Cainhoy Peninsula Rotary Club

Play like a Girl

Imagine you have a daughter in elementary school interested in Fall sports. The school offers two options: football for the boys, and cheerleading for the girls. "What kind of messaging does this send?" Leveling the Fields Founder & President, Melyssa Jaskiewicz, asked and then answered, "That the field is meant for boys, and that a girls role is to cheer them on from the sideline." Only this was not an imaginary scenario - this was the reality at a local Title 1 school and is common across South Carolina, which trails the Nation in offering athletic opportunities. Evaluating our State's high school statistics, 63,311 male students played sports, compared to 35,214 female students due to options, access, and cost, and in low-income households, only a quarter of girls are able to play. Why? Because when it costs $5,000 for Berkeley County girls to play lacrosse for one season, families are required to have significant flexible income, especially when supporting multiple children.

Fast forwarding into these female athletes' futures, this is more than an extracurricular issue. Girls who play sports are 15% more likely to graduate high school and 10% more likely to graduate college. This impact translates to the workforce, as only 24% of executives at the C-Suite level are women, yet 94% had a background including sports. The athletic foundational skillsets of determination, teamwork, and adapting while overcoming obstacles/loss are occupationally applicable, as every $1 invested in sports programs for girls has proven to result in up to $4 in long-term economic benefits.

Leveling the Fields provides this type of return across the Lowcountry through their EmpowerPlay and PlayFit Programs. Both are designed as free, after-school programs for up to thirty 3rd-5th graders of Title 1 school encompassing six coach-facilitated sports: softball, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, volleyball, tennis. Equipment is provided and includes an "empowerment journal" for curriculum encouraging leadership, sportsmanship, and building self-confidence. Although founded in April of 2024, this organization has already benefited 11 schools with the goal of being present in all 39 by 2029. After achieving this goal, they hope to enter into middle and high schools. Of the schools already benefited, they have also reported an increase in performance and decrease in behavioral infractions among participants.

You can get involved in Leveling the Fields by becoming a Volunteer, Coach, or serving as a School Liaison. Interested in funding girls access to athletic opportunities? You can also sponsor a program (avg cost $7,500-$14,00) or make a one-time or reoccurring donation.

Soul Harvesters Outreach: "Spreading the love of God and closing the gap of disparities, one community at a time."

Since 1998, Sylvia Evans, Executive Director of Soul Harvesters Outreach, has been serving Charleston communities through this ministry. Although motivated by faith, she recognizes that, "it is hard to talk about God when their stomachs are louder than our voices." By bridging necessary resources for underserved families to thrive physically, financially, and emotionally, these demonstrations of God's love will also allow for them to thrive spiritually through compassionate collaboration with other organizations.

Adopt-A-Community is their first form of partnership. On the second Monday of every month, 40 local nonprofits, charities, businesses, and community leaders provide information and resources to those living in high-crime, low-income communities. Supported by North Charleston Police Department, their commitment to community development has resulted in a 50% decrease in crime. Believing it takes a village and that "knowledge is power", these hand-ups (not hand-outs) help families stabilize, as research shows the major drivers of unlawful behavior are food insecurity, criminal injustice, social & emotional wellness, education, and housing. They also post other community events and resources to their Facebook page.

Their Conflict Resolution program addresses these drivers among youth as "through healthy relationships, vital resources flow." Hosted at alternative schools within the Charleston County School District, this 12-week program is based around the social & emotional learning model for students with frequent behavioral infractions and/or recommended by staff (counselors, teachers, school resource officers, etc.). Many of these students are considered "at-risk", coming from difficult backgrounds and experiences with suspension, expulsion, and/or juvenile delinquency. The evidence-based curriculum covers self awareness, emotional regulation (healthy coping skills), responsible decision making (critical thinking), relationship skills (interpersonal challenges), and social awareness. Incorporating parents/guardians and educators, participants have had an increase of academic scores and decrease in behavioral infractions, with one graduate stating, "This program saved my life." They also offer psychological evaluations at no-cost and pay for students to explore low-budget cooking. Then at the end, students make a dish for everyone to share. During a recent meal, one participant thanked Ms. Evans for his "first family dinner".

Watch this video learn more about Soul Harvesters Outreach. Those wanting to further their impact can donate or become a volunteer.

Quarterly Newsletter

Fall is a season for reflection, and what an opportune time to look back on all we have accomplished these first few months of the Rotary Year!

