leave space between cars if you don’t understand the roads.
We have drawbridges. Remember that a boat will stop traffic both ways and you will need to be prepared for these stoppages.
With continuous commercial and residential development, port deliveries, landscaping and festivals/events heavy commercial trucks and vehicles are on the roads all hours of the day.
Rolling stops are very common and pose one of the greatest dangers for pedestrians.
Charleston is one of the hottest tourist destinations in the nation and lately, there isn’t even much of an off-season. First time or infrequent visitors do not know the Charleston roads. They will daydream, make illegal turns in the middle of the road, and potentially put other cars in harm’s way. Be careful.

If you understand these specific behaviors and make proper adjustments, you will be safer on the roads and hopefully we can all be respectful of one another as we look for solutions to the changing demographics and population growth.

Lowcountry

My Favorite Brunch Entree in Charleston, SC? Tortang Talong at Kultura

March 30, 2024

by Charleston Daily 1 Comment

By Mark A. Leon

Brunch has its own culture in Charleston, South Carolina. It is a competition to please the palate by exploring the depths of culinary arts with science, experimentation and life experience. Each weekend, is a journey to please our inner foodie, drink a cocktail and share our weekly adventures with family and friends.

At Kultura, located at 73 Spring Street, Charleston, SC, Executive Chef Nikko Cagalanan has crafted a menu that challenges you to go beyond your comfort zone to a place of pure joy. From the moment you walk in and smell the sweet aroma of the pastries to your last bite that lingers long after you walk down Spring Street, Kultura is a brunch experience to be savored.

After I sat outside on a beautiful Saturday afternoon, I started with the jasmine latte that hit the mark. The sun offered the right amount of warmth and the conversation the right amount of stimulating dialogue to compliment my caffeine crave. As I mulled through the brunch menu, I recalled an omelet I had while in Manila for three weeks that still remains in my thoughts to this very day. I had to see how Chef Nikko put his spin on their brunch omelet and wow did it exceed my wildest expectations.

The Tortang Talong is an eggplant omelet, banana ketchup aioli, sweet soy, and caviar with a side of sticky rice. On paper it sounded delicious, but on the tabletop in front of me was a work of art.

Every bite was its own wonder and an explosion of flavor. The eggplant was spread evenly within the omelet and the drizzle of aioli and caviar was so carefully topped that it looked like painting and the plate, its canvas (as you can see here).

Thank you to Chef Nikko, our charming and delightful server and the entire team at Kultura. A true must for any foodie!

Kultura is opening Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Thursday and Friday 5:00 PM – 10:00 and Saturday & Sunday for brunch from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. They are closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Lowcountry

Downtown Charleston Scavenger Hunt: Southern Secrets Edition – Great Idea for Kids and Adults

March 29, 2024

by Charleston Daily 1 Comment

Uncover Charleston’s Treasures, One Clue at a Time!

Team Formation: Divide into teams (or go solo if you’re feeling adventurous).
Printable Clues: Download our free printable Charleston Scavenger Hunt clues here to kick off your adventure.
Time Limit: Set a time limit (or not—this is Charleston time, after all).

Clues and Challenges:

Rainbow Row Revelry:
1. Find the iconic Rainbow Row on East Bay Street. Take a group selfie with these pastel beauties.
1. Bonus: Spot a cat sunbathing on a windowsill—extra points for feline flair.

Pineapple Fountain Pursuit:

Head to Waterfront Park and snap a picture at the Pineapple Fountain. Remember, pineapples symbolize hospitality!
- Bonus: Strike a pose with your best pineapple impersonation.

Historic Marker Hunt:
- Identify a home with a historical marker that predates the Civil War. Imagine the stories those walls hold!
- Bonus: Share a fun fact about the house with your team.

Gullah Geechee Goodies:
- Visit the City Market and find a stall selling sweetgrass baskets. Admire the craftsmanship.
- Bonus: Learn a Gullah phrase from the vendor.

Ghostly Encounter:
- Wander down Chalmers Street and listen for ghostly whispers. Charleston is known for its haunted history.
- Bonus: Spot a ghost tour guide in full character.

Secret Garden Quest:
- Explore the Unitarian Church Graveyard. Look for ancient tombstones and hidden nooks.
- Bonus: Find a blooming camellia or a friendly squirrel.

Waterfront Wonders:
- Stroll along the Battery and admire the historic mansions. Imagine life during the Civil War.
- Bonus: Spot a pelican or a sailboat gliding by.

Sweet Tea Sip-Off:
- Pop into a local café and order a glass of sweet tea. It’s a Charleston tradition!
- Bonus: Use your best Southern accent when ordering.

Palmetto State Puzzle:
- Locate a palmetto tree (South Carolina’s state tree). Hint: They’re everywhere!
- Bonus: Recite the state motto: “Dum Spiro Spero” (While I breathe, I hope).

Final Destination:
1. Gather at White Point Garden overlooking the harbor.
1. Raise your glasses (sweet tea or otherwise) and toast to your Charleston adventure!

Prize:

The winning team receives a miniature pineapple trophy—because in Charleston, hospitality always wins!

Remember, explore, laugh, and soak in the Southern charm. May your Charleston Scavenger Hunt be filled with delightful discoveries and memories to treasure!

Lowcountry

Mount Pleasant, South Carolina Releases 2023 Annual Report – Full Report Available

March 29, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

By Katie Augustine, Community Engagement Strategist

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (March 26, 2024) – The Town of Mount Pleasant’s 2023 Annual Report is now available. The publication highlights milestones, challenges, successes, and accolades earned throughout 2023. The Annual Report is available online here.

