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NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas to Introduce New Luxury French Wine in Partnership  with Historic Cheurlin Champagne House (est. 1788)

• Nearly 40% of all kosher wine sales occur during Passover
• Celebrity wines from Vera Wang, Isiah Thomas & Amar’e Stoudemire—all Kosher for Passover
• Curated by Royal Wine Corp, the world’s largest producer and importer of kosher wines & spirits
• Passover selections range from $10 to $500

Bayonne, NJ — April 1, 2026 — As Passover begins on April 1, families around the world gather for the Seder, retelling the story of the Exodus—and raising four cups of wine to mark freedom and tradition. Today, wine has become one of the most anticipated elements of the Passover table, and for 2026, kosher wine lovers can celebrate with an extraordinary lineup that blends celebrity influence, global prestige, and award-winning quality.

Leading the Passover season is Royal Wine Corp, the world’s largest producer, manufacturer, importer, and exporter of kosher wines and spirits. From Napa Valley and Champagne to Israel, Italy, and beyond, Royal Wine continues to redefine kosher wine—proving it stands shoulder to shoulder with the finest wines in the world.

Celebrity Kosher Wines Take Center Stage

For Passover 2026, celebrity-backed kosher wines are among the most talked-about bottles on the table:

• Vera Wang, fashion icon and entrepreneur, expands her elegant kosher wine collection with two Provençal rosés from France:
– Vera Wang Côtes de Provence Rosé
– Vera Wang IGP Méditerranée Rosé

• Isiah Thomas, NBA legend, co-owns Champagne Cheurlin, which releases two NEW kosher Champagnes:
– Cheurlin Brut Spéciale
– Cheurlin Thomas Célébrité

• Amar’e Stoudemire, six-time NBA All-Star, crafts world-class kosher wines in partnership with Herzog Winery in California and Tulip Winery in Israel, blending athletic excellence with winemaking artistry.

Global Highlights for Passover 2026

·       United States (California)
• Yesod Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon by Herzog — three ultra-premium expressions
• Herzog Eminence Chalk Hill — limited-edition Sonoma red blend
• Shirah Winery — boutique Rhône and Italian varietals from top AVAs

·       Capio Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2021 by Russell Bevan: 94 points, by Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

·       Capio Petita Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2022 by Russell Bevan: 92 points, by Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate-

France
• Champagne Cheurlin (Isiah Thomas) — kosher Champagne releases
• Divin — the first dealcoholized kosher wines
• Château d’Aussière (Lafite-Rothschild portfolio) — first kosher production
• Domaine Arnaud Baillot — standout 2023 Burgundy releases
• Pomerol micro-cuvées debut kosher runs: Château Pomeaux & Château Le Bon Pasteur
• Château Marquis de Terme Margaux 2023 — Grand Cru Classé
• Château Tour Saint-Christophe Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 2023
• Domaine Les Marronniers — Chablis Grand Cru Valmur 2023

Italy
• Masseria Frattassi — first kosher Aglianico using the appassimento method
• Expanding Italian portfolio across top regions
• Bartenura debuts Oro sparkling wines and Moscato-based canned cocktails

Spain
• Clos Mesorah & Elvi Wines — Sublim 2018 (limited release)
• Celler de Capcanes — Flor del Primavera Garnatxa Blanca

Israel
• Lahat • Pinto • Naveh by Château Golan • Ben Porat • Ella Valley
• Psagot releases White Peak, its flagship white wine

Portugal
• The long-awaited return of kosher Port: Porto Cordovero

What Make Wine Kosher?

According to Jay Buchsbaum, VP & Director of Wine Education at Royal Wine Corp.:
“Simply put, kosher wine is produced using the same fermentation methods as traditional wine.

The difference is that all ingredients must be kosher-certified, and the winemaking process is supervised and carried out by Sabbath-observant Jews. Beyond that, kosher wine is no different from any other high-quality wine—and today, it often rivals the very best.”

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Local and Regional Artists Invited to Represent Their Hometowns at CCMF, June 4–7 in Myrtle Beach

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — As Carolina Country Music Fest (CCMF) prepares to return to Myrtle Beach June 4–7, 2026, organizers are once again opening the door for local and regional talent through their annual Hometown Star Search competition, sponsored by Coors Light.