In August, we presented funds to our 2025 Charleston Duck Race beneficiaries: ECCO, WarriorWOD, and Philip Simmons Middle School PTA. That month's membership theme reminded us of the incredible impact people can have when working together. You can see these impacts through the left photo carousel below. Members and community supporters stocked Philip Simmons Middle School's Hygiene Closet for Back to School Night, which our Club started two years ago. Upon seeing the resources available, a parent was brought to tears and shared their child would now be able to brush their teeth for the first day of school. "I feel so lucky to live in a community that cares."

In September, we had the pleasure of hearing from other nonprofit organizations like Keith School Museum, which was an ideal match for the month's theme of education and literacy. We assisted with both September's and October's vendor setups for Indigo Reef's Sip N' Shops. Afterwards, one small business owner recovering from a neck injury shared his deep appreciation for our members help. "You all are awesome - I cannot thank you enough".

Across both months, we also accepted District 7770's challenge and honored late-Rotarian Grace Wellman by "Sharing Grace" with Cainhoy Fire & Rescue. Click here to learn how this service initiative was inspired. Raising $180, we assembled 80 heart-healthy snack packs that will supply Cainhoy Fire Station 21 and other rural posts! Our packing party photos can be found on the right carousel.

In October, we experienced "Rotary around the World"; an evening of learning about global grants for Ukrainian & Indian initiatives and updated Polio figures. This education helps our eradication efforts in preparation for World Polio Day on Friday, October 24th and Pints for Polio on Tuesday, October 28th. Service wise, we are expanding our hygiene efforts to the high school in partnership with the Daniel Island Rotary Club and exploring other ways we can support their service initiatives.

Writing this brought feelings of pride and gratitude for those we serve alongside. Thank you for all you do in support of our Club, Rotary, and the Cainhoy Community.

In Service,

Marion Harris

President

Cainhoy Peninsula Rotary, District 7770

Philip Simmons Hygiene Drives

Two years ago, our Club started Philip Simmons Middle School's Hygiene Closet and this year, have expanded our reach to Philip Simmons High School! To help connect students with these resources, we are requesting the community's support in restocking our remaining needs!

Out of the middle school's 360 student body, it is estimated that 30% fall at or below the federal poverty line. For a family of four, that translates to an annual salary of $32,150. In Berkely County though, it is estimated that a family of four needs a household income of over $88,000 to afford necessities like childcare, transportation, food, and housing. Families that fall between that gap are referred to as ALICE: Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed. These are working families whose salaries disqualify them from government-assistance, but still cannot afford basic needs. In 2023, Trident United Way reported 40% of Berkeley County residents were ALICE families. Hygiene closets alleviate the financial strain placed on these families and even those that qualify for government assistance, as WIC and SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase hygiene products.

School is hard enough - help students feel comfortable and confident this school year so they can focus on learning by donating their greatest needs. These needs currently are Feminine Hygiene Products, Deodorant, Body Wipes, and Chapstick. You can collect these items through a business, club, or neighborhood Drive by emailing our School Liaison, Eli Gissell, for more information! You can also have donations delivered via our Amazon Wishlists:

Keith School Museum: Preserving Cainhoy & Huger history and the legacy of learning

Have you been curious about the little white house on Clements Ferry Road near Nelliefield Plantation? Keith School Museum (KSM) Director, Vernelle Dickerson, and Board Member, Omar Asby, shared the significance of this cultural landmark dating back to 1926. Paid for and built by the decedents of local freed people, this 1-room school house became part of the Wando School District by 1930s and known as the Keith School. The school's African-American student body continued to grow, adding a second room in 1943 and hosting 4 teachers and 100 students at its peak. When the School closed in 1956, students transferred to Cainhoy Elementary and High School, but the facility remained utilized for dances and local events. In 1971, the school was deeded to the Wando Community Center. Destroyed by Hurricane Hugo in 1989, the replica seen today was built in 2007 and in 2024, re-deeded to KSM.

Although no longer teaching primary education, KSM is still serving as a community hub of opportunity. Adults are continuing their education through free computer and financial literacy courses, sweetgrass basket weaving & heritage seminars, quilting classes, and line dancing lessons. Dickerson has particularly seen increased interest in their computer literacy course, but when the program-funded grant was pulled before the start of this school year, they were left with limited options for their enrolled students. Organizations like Trident United Way, King's Cross Church, and the Daniel Island Community Fund have banded together to raise the $6,000 needed. KSM is also generating income through their event rentals. For $100/hour, this indoor and outdoor space featuring a kitchenette hosts 75 people. Those interested in rentals, supporting fundraising, or touring can email Dickerson.