“As we reflect on 2023, envision our town as a sweetgrass basket, each accomplishment intricately woven into a tapestry of success,” said Mayor Will Haynie. “There was much to be proud of last year. I encourage you to read about the incredible things we’ve accomplished in 2023.”

For more information about the Town of Mount Pleasant, visit us online here.

Lowcountry

BJ’s Wholesale to open 5 more locations including one in South Carolina

March 28, 2024

by Charleston Daily 3 Comments

New stores will be located in Florida, Indiana, South Carolina and Tennessee

Each of the five planned locations will help generate 150 new jobs for people in the areas where they open, the Massachusetts-based company said. BJ’s, with a smaller warehouse footprint, competes with Sam’s Club and Costco Wholesale.

Two of the new locations will be in Florida, operating in Palm Coast and West Palm Beach. The others will be located in Carmel, Indiana; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Maryville, Tennessee.

“Our real estate pipeline is the strongest it’s been in 20 years, and we look forward to helping even more families save up to 25% off grocery store prices as we add clubs to both new and existing markets,” Bill Werner, BJ’s executive vice president of strategy and development, said in a statement.

BJ’s expansion plan for fiscal 2024 includes establishing 12 new clubs. It has also indicated it would open 15 gas stations.

During the company’s quarterly earnings call earlier in March, Werner said BJ’s locations “are outperforming on the sell side, and we see really great member acquisition, member engagement” over the last couple of years.

The company’s real estate footprint spans 20 states with 244 clubs and 175 gas locations.

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Lowcountry

Charleston County Parks receives Quality of Life Grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation for Beach Wheelchairs

March 28, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

[CHARLESTON COUNTY] – The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) is proud to announce that it has been awarded $24,590 as part of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) 2023 Direct Effect 2nd Cycle Quality of Life grants. Through this grant, Charleston County Parks was able to purchase 10 TerraWheels Beach Wheelchairs for use at Isle of Palms County Park, Folly Beach County Park, Kiawah Beachwalker Park, and the Folly Beach Pier.

Fifty-nine grants totaling $1,271,125 were awarded. The Quality of Life Grants Program supports nonprofit organizations that empower individuals living with paralysis. Since the Quality of Life Grants Program’s inception, more than 3,770 grants totaling $43 million have been awarded. Funding for this program was made possible through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living (ACL grant #90PRRC0006-03-01). The Reeve Foundation’s National Paralysis Resource Center has several grants under the Quality of Life program awarding grants in different category areas, varying in different amounts. The Direct Effect grants program funds organizations to support a wide range of projects and activities that will impact individuals living with paralysis and their families.

“These awards are about restoring independence to our constituents,” said Dan McNeal, Director of, the Quality of Life Grants Program, Reeve Foundation. “Our work and number one goal are to enhance the quality of life of people living with paralysis. It is our honor to continue to collaborate with so many dedicated organizations, which have selflessly given their time and efforts to ensure that accessibility and inclusivity remain embedded in the fabric of their programs.”

“CCPRC is thrilled to have received a Quality of Life Grant from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. We look forward to the improved service this grant will enable us to provide via 10 new beach wheelchairs at the four ocean access parks we operate,” said Steve Hutton, CCPRC’s director of recreation and ADA coordinator. “Improving accessibility throughout our system is one of our core values, and the addition of these new beach wheelchairs will greatly help us achieve our goals and better serve our visitors who experience challenges when it comes to accessing beaches and other recreation areas.”

The beach wheelchairs are available for public use on a first-come, first-serve basis at Isle of Palms County Park, Folly Beach County Park, the Folly Beach Pier, and Kiawah Beachwalker Park during regular park hours. Please visit the park office upon arrival to check out a wheelchair. Reservations are not available for the chairs, but you may call the park office in advance to check availability. For more information, visit Charleston County Parks’ accessibility webpage at www.ccprc.com/ADA. For hours and contact information for the parks, please visit CharlestonCountyParks.com.

About the Reeve Foundation:

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research and improving the quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis. By uniting the brightest minds in the field, we are working tirelessly to accelerate scientific discoveries across the field of spinal cord research by investing in labs across the globe. Additionally, through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living, the Reeve Foundation’s National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) promotes the health, well-being, and independence of people living with paralysis, providing comprehensive information, resources, and referral services assisting over 100,000 individuals and families since its launch in 2002. The Reeve Foundation is committed to elevating our community’s voices and needs to achieve greater representation and independence. We meet all 20 of the Better Business Bureau’s standards for charity accountability and hold the BBB’s Charity Seal. For more information, please visit www.ChristopherReeve.org or call 800-225-0292.

About CCPRC:

The mission of CCPRC is to improve the quality of life in Charleston County by offering a diverse system of park facilities, programs and services. The large park system features over 11,000 acres of property and includes six regional parks, three beach parks, four seasonally-lifeguarded beach areas, three dog parks, two landmark fishing piers, three waterparks, 19 boat landings, a skate park, a historic plantation site, a climbing wall, a challenge course, an interpretive center, an equestrian center, cottages, a campground, a marina, as well as wedding, meeting and event facilities. CCPRC also offers a wide variety of recreational services – festivals, camps, classes, programs, and much more. For more information on CCPRC, call 843-795-4386 or visit www.charlestoncountyparks.com.

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