BMW Pro-Am: Birdies for Charity

Mar 15, 2023 | Uncategorized

BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by TD SYNNEX is looking for local, Upstate, nonprofit organizations to sign up for Birdies for Charity to start earning matching funds now!**see details below.

Here is a little informational Q&A about the program:

What is Birdies for Charity? Birdies for Charity® is a multi-level fundraising program designed to give participating charities the opportunity to generate contributions for their organization based on the number of “birdies” made by Korn Ferry Tour professional players Thursday through Sunday during the BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by TD SYNNEX.

What’s the cost for local nonprofits to participate? It is completely free for 501(c)3’s and schools in the Upstate to participate.

What are the expectations? There are no expectations! Just sign up and start soliciting pledges. We recommend that you send e-mail blasts, post on social media and work within the community to promote that you are participating in this event….but there are no minimum requirements!

What’s the benefit of participating?

• No Risk! No out of pocket expenses!
• All donations are tax-deductible
• Charities receive 100% of their donations
• Organizations can receive Bonus Bucks
• Dollar for dollar match up to the first $100,000.00 raised by all charities
• Participating organizations get their name on the Charity Spotlight Board at the tournament

 What’s Next? Go to bmwcharitygolf.com to register. Click on the “donate now” button and then choose “participating organization”. You will receive an approval email within 5-7 business days that includes login information to the Birdies Portal. Once you have the approval email you are able to solicit donations! Utilize the charity resources that are on the Birdies website and then email cassadzandi@sccharities.org with any questions or concerns.

Wholespire – Promoting and Supporting Health Equity in South Carolina

Mar 9, 2023 | Uncategorized

Have you ever heard about a town that was losing its only grocery store? What about a local park that was run down and unsafe? At Wholespire, we help community coalitions identify ways to fix those types of problems so that all community members have a fair chance at taking better care of their health. It’s amazing to see how making one or two small improvements can lead to a healthier and happier community.

Wholespire has been working to make South Carolina a healthier state since 2007. Our mission is to provide communities with proven and sustainable approaches that lead to increased access to healthy choices for all people. With a focus on increasing access to healthy eating and active living, Wholespire is a leader in creating environments that promote healthy behaviors and prevent chronic disease.

1. We were formerly known as Eat Smart Move More South Carolina

While you may not be familiar with Wholespire, you might know us as Eat Smart Move More South Carolina. In 2020, we decided to change our name to better reflect our work.  Wholespire combines the word “whole” with the words “aspire” (what we’re striving for) and “inspire” (what we hope to evoke in people). It’s the state in which a complete and harmonious community is achieved.

Our new name and look capture our efforts to bring about lasting and healthy change for so many who aspire to wellness but lack access to the key components of health. It’s a refresh on our goal to make whole health a possibility for all South Carolinians as we inform, engage and influence decision-makers to include health in policy decisions.

2. We are advocates

What makes us different from other organizations is that we advocate to our state legislators to include health in all policies. You can find us at the state house advocating for free school meals for all SC students, more recess time at school and the Healthy Bucks program. We also support our partners’ initiatives that impact health equity. In addition to advocating to change state-level policies and laws, we equip communities to do the same at the local level. You can learn more about our legislative priorities and the bills we’re watching by visiting our Advocacy Center. You can also become a Wholespire advocate! We make contacting your legislators easy with pre-written email messaging. Sign up to become an advocate for health in your community.

3. We have annual mini-grants available

To date, Wholespire has invested over $200,000 in mini-grants across the state. While these grants cannot be used to fund events, programs, or direct education, they can be used to create or improve access to nutritious foods and safe places to be physically active. Examples of mini-grant projects include:

• A paved walking track at an elementary school
• Outdoor water bottle refill stations at parks and trails
• Bilingual signage at a farmers’ market
• Benches, signage, trash receptacles along trails or walking paths
• Playground equipment for schools or parks

For more information, visit our website.

4. We have 14 county-level Wholespire chapters across the state

Community change must start with community voice. That’s why Wholespire uses a chapter model to allow communities to lead the change themselves. We provide branding and technical assistance, but each coalition has volunteers made up of people who live and/or work in that county. Each chapter chooses the strategies that make the most sense for their community.

Stay up to date with all our work by subscribing to our newsletter!

TATT x SCDHEC Behavioral Mental Health Discovery Meeting

Feb 27, 2023 | Uncategorized