In addition to monetary support, we asked what needs fulfilled would help alleviate the lack of funding. Their top three priorities were a storage shed to optimize space, building a door to serve as a noise barrier between classes, and finding folks who could relocate a piano. Please reach out if able to assist in any of these area!

Where compassion meets care: Shriners Children's expands access to orthopedic services

For low-income, underinsured, and uninsured families, treating their kids' musculoskeletal complications can feel impossible. That is why Shriner's Children's covers the ongoing costs of treatment - a philanthropy model that pays for patients who can't.

Brian Alberts, Director of Philanthropy, shared how their Greenville location is expanding access across the Lowcountry. They have partnered with MUSC's Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital's pediatric burn center, providing a $3 million grant for care and research. Understanding early diagnosis is crucial to treating conditions like scoliosis and hip dysplasia, they offer screenings at Charleston County District schools. Recognizing public awareness and support is key, Brian has been presenting in underserved areas and invites everyone to attend their annual Charleston Classic NCAA Basketball Tournament in November.

Nationally, Shriners Children's provides care in 33 states and internationally, 46 countries. Of those locations, 19 different facilities treat conditions like cleft pallet and fund research for medical advancement. Shriners Children's Greenville treats 85 different orthopedic conditions, serving as the only inpatient/outpatient orthopedic hospital in the Southeast. For distant residents, Shriners offers transportation and lodging through their partnership with the nearby Ronald McDonald House. Diagnoses can occur in their motion analysis lab or with their EOS machine - a significantly lower dose of radiology imaging. Those recovering from amputations can receive a custom prosthetic, which have been made and delivered to over 7,000 pediatric-patients to date. On average, they receive 75 clinic visits per day. Not only are they providing critical care, they do it with compassion. Shriners Children's Greenville has been voted as “Best in the Upstate” for Best Hospital, Best Pediatric Clinic, and Best Orthopedics Center.

If you want to help Lowcountry children thrive regardless of their condition and family's economic status, there are many ways to give. Whether it be through planned giving, sponsorships, fundraising, or individual donations, every penny contributes to their 88% philanthropy operating budget, where 87 cents of every dollar directly funds services. You can also support indirectly through event rentals at the Omar Shrine Center in Mount Pleasant!

Quarterly Newsletter

Hard to believe we are here at the end of another Rotary Year. This will be MY last newsletter, as Marion Harris will be taking over the helm for our Club! Marion, I wish you great success in the 2025-26 year, for a thriving Club!

Let’s start with a little International theme for Rotary, shall we?!

June’s Theme for Rotary International was “Rotary Fellowships Month.” This month is dedicated to recognizing the importance of international fellowship and goodwill among Rotarians with shared interests. It aims to encourage participation in Rotary Fellowships and deepen understanding of this program. Think of this month in terms of Friendship and Goodwill, Service Opportunities, Membership Engagement, and Public Image! June was the finale of the Charleston Duck Race, and I feel like that one event definitely brought these four areas of focus to light.

Our Club did approx. $7,790 in duck adoptions and sponsorships, contributing to over $184,000 raised! That is amazing, and you all should be very proud. Thank you to each of you who showed up at tabling events, canvased your neighborhoods/door-to-door knocks, and/or brought in Sponsorships to achieve that number. Your hard work will bless our beneficiaries...

East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO) - ECCO provides assistance, guidance, and resources to neighbors navigating life's challenges. In FY 2024 - 25, 1,888 families accessed services including the Wellness Food Pantry, Kat's Clothing Closet, Health Services (Medical & Dental), Client Navigation, Financial & Prescription Assistance, Asset Development Program (ADP), and Seasonal Initiatives.

WarriorWOD - Founded to help Veterans recovering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), suicidality, and other invisible wounds, WarriorWOD offers structured fitness programs, personalized nutritional guidance, and peer mentorship dedicated to healing the physical and invisible wounds of war for Veterans and their families.

Philip Simmons Middle School PTA - Our club is committed to supporting the youth of our community. These funds were dedicated towards student wellbeing initiatives, which includes restocking the hygiene closet our Club started so students can feel comfortable and confident throughout the school year.