Created to spotlight artists who represent the spirit of Horry County and surrounding Lowcountry communities, Hometown Star Search gives emerging performers the opportunity to take the stage during the East Coast’s largest outdoor country music fest. The program is designed to amplify hometown voices – giving local bands and artists a platform to perform in front of tens of thousands of fans while sharing the stages with some of country music’s biggest names.

Each year, the competition becomes a point of pride for the community, allowing fans to rally behind the artists who represent their city, their county and their local music scene.

“Hometown Stars gives artists from our own backyard – and across the region – the chance to step onto a major festival stage,” said Bob Durkin, co-founder of Southern Entertainment. “It’s about creating opportunity, amplifying their voice and letting fans stand behind the talent that represents their community.”

Selected artists will perform on one of the CCMF Discover Stages, connecting directly with new audiences in an environment built for discovery.

Nominations for the 2026 Hometown Star Search competition are now open and must be submitted by March 11. Fans, friends and artists themselves are encouraged to nominate deserving local and regional talent by visiting: https://carolinacountrymusicfest.com/ccmf-hometown-star-search/ and completing the official submission form.

Selected performers will receive invitations on or before March 16 and will have 24 hours to accept their performance opportunity. Artists chosen to perform will receive fest access for band members and the opportunity to represent their hometown on one of the CCMF Discover Stages.

Now entering its second decade, CCMF continues its commitment to elevating emerging artists while delivering one of the nation’s premier country music experiences. With limited General Admission and Super VIP tickets remaining for 2026, fans are encouraged to secure their passes early and cheer on their favorite hometown talent.

Carolina Country Music Fest returns June 4–7, 2026. Tickets and additional information are available at CarolinaCountryMusicFest.com. For the latest updates, follow Carolina Country Music Fest on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok. 

About CCMF:
Carolina Country Music Fest™, (CCMF), the East Coast’s largest outdoor country music fest, is located in Myrtle Beach, SC, at the Boardwalk within the Burroughs and Chapin Pavilion Place. CCMF is host to the industry’s biggest stars with 40+ artists at the beach, June 4th-7th, 2026. CCMF hosts a unique blend of today’s country headliners, regional stars, up-and-comers, and local favorites on multiple stages. With the combination of country music and the scenic beach backdrop, this family-friendly, four-day fest is a summer vacation destination.

About Southern Entertainment:
Southern Entertainment is a full-service event and production company with an unwavering commitment to excellence that has produced more than 500 events across the United States. For more information, visit www.southernentertainment.com

By Hannah Wade

A fencing company in Columbia is set to expand its existing corporate headquarters and add close to 300 new jobs, according to a tax incentives package signed by Richland County council Tuesday night. Amarok, which has an office at the corner of Assembly and Blossom Street in downtown Columbia, has plans to build a new corporate headquarters near the REI Co-op in the BullStreet District, according to county documents.

“AMAROK is immensely proud and excited to be growing our headquarter operations in Richland County,” Kerry Gibson, a spokesperson for the company, wrote in an email to The State. Gibson didn’t answer questions about specifics of the project, but said the company looked forward to “sharing more information about this exciting development in the weeks to come.” The project, which is set to receive a number of tax incentives, will include $69 million in investments by the company and the creation of 296 new, full-time jobs. For the investment of money and jobs, the county will offer the company a cap on its property taxes for the next three decades. While the company declined to share specifics on the project, the tax incentives package outlined Amarok anticipates the first phase of the project will be “placed in service during the calendar year ending Dec. 31, 2026.” It’s unclear whether the company’s existing location, on the fifth floor of the building at 550 Assembly St., will be consolidated into the new facility or continue to exist separately. The county council agreed Tuesday to sign a fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreement, which means the company will pay a fee that’s smaller than what it would’ve paid in taxes without the agreement. The incentives package also included an infrastructure credit, which means the county will provide a 50% credit against that fee for up to 10 years.

Source: The State

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By David Caraviello

The last patches of snow had yet to melt away from the winter storm that swept across South Carolina in late January, but downtown Charleston was already preparing for the tourist season to come. In Marion Square, a large white tent was being erected for the annual Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, the mid-February event that serves as the unofficial tourism kickoff in the Holy City.

