Celebrating Upstate Successes
On Tuesday November 19, Ten at the Top hosted our annual Celebrating Upstate Successes event at the Greenville Convention Center. We welcomed over 200 regional leaders, partners, and friends for a morning of celebration as we enjoyed Elevate Upstate grant finalist presentations, the recognition of our annual leadership awards, and finally the announcement of the 2024 Elevate Upstate and Bridgeway Station grants.
2024 Elevate Upstate Grant Recipients
Please Play Me Pianos
Please Play Me Pianos seeks to bring music to the masses with donated pianos vibrantly painted by local artists. The instruments are placed in notable locations around Greenville, and encourage passersby to sit down and play! This project will bring the magic of music, connection, and art to our community. Be sure to share a photo when you see one!
Envision Williamston Talent Show
In an effort to bridge the racial divide in their communities, “Envision Williamston” will produce a community-wide talent show hosted by the Caroline Community Center, a space that was historically used as a school for black children in Williamston. Envision Williamston looks forward to creating an annual tradition that will bring together individuals of all backgrounds for an evening of family fun!
2024 Bridgeway Station Grant Recipient
Girl Scouts of SC B3 Bridging Ceremony
The Girl Scouts of SC (Mountains to Midlands) are excited to hold a “Bridging Ceremony” at Bridgeway Station this year! This time honored tradition celebrates girl scouts as they graduate and move into their next season of life. This ceremony will feature a crossing of the bridge at Bridgeway Station, a live stream for friends and family unable to attend, and an unforgettable atmosphere for the girl scouts being honored.
Burdette Leadership Award
Anne J. Thayer
Former Representative Anne J. Thayer is this year’s recipient of the Burdette Leadership Award, and award given in recognition of outstanding female leaders in our region. For 14 years, Anne served the citizens of Anderson County’s District 9 in the SC House of Representatives. A deeply involved community leader, Anne embodies the spirit of regional and local collaboration. She has served on countless boards including Anderson Interfaith Ministries and is a volunteer coordinator for T.L. Hanna High School. We are honored and fortunate to serve alongside her in the Upstate!
Welling Award for Regional Collaboration
BMW Manufacturing
This year’s Welling Award for Regional Collaboration was presented to BMW Manufacturing, received by Max Metcalf. Employing over 11,000 people at their 8 million square foot campus, BMW has been a mainstay of collaboration in our Upstate region for 30 years. In the past 20 years, they have provided more than $40 million to support various civic, cultural, and educational programs. We look forward to the next 30 years, and are thankful for their dedication to cross-regional collaboration and support!