We only hold back 10%, so each of these organizations will receive $2,000 for their needs. What a legacy we are creating in our community!

The Rotary International Theme for July 2025 is “Maternal and Child Health Month.” This is a dedicated time for Rotary clubs worldwide to focus on improving the health and well-being of mothers and children, especially in underserved communities. The focus is on ensuring access to quality healthcare, reducing mortality rates, and promoting healthy development for both mothers and children. We just recently had a presentation from the Shifa Clinic, and they are making wonderful strides in this area.

Pictured last in the right-hand carousel below you will find one of the Speaking Books our Club gifted to support their pediatric patients diagnosed with cancer. These books were provided by the founder, Brian Julius, member of the Hilton Head Rotary Club. When addressing the teen mental health crisis in Africa, he and his wife realized illiteracy was their greatest obstacle in connecting youth with needed resources. Starting with one speaking book, they now have over 100 topics in 40 different languages distributed across 35 countries. Other health information/vaccination topics aligned with this month's theme include polio, tuberculosis, and handwashing.

July is also the start of the new Rotary year, and therefore often referred to as “Transition Month,” marking the changeover to new leadership in clubs and districts. Our Installation Ceremony was held at Viva on Daniel Island, offering a time for reflection, celebration, and recognition of outgoing and incoming Leadership with Marion becoming President. Marion has some big goals for this club, and I cannot wait to see the outcome in June 2026! Please support her at your highest and best ability as she leads you into the future!

Before I close out this newsletter, I wanted to tell you each how much I love our friendships and the service we have done together this past year. Although I have not been a great leader in regard to the details, I have loved serving along side of each of you and look forward to even more in the future! I will be stepping back into the e-Membership, and will gladly show up to help with the service projects. I hope you will allow me to join you at happy hours as well!

It has been an honor to serve with you all. I continue to celebrate you “Doers” in the Cainhoy Peninsula Rotary Club!

In Service,

Jon Stroud

President

Cainhoy Peninsula Rotary, District 7770

Sunflowers of HOPE: Bringing hope to those in need, one need at a time

Many times, poverty is not portrayed or perceived accurately. Often, we envision the unhoused, which Sunflowers of HOPE supports those unsheltered in the tri-county area and veterans residing at Patriots Villa. Rarely though do we expect it to be experienced by those employed in corporate America. Clothed in suits and adorning briefcases, they hide their family's financial situation. This was the case for Sonia Hanson.

When her husband lost his job, she added a second and became the sole provider for her family of four. As finances became tighter, her portions became smaller with rice and gravy serving as their dinner staple. She continued to make sacrifices as mothers do, but when a stranger had to cover the remainder of the $10 needed for two used winter coats from Goodwill, she made a promise to herself. When things got better, she would be that resource for others. Now, Sonia is VP Branch Manager for South State Bank and runs her nonprofit, Sunflowers of HOPE.

Based out of her home in Goose Creek and operated entirely by volunteers, they provide emergency food assistance, nutritional education and food distribution, and personal hygiene kits for law enforcement to distribute to the unhoused. For local Title 1 Schools, students can also access hygiene kits personalized to their preference, receive new winter jackets, and select from 200+ new books during pre-summer drives. During the holiday season, students' families experience Santa's magic through their "Hope Tree" - an opportunity for low-income families to receive literature, clothes, and a couple of items from their wish list.

If you want to help those facing financial hardship, housing instability, and an estimated 400+ local unhoused students, their greatest need is monetary donations with 100% funding services. You can support this cause by donating via their PayPal linked on their Facebook page or attending their fundraising Hope & Light Luncheon on October 4th. On their website, you can find volunteer information, learn about ways to get involved, and their upcoming outreach events. For those seeking services, please email or visit their Contact Us page.

The Shifa Clinic: A place for health and healing

As the cost of healthcare continues to rise, so does the rate of South Carolina's most pressing health issue - Residents being uninsured, underinsured, or lacking access to healthcare. In Berkeley County, 20% of residents are uninsured, with 74% attributing it to affordability. This has allowed chronic conditions, such as diabetes, to worsen and has put many mothers at risk. Thankfully, we have the Shifa Clinic.