Hopes for a robust 2026 tourism season were high across the Palmetto State, on the heels of a 2025 report from the S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism that said South Carolina’s tourism industry has an economic impact of $30 billion annually. One out of every 10 people in the state work in the hospitality industry, which supports more than 200,000 jobs, according to SCPRT.

That effect is felt throughout the state, from the mountains to the coast:

·        The economic impact of tourism in Charleston was $14 billion in the most recent report issued by the College of Charleston Office of Tourism Analysis, which was released in May of 2025. A total of 23.5 percent of all sales in the region can be attributed to the tourism industry, which employs over 54,000 people in the Lowcountry.

·        Myrtle Beach reported $13.2 billion in direct visitor spending in its most recent report covering 2024, according to the city’s tourism bureau. Tourism supports more than 82,000 jobs in the region, the report added, and generates approximately $59 million in annual Horry County taxes.

·        Greenville touted a $2.5 billion economic impact from tourism in its most recent annual report released in July of 2025. Nearly one of every 25 jobs in Greenville County exists because of visitors, who also generated $201 million in taxes, according to the report by Visit Greenville SC.

·        Columbia’s most recent tourism report covering the 2024-25 fiscal year reported a $1.9 billion impact from visitors, who generated $146 million in taxes and supported over 24,000 jobs. Sporting events alone generated an economic impact of $21.3 million, according to Experience Columbia SC, up 184 percent from the previous fiscal year.

Bucking trends in Charleston

While Charleston has long been a favorite among U.S. and international tourists alike, the $14 billion economic impact reported in May of 2025 still represented a 7 percent increase from the previous fiscal year. Through the third quarter of 2025, Charleston’s hotel occupancy rate stood at 70.1 percent and its average daily rate at $168.41.

Those figures were driven by a strong high-end market, according to a report by the commercial real estate firm Colliers South Carolina, bucking a regional trend of hotel occupancy downturns.

“Despite headwinds associated with weather, consumer uncertainty, the government shutdown, and geopolitical dynamics, (2025) was a good year for tourism in the Charleston area,” said Chris Campbell, vice president of strategy and external affairs at Explore Charleston, the city’s tourism arm. “The destination saw an uptick in hotel demand in a year when U.S. occupancy was down slightly. Moreover, our increase in average daily rate indicates the market is maintaining its pricing power.”

In 2026, Charleston’s vaunted events scene returns mainstays like the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, the Cooper River Bridge Run and the Credit One Charleston Open tennis tournament, while the Spoleto arts festival will celebrate its 50th anniversary and the Charleston Wine+Food Festival its 20th. Food and Wine Classic Charleston returns for its third year in 2026, while spring brings the opening of The Cooper, the first and only luxury waterfront hotel on the Charleston peninsula.

“There are a number of positive factors that support stability and cautious optimism in our market amid continued industry uncertainty on a national level,” Campbell said.

Greenville’s basketball boost

Although Hurricane Helene ravaged the Upstate in September of 2024, its aftereffects were still felt in the region well into 2025. Displacement and recovery efforts flattened hotel spending in the Greenville market, which reported a 64 percent occupancy rate and a $124.46 average daily rate as of the third quarter of 2025, according to Colliers South Carolina.

But most other indicators were up in a region that’s seen a 35 percent increase in tourism’s economic impact since 2019. “When the final 2025 reports are available, we expect that it’ll show another record year for tourism in Greenville County,” said Heath Dillard, president and CEO of VisitGreenvilleSC.

Passenger volume at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport topped 3 million for the first time in 2025, Dillard added, while spending in bars and restaurants increased by nearly $50 million for the year. The group and events sector saw record activity, and jobs within the region’s tourism industry continue to expand.

“Tourism continues to be a force that contributes significant economic and financial benefits to our community,” Dillard said, “and also increases the quality of life and prosperity for Greenville residents.”

Greenville in 2026 will see the return of annual events like Artisphere and Fall for Greenville, and add two major sports events in the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament and the first and second rounds of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship. And recruiting group business like meetings and conventions continues to be a key tenet in the city’s tourism strategy.

“I remain optimistic about tourism in Greenville, as we’ve consistently outperformed expectations and overcome national and regional trends that have slowed tourism in other places over the past couple of years,” Dillard said. “We have strong fundamentals as a destination, and 2026 brings a healthy mix of demand drivers including major sports, our signature events, and national exposure that keeps Greenville in the conversation.”