The Shifa Clinic of ICNARelief alleviates hunger, provides outreach, and offers medical services including primary, pediatric, and vision care. Annually, 4,000 patients visit with 820 vaccines administered and over 13 million dollars worth of medication prescribed. They are also only 1 of 3 free clinics in the state offering women's health and supporting mothers with prenatal care. This is in partnership with the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and for those with high-risk pregnancies, Roper St. Francis. To help with the continuation of care, Jose Godoy, Patient Navigator & Preventive Medicine Practitioner, guides patients through the medical system to ensure they receive comprehensive treatment and are utilizing available resources. He also educates on management and prevention through campaigns such as INSPIRE-D (Integrated Nutrition and Screening Program for Informed Risk Education for Diabetes).

Food insecurity plagues 9.6% of South Carolinians, disproportionality affecting 19% of African Americans and 14% of the Latin community. Shifa's hunger prevention program feeds 800-900 families every month through their school presence, food share program with Trident United Way, and a farmers market style distribution called Fresh Express. Clients may also access their Pantry 1x/month. Supporting those unable to, 100 households facing transportation and/or mobility barriers receive Amazon grocery delivery. These services are not restricted by zip codes, but do have an annual income cap of 250% of the Federal Poverty Line, which would be $39,125 for a single person household.

Those interested in financially supporting these services can donate directly to their clinic or for purchasing groceries. You can also volunteer and if seeking a medical degree, participate in their student rotations. You may also take a "Tour of Kindness" to see their impact in person by emailing Meredith Sussman, Volunteer and Outreach Manager!

The Crime Prevention Formula: Berkeley County Sheriff's Office + Community

We had the pleasure of welcoming PFC Ty'Zell Richardson of Berkeley County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) Community Action Team and learning how we can help keep the Cainhoy Community safe! Although law enforcement is there for protection, citizens can take actions to secure ourselves and our neighbors through three different avenues:

Financial Protection - Have you received that USPS undeliverable package text or a toll fine you apparently missed but can’t remember making? Scammers are getting creative with their asks, which is why staying informed and practicing critical thinking is crucial in this digital age. As they are especially targeting the elderly population, consider discussing these phishing scenarios with your aging loved ones to protect their financial wellbeing.
Home and Property Safety - Rather than relying on deterrence or chance, ALWAYS lock up! Windows, garage doors, car trunks, anything accessible is an opportunity for someone with ill intentions. Even if you live in a gated community, you should still be taking these precautionary measures. The top three service calls in Clements Ferry are theft, trespassing, and burglary. You can reduce your risk of becoming a victim by securing your shelter and vehicle.
Personal Safety - Crime can occur anywhere to anyone, however, there are ways to reduce the risk. Share your location with someone at all times and let people know where you are intending to go. If alone, try to stay in well-lit areas and remain aware of your surroundings. Eliminate distractions, such as headphones or cellphone usage, as this makes you a more desirable target.

Interested in taking further action? Consider setting up a neighborhood watch with Lisa Kerns, BCSO Community Outreach Coordinator, or downloading the “Berkeley County Sheriff SC” app, which is available on Google Play and the Apple App Store. For those with children, stay updated on current technology and ask questions about apps they are using. Certain platforms have increased risk, so be sure to know which ones offer private communication.

As Officer Richardson said, "A criminal doesn't care", which is why we need to as a community. However, we can rest assured knowing we are well protected. This past New Year's Eve & Day, there were no vehicle fatalities or injuries reported. However, BCSO did...

Issue 155 citations
Provide 151 warnings
Charge one individual with Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Have 7 stops result in criminal cases

Although it is a blessing that no one was injured, it is our responsibility to prevent this from happening by continuing to support BCSO and officers like PFC Ty'Zell Richardson through taking actions that keep the Cainhoy Community safe.

How shoeboxes are made special

Thanks to Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child, over 220 million shoeboxes have been distributed globally to provide gifts and the gospel to children residing in over 110 “high-need” countries. These shoeboxes can include school supplies, hygiene items, and “wow” items, such as toys and coloring kits. Shoeboxes are designed for boys and girls 2-4, 5-9, 10-14 years old. Contributors are also asked to donate $10 to help alleviate shipping costs with the ability to track where their box goes.

Our King's Cross Church meeting location is one of nine drop off locations for shoeboxes, with 38,169 collected this past season in Charleston County. Domestically, 10,574,805 shoeboxes were sent in 2024 thanks to the support of over 11,000 volunteers like Charleston Area Coordinator, Jenny Hartzog.

Jenny Hartzog started by assembling shoeboxes with her kids during the holidays. Increasing her involvement from donating to volunteering and then facilitating a delivery in Africa, she shared children’s reactions. From the excitement of a new toothbrush to the thrill of receiving a soccer ball with a pump, what we often take for granted are blessings for these children.

2025 collections will occur the third week of November with hours posted online. If interested in participating, please visit their website and email Jenny for seasonal or year-round volunteer opportunities!

Samaritan's Purse also assists with crisis and disaster relief response. Following the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, they provided over 50 homes to victims residing in the North Carolina affected areas with the goal of supplying 500 by the end of this year. Access this link to support their disaster relief efforts.

Quarterly Newsletter

Hard to believe we are almost through February! As my Dad always says, “Tempest is Fugiting...” (If you like Dad jokes, you will get that!)

First, let’s talk a little International…

February’s theme is “Healing in a Divided World” as it is Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution Month for Rotary International (RI). This month is significant because of the first Rotary meeting held on February 23, 1905, now designated as World Understanding and Peace Day. RI’s goal is to create environments where peace can be built and maintained through sustainable and measurable localized activities around the world. It is amazing to be a part of an organization that thinks this big and makes such an impact.

Now, let’s bring it local… What's going on in OUR Club? If you just heard a little “quack” in your head, you are RIGHT! It is Duck Season!

We have some big goals, and I believe I saw everyone in that room nod their heads when Bess announced that our goal this year is $10,000 raised. There are SO many ways to help, whether it is participating in tabling events, securing sponsorships, or making sure your neighbors/co-workers/etc have their duck in the race to win! If you have not yet signed up or would like to offer additional support, please find our tabling events SignUp Genius here. As Bess said, when each of us raises a min of $715, we will make our goal! I know you got it in you!

Thanks in advance for all you will do to help us reach that goal and support our beneficiaries: East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO), WarriorWOD, and Philip Simmons Middle School PTA. Access the links to learn more about these organizations.

We are excited to welcome our new members: Stanley Harris, Elizabeth (Eli) Gissell, and Natu Patel! We are grateful for your big hearts and look forward to serving with you.

And get excited! We have some great speakers coming up in March and a members-only meeting in April to discuss next year’s Board. If you see yourself in the future leadership of Rotary, please email our President-Elect, Marion Harris!

As always, it is an honor to serve with you. I continue to celebrate you “Doers” in the Cainhoy Peninsula Chapter of Rotary!

Wando/Cainhoy/Huger Corridor, we are STILL the ones to call when you need big hearts and service-minded people!

In Service

Jon Stroud

President

Cainhoy Peninsula Rotary, District 7770

Sharen was joined on the far left by Art Horn (Senior Vice & Community Outreach Coordinator), Kathy Thomas (VFW Post Auxiliary President & Legislative Chair), Sharen, and then her husband (far right).

VFW & Auxiliary: Providing unwavering support for the uncommon heroes of our hometown

Sharen Peterson has held many roles. In addition to her succession to becoming VFW & AUX District 1 President, she is also the Post's Treasurer, Cook, and wife of a retired Air Force Veteran. After supporting him through 24 years of service, she continues to dedicate herself to serving the military community because, "they protected us on the field. Now, it's our turn. Many won't talk about what they face, so it's up to us to help."

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) was formed in 1899, making it the oldest major veterans organization in the United States. In 1914 the Auxiliary joined suit, offering membership to blood and step relatives of service members of foreign wars. With nearly 10,000 VFW and VFW Auxiliary Posts, we are lucky to have our very own VFW & Auxiliary Post 10624 in Mount Pleasant.

VFW Post 10624 & Auxiliary continuously gives back to this community. Some of their initiatives include...

Assembling care packages for deployed units overseas
Sending veterans cards and visiting with treats during the holidays
Gifting comfort pillows to veterans recovering from surgery to protect their stitches when coughing
Providing shoes, socks, snacks, and jackets for veterans discharged from the VA hospital
Transporting veterans to appointments and picking up medication on their behalf
Providing meals to veterans in transitionary housing or unhoused shelters
Sponsoring veterans to attend programs for civilian life reintegration and therapeutic, family-oriented sessions
Placing flags on graves for Memorial Day and wreaths for Christmas

If you want to help fund these initiatives, consider joining them for a Friday dinner (schedule & menu is posted on their website) or if eligible, become a member! Need an event space? Consider renting from them with full kitchen access and pool tables available!