Party like it’s 1776

The 250th anniversary of the American Revolution will be everywhere in South Carolina in 2026, from license plates to events held throughout the state. And it promises to be a driver of tourism as well, with the Palmetto State boasting so many sites related to the struggle for independence — like Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island, Historic Camden, Cowpens National Battlefield near Gaffney, and the Battle of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site in Clinton.

There’s particular interest in Charleston, which produced four signers of the Constitution, and was named by the U.S. Congress Semiquincentennial Commission as one of four “signature cities” — along with Boston, Philadelphia, and New York — key to American independence.

“There is tremendous anticipation locally surrounding America’s 250th anniversary,” said Campbell, of Explore Charleston. “Being named by Congress as one of only four signature cities in the U.S., and the only Southern city, is an honor for our community and presents an opportunity to highlight a part of our history that many people don’t consider when thinking about Charleston. There’s been a lot of interest nationally and internationally.”

The South Carolina commission commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, known as SC250, has scheduled events throughout the state ranging from lectures to re-enactments. While Greenville has no sites of its own related to the Revolution – only a granite monument stands in tribute to the 1775 Battle of Great Cane Brake in southern Greenville County – the city sees itself as a natural jumping-off point for those interested in exploring Upstate battlefields like Cowpens and Ninety-Six.

“Greenville’s role is a little different,” Dillard said. “We are positioning the destination as a hub, a ‘basecamp to the battlegrounds,’ where visitors can stay, enjoy everything Greenville offers, and take half-day trips to nearby historic areas. We do not expect the 250th to create a new tourism category for us on its own, but it can add depth to itineraries and help us serve visitors well when they are already motivated to travel to the region.”

Struggles on the Strand

In Myrtle Beach, the hope is that 2026 represents something of a rebound from the previous year. Hotel metrics as of the third quarter of 2025 were down across the board, according to Colliers South Carolina, with overall occupancy dropping to 65.5 percent and average daily rate to $155.53.

Economy hotels represent half of Myrtle Beach’s hotel inventory, Colliers wrote, and over the latter half of the summer their performance “plummeted as middle-income families reduced discretionary spending in 2025.” That coincides with early February reports that Myrtle Beach tourism was down 3 percent for the year, according to comments by Chamber of Commerce officials at a city council workshop.

Hotel occupancy in Myrtle Beach was down 3.3 percent in 2025, according to WGHP-TV, while the city’s accommodations tax saw a 10.8 year-over-year decline. The 2025 report was not yet publicly available online, and Myrtle Beach Chamber officials had not responded to calls and emails at press time.

One bright spot for the Grand Strand: a specialized study by SCPRT valued the economic impact of the state’s golf sector at $3.3 billion, making it the South Carolina’s leading entertainment activity by revenue.

Source: Columbia Business Monthly

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Eastwood Homes is proud to announce the expansion of its Charleston Division into the Beaufort and Bluffton markets, further strengthening the company’s presence across the South Carolina Lowcountry.

The expansion includes two new communities: Academy Park in Beaufort and New Riverside Village in Bluffton.

In Beaufort, Eastwood Homes is now building in Academy Park, an intimate community featuring 13 thoughtfully designed homes. Each home includes a two-car front-load garage and slab foundation construction. Located next to Beaufort Academy, Academy Park offers incredible upscale designs with luxury craftsmanship in homes created for the modern lifestyle. Just 10 minutes from beautiful downtown Beaufort, homeowners will enjoy convenient access to the area’s best restaurants, shops, parks, and breathtaking coastal scenery. Pristine beaches are only a short drive away, and Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is nearby.

In Bluffton, Eastwood Homes is introducing 58 luxurious townhomes in New Riverside Village, each featuring a one-car garage. These townhomes offer the perfect blend of Lowcountry charm and modern convenience. Nestled within the vibrant New Riverside Village community, homeowners will enjoy walkable access to shops, dining, parks, and gathering spaces centered around a lively town center. Located just minutes from historic Old Town Bluffton, a short drive to Hilton Head Island’s pristine beaches, and less than 20 miles from Savannah, Georgia, this community embodies the ideal “lock and leave” lifestyle.