The spirit of service

During our last meeting of 2024, members wrote cards to veterans spending the holidays alone. With the assistance of Art Horn, Senior Vice and Community Outreach Coordinator of the VFW Post 10624 Auxiliary, we connected with Somerby of Mount Pleasant, an assisted living facility with a large veteran population. Laura (pictured on the right) helped pass out cards to residents who have served and would benefit from some holiday spirit.

Now in 2025, we have the pleasure of hearing from VFW & AUX District 1 President, Sharen Peterson, to learn more about the organization and ways we can get involved. In the meantime, please consider joining the VFW Post 10624 & Auxiliary for a Friday evening dinner with the schedule posted on the bottom of their website home page! Our President-Elect & Public Image Chair, Marion Harris, can testify that they serve meals you don't want to miss!

Quarterly Newsletter

Well, here we are, halfway through Dec 2024 with only 9 days to Christmas. Where has this year gone?!

This month's theme is disease prevention and treatment. Every Rotarian knows that the number one goal of Rotary is the complete eradication of Polio. In November, our Foundation Chair, Michael Spires, presented the stats and what is still left to be done. To help fund these effort, we organized "Pints for Polio" and shared some good beverages and food at Indigo Reef Brewing Company, who donated a dollar for every pint purchased. In addition to Polio, Rotary is also involved in setting up healthcare training facilities, supporting research studies, expanding immunizations access, improving drinking water, and building sanitation infrastructure to help prevent and treat disease around the world. What an amazing organization to be a part of!

Our group has been very involved locally, helping vendors set up at Sip N' Shops and building a wheelchair ramp for a Huger resident. I feel blessed to be serving alongside each of you - thank you for all you do! Matter of fact, one of the Sip N' Shop vendors came and presented "More understanding, fewer conundrums" in October. Ann Louise ("Al") Rainey shared her experience living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), busting myths and explaining common misconceptions. She was great to have and helped me better understand how to support those diagnosed. Al was very familiar with Rotary, as she was named an Honorary Rotarian and attended meetings at her Grandmother's club in Florida. Some of her takeaways were...

"We are not suffering; it doesn't hurt us. When you say we are, that hurts."
"We may think alike, but not the same way."
"We want intimate relationships, but our relationships don't fit your social norms."
Learn more about what she means by checking out our Facebook post and be sure to like & follow our page!

In November, we had our District Governor, Mary Gasque, visit our club, along with her husband and the District's Public Image Chair, Ken, and our Assistant Governor, Rebecca Walker. Mary was a joy to have and said she was very impressed with our group. Although a small club, she liked how much we did for the Cainhoy Community. So proud of us! We are growing though, which I am very excited about. We already have one application completed and two requested. Woot woot! Let's be sure to finish out the year strong with attendance on December 17th, our last scheduled meeting for 2024.

I really enjoyed having you all over for our annual Holiday Party to celebrate the year at my house. The food was great and the company was even better. Thanks to everyone that joined and provided delicacies to share. A special thank you to John and Cher Stanford for cooking the main course - that was above and beyond. Looking forward to what we'll accomplish as the “Doers” of the Cainhoy Community in 2025!

Wando/Cainhoy/Huger Corridor, we are STILL the ones to call when you need big hearts and service-minded people!

In Service,

Jon Stroud

President

Cainhoy Peninsula Rotary, District 7770

"Rotary, where everybody knows your name"

We thank 7770 District Governor, Mary Gasque, and her husband Ken for visiting our club and reminding us of "The Magic of Rotary" - The 2024-25 Rotary International (RI) presidential theme.

This theme originated from RI President Stephanie Urchick's experience installing water filters in the Dominican Republic. Two local boys observed her purify dirty water and asked to show them the magic again. As Mary relayed the story, she said "this wasn't magic; this was Rotary at work" and testified how being a Rotarian is a privilege and honor. Additionally, it is a commitment that requires time, monetary support, and dedication to enact lasting change.

Some of the impacts our District has made this past year include the establishment of Rotarians Against Human Trafficking to bring awareness to sexual and labor exploitation of victims here in our home state and recently, raising $136,691 to support western North Carolina Rotarians who experienced loss from Hurricane Helene. Internationally, Rotary has continued to bring clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education to Ghana and South Sudan as well as polio vaccines to Afghani and Pakistani children.