“We are so thrilled to be expanding our operations to Beaufort and Bluffton,” said Lindy Sfirlea, Vice President of Sales for Eastwood Homes’ Charleston Division. “These markets represent incredible opportunities for growth, and we’re excited to bring our craftsmanship, thoughtful designs, and commitment to customer experience to even more Lowcountry homebuyers.”

The homebuilder also shared that it will be opening an additional community in Ridgeland in the Third Quarter of 2026. Bees Creek Pines will be a community of single family ranch-style and two-story homes on larger homesites. This established neighborhood features ponds and trees and will be an excellent addition to the community line-up for the Charleston division, Sfirlea said.

This expansion reflects Eastwood Homes’ continued growth and dedication to building high-quality homes in desirable markets throughout the Southeast.

About Eastwood Homes
Eastwood Homes is a privately held residential homebuilder dedicated to building homes of exceptional value and outstanding craftsmanship throughout the Southeast. Eastwood Homes operations include its headquarters in Charlotte, as well as division offices in the Raleigh/Durham and Greensboro markets of North Carolina; Charleston, Greenville, and Columbia markets of South Carolina; the greater Richmond and Hampton Roads markets of Virginia; and the greater Atlanta market of Georgia. Eastwood’s builds in more than 140 communities throughout the Southeast United States with the option to “Build on Your Lot” in the Charlotte, Raleigh, Greenville, and Charleston markets. For more information, visit www.eastwoodhomes.com.

SOURCE Eastwood Homes

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By Mark A. Leon

Coming Soon: Sportyard – A 15,000 sq ft indoor sports challenge arena on James Island — built for kids, teens, adults, and families who want movement to feel like sport, not a workout. The new spot will be located at 1750 Signal Point Road, Suite 920, James Island, SC.

Hours of operation will be Monday-Thursday: 2pm-9pm / Friday-Saturday: 10am-9pm /Sunday: 10am-7pm

This new state of the art indoor sports arena will offer:

• Trick shots: 40+ YouTube-inspired challenges plus skills development for basketball, soccer, baseball, football & more
• Drop-in fun: Open facility for anyone to come test their trick shot skills or hone their abilities with our sport challenges
• Classes and Leagues: Regular classes and competitive leagues available across basketball, soccer, baseball, football, and more
• Summer Camps
• Basketball and Volleyball Leagues
• Membership options

Click HERE to learn about offerings and memberships

Photo Credit: KW Designs

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COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster, the South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) and South Carolina Ports (SC Ports) today announced that the state’s 2025 export sales grew 1.5%, reaching $38.5 billion — the highest value in seven years — as reported by the U.S. Department of Commerce. 

The 2025 export sales underscore the continued global demand for South Carolina-made products. South Carolina was again the nation’s top exporter of both completed passenger vehicles and tires. The state also ranked second nationally in the export of ball/roller bearings, commonly used in the automotive, aerospace, industrial machinery and energy sectors.

Motor vehicles and parts, aircraft and parts, and machinery and parts were South Carolina’s most exported commodities in 2025. Aircraft and parts’ market share rose 31% from 2024, while completed passenger vehicles generated the most significant share of export sales revenue, totaling $11.8 billion.

South Carolina’s top five exported commodities in 2025, by percentage share, were:

1. Motor vehicles and parts
2. Aircraft and parts
3. Machinery and parts
4. Plastics
5. Tires

South Carolina exported goods to countries across Asia, Europe, North America and the Middle East.

South Carolina companies looking to expand their global markets can explore S.C. Commerce’s export incentives or contact the international trade team.

“South Carolina once again led the country in the export of passenger vehicles and tires, reflecting the strength of our manufacturing industry. Reaching the highest export value in seven years is the result of a skilled workforce and the confidence global markets place in products made in our state.”
-Gov. Henry McMaster 

“South Carolina’s strong export sales last year demonstrate the strength of our economy and the power of our advanced manufacturing sector. International trade remains a cornerstone of the state’s growth and development, providing opportunities for long-term success.”
-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“More than 70% of cargo exported through South Carolina Ports’ facilities originates from companies in South Carolina, higher than any other major container port on the East Coast. South Carolina’s advanced manufacturers, agricultural producers and businesses rely on SC Ports’ efficient operations to remain competitive, and reach the global markets that demand their products.”
-SC Ports President and CEO Micah Mallace

Source: South Carolina Department of Commerce

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By Austin Edwards

Given the climate and sheer number of people of all ages moving to the Palmetto State, it has been somewhat surprising — not to mention, disappointing (to me, at least) — that South Carolina has been so late to the game when it comes to padel.

Granted, the state was initially an early adopter of padel, with its first court (which I actually had a hand in helping to make happen) opening at the Columbia Racquet Club all the way back in December 2022.

However, until very recently the only other court in the state was a single temporary court here in Charleston at the LTP Daniel Island tennis complex that hosts the women’s pro tennis tournament known as the Credit One Charleston Open.

Yet, all of the sudden, padel is now starting to explode across the state…

This is thanks to:

• The two outdoor courts that were recently opened at the Roy Barth Tennis Center at the Kiawah Island Resort, about 25 miles southwest of Charleston…
• Two more outdoor courts being added at LTP Daniel Island (bringing the total there to three)…
• An additional two outdoor courts being added to the private Daniel Island Club just across the street from LTP Daniel Island later this year…
• The opening of 40Forty Padel Club, a two-court outdoor venue in Mauldin, SC, just outside of Greenville…
• Two private outdoor courts recently being added to The Cliffs at Mountain Park residences in Marietta, SC…
• A third location of pATL opening in Mt. Pleasant, SC, (just across the Ravenel Bridge from Charleston) with six indoor courts plus a stadium court…
• At least one outdoor court reportedly being added to Snee Farm Country Club, also in Mt. Pleasant…
• A two-court club known as The Point Racket and Social Club set to open in the spring of 2026 on Johns Island, SC, and…
• Two outdoor courts set to be added to the Charleston Racquet Club sometime in late 2026 (along with more singles and doubles squash courts and even one of only about a dozen real-tennis courts in the U.S.).

Add it all up, and you’ll discover that in the space of less than a year, the number of padel courts in the Palmetto State is set to soar from just two to more than two dozen.

Of this incredible — and rather sudden — growth, Nick Saltmarsh, a former college tennis player turned padel addict and entrepreneur (who is preparing to open The Point Racket and Social Club mentioned above) tells me:

“Charleston’s combination of year-round playable climate and deeply rooted racquet sports culture creates an ideal environment for padel’s introduction to the Lowcountry.

The region’s active, health-conscious population, with a median age of 36, is already seeking the next evolution in social racket sports. With the metro area growing three times faster than the national average and Charleston’s emphasis on community-oriented recreation, padel fills a clear gap between the accessibility of pickleball and the heritage of tennis.”

He also proudly adds, “The Point Racket and Social Club will serve as a hub for this emerging sport, offering a premium yet welcoming space where the region’s vibrant social culture can thrive on court.”

Catching up — and pushing ahead…

While two-dozen-plus padel courts is admittedly still just a drop in the bucket compared to other warm-weather states like California, Texas, and Florida, it will actually catapult South Carolina ahead of states like Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Nevada, and Virginia when it comes to total court count.

Of course, from the look of things, all those states will continue to add more courts and clubs as well. But, for now, it’s just nice to see my home state of South Carolina claiming its place on the padel map.

Harry Miley, the founder and owner of the Columbia Racquet Club (where S.C.’s first court was built) shares my enthusiasm, telling me:

“I’m not surprised at all at that pace of growth we’re starting to see… padel is addictive! Less than an hour after setting foot on a padel court for the first time at the Kinetic Club in Florida, I said, ‘we’re going to build one of these’ — and we did. I’m just so happy to finally see the addictive powers of padel start to spread across North and South Carolina three years after we built ours.”

Source: Padel Nation

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Under new leadership, the Fund is poised for accelerated impact to connect nonprofits to generous donors 

Charleston, S.C. (March 2, 2026) – The Blackbaud Giving Fund^Ⓡ,  a nonprofit that brings supporters and nonprofits together to advance the state of giving, today announced the appointment of Catherine LaCour as its new CEO and executive director, effective immediately. In this role, LaCour will help nonprofits access charitable funds with greater confidence and clarity through the Fund’s secure and efficient giving programs. Since its inception in 2020, the Fund has disbursed $2.75 billion from generous donors to over 286,000 nonprofits worldwide. 

LaCour will lead the Fund’s strategy, oversee governance and regulatory compliance, and steward its partnerships with Blackbaud and other social impact partners to unlock new streams of generosity. LaCour, who recently retired from her role as Blackbaud’s chief marketing officer, succeeds former executive director Matt Nash, who helped establish and build the organization for five years and successfully strengthened its national profile, expanded nonprofit engagement, and deepened its role as a trusted partner in charitable giving. 

“We are thrilled to see Catherine enter this role,” said Dan Aptor, board chair. “She brings a deep understanding of the philanthropic landscape, a strong commitment to nonprofit partners, and the strategic clarity needed to guide The Blackbaud Giving Fund into its next chapter. Her experience and values are a natural fit for our mission, and the board has full confidence in her ability to strengthen our impact for nonprofits, donors, and corporate partners.”

LaCour brings over 25 years of experience leading growth, engagement, and innovation across public, private, and nonprofit organizations, as well as deep expertise in building trusted systems that connect people, organizations, and purpose. Her background spans charitable funds distribution, technology-enabled engagement, and sector leadership, positioning her to help expand the Fund’s role within the social impact ecosystem.

“The Blackbaud Giving Fund exists to make giving faster, more transparent, and more effective for nonprofits and the donors who support them,” said LaCour. “By helping corporate employees move their gifts from intention to impact in days rather than weeks, and by reducing the friction and cost often associated with distribution, we’re strengthening trust in the entire giving process. I’m excited to lead the Fund at a time when the work nonprofits are doing is even more critical, and as trust and transparency become even more important.”

As CEO and executive director, LaCour will work closely with the Fund’s board of directors to define priorities, guide policy, and ensure accountability. She will also partner with Blackbaud leadership to explore opportunities for new giving channels, partnerships, and innovations. In partnership with Blackbaud and its YourCause® solution built for corporate social responsibility and employee engagement, The Blackbaud Giving Fund helps power a connected platform that links donors and nonprofits through trusted technology and responsible stewardship to accelerate giving and create a network effect. The Fund eliminates the friction of connecting around shared purpose, powerfully linking individuals, organizations, and systems so resources can be unleashed at the speed of need and impact can grow exponentially. Under her leadership, The Blackbaud Giving Fund will continue to strengthen its role as a connector between donors and nonprofits, while supporting the sector with resources, education, and trusted infrastructure for charitable giving.

For nonprofit resources and tips, visit The Blackbaud Giving Fund’s blog.

For more information about The Blackbaud Giving Fund, visit blackbaudgivingfund.org or follow the organization on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagramfor updates, news, and more. 

About The Blackbaud Giving Fund

Facilitating $2.75 billion in charitable contributions to more than 286,000 nonprofits worldwide since 2020, The Blackbaud Giving Fund is the bridge between corporate giving initiatives and nonprofit organizations, bringing supporters and nonprofits together to advance the state of giving. The Fund simplifies the giving experience by offering companies and individuals a secure, efficient way to give to vetted nonprofits, and it delivers contributions directly to those nonprofits. Beyond disbursing all funds quickly to nonprofits, the Fund offers free resources to organizations, including receipting, a donor communication platform, statistics, reports, ACH payments, and more. 

The Blackbaud Giving Fund is an independent 501(c)(3) public charity and grant-making organization that was organized and operates exclusively for charitable purposes. It is not controlled by and is not a program or activity of Blackbaud, Inc. The Blackbaud Giving Fund’s mission is to unleash generosity by connecting people to causes they care about around the world. 

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What: 4th Annual Holi Festival of Colors at Coterie

Where: Coterie – 17 Warren Street, Charleston, SC

When: Sunday, March 15, 2026 – 12:00 PM

Click HERE for a reservation.

Event Details

Colors to throw included in admission. Special Drinks featuring Nock Mezcal and Tequila as well as Mango Lassi and the NA options. Chef Gita Thali including puri,eggplant potato veg curry, cabbage sauté salad, toorDal(lentil soup), Rice, Frayums (Papad papdi), wheat ladoo.

*Recommended to pre-purchase Thali as the availability is limited

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