Mary ended her presentation with an invitation to 7770 Rotary District Conference on May 16th & 17th in Columbia, SC. This year's Conference will include a business expo, Alzheimer's presentation, networking and social opportunities, as well key note speakers such as David Beasley! Stay tuned for registration information!

Thanks to all who attended Pints for Polio!

Eradicating Polio has been one of Rotary’s largest initiatives since its first immunization project in the Philippines on September 29, 1979. Polio, or, poliomyelitis, is a paralyzing and potentially deadly infectious disease that most commonly affects children under five years old.

Over the past four decades, Rotary has supported the immunization of nearly 3 billion children across 122 countries, decreasing the number of polio cases by 99.9%. Now, only Afghanistan and Pakistan are considered endemic countries for Polio. However, our work is not done until all children are safe from this disease.

The average cost to protect a child against polio is $3 with only one immunization needed for life, except for those living in active regions.

Learn more about the history and/or contribute to this cause at https://www.endpolio.org/what-is-polio

Local Rotary club raises over $6,000 in support of the Cainhoy Community

We were thrilled to provide our 2024 Charleston Duck Race beneficiaries with their donations, netting near $6,700. Following this annual philanthropic event, our beneficiaries were invited back to update us on their organizations' current initiatives, needs, and share the impacts of our financial support.

Our donation to Philip Simmons Middle School will support their Autism Sensory Classroom, providing funds for supplies and educational materials.

Operation Sight's donation will be partially applied to a sight-saving procedure for an individual needing cataract or retina surgery that was uninsured/unable to pay the out-of-pocket fees.

Our donation to Hope Repair, an amount equivalent to the cost of constructing a wheelchair ramp, will ensure a Huger neighbor stays safe at home.

We thank those who participated in this year's duck race and look forward to the impact that will come from the 2025 event!

Philip Simmons Middle School

"Thank you for your kindness and support you have shown us. We look forward to a great year collaborating!"

Mollie Dingle, PTA President of Philip Simmons Middle School

Operation Sight

In response to our donation.... "It is so appreciated and will help us to continue to provide free cataract and retina surgeries to individuals...Restoring an individual’s ability to see is truly life-changing"

Brenda Horn, Executive Director

Hope Repair

"Thank you Rotary for the donation to Hope Repair. This contribution will help us do significant projects to help folks be Safe, Dry, Warm"

Ron Zumstein, Project Coordinator

Ensuring our neighbors' plates are full every meal through a Food Drive!

We heard from East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO) Executive Director, Stephanie Kelley, last fall and were excited to support them with our first service project of this Rotary term! ECCO supports the Tri-County with financial navigation, medical/dental care, clothing, and their Wellness Pantry.

Their Wellness Pantry served 948 households in 2022 - 2023, distributing 675,269 lbs, or, $1,609,656 worth of food. During the month of September, members donated over 5 bags of requested food and hygiene items! Although our Food Drive is over, you can still contribute to their Wellness Pantry through their Wish List!

August Newsletter

Cainhoy Peninsula Rotary, Ready . . . Set . . . HURRICANE! Come on Debby, we have people to serve! Well, that is okay, we will get this year kicked off again. Wando/Cainhoy/Huger Corridor, we are STILL the ones to call when you need big hearts and service-minded people!

August is “Membership & New Club Development Month,” and we are embracing it wholeheartedly! Bryan Heilman is your Membership Chair with myself, Bess, and John as his Assistants as we embark on the journey to grow past 20 members and become our own autonomous group. Bryan and I had lunch just as Debby was starting to make her move to the Charleston area. Although we got rained on, we ignited great conversation and look forward to sharing our ideas with the group.

At this upcoming meeting on August 20th, Bryan is going to share some thoughts on our plan to grow. Before this meeting, we will have also met with Mary Jo Romeo, the Membership Chair with the DI Mothership. She is excited to share ideas and potential partnerships with the Daniel Island Rotary Club to help find us some new members. We are thankful for MJ’s continued support.

As you all know, our upcoming August meeting will be held at Indigo Reef Brewery. We look forward to gathering a feel for the space, as well as the noise levels, so we can decide where to place our chapter's home base. With the new food truck, I am excited to see what they have for us to eat! Indigo Reef has also graciously given us a complementary space at their upcoming “Sip and Shops,” to help with membership recruitment. I will share more about that when we meet and Bryan will share some “Discover Rotary” plans as well.

As always, it is an honor to serve with you. I look forward to what this year will bring. Here is to all the “Doers” in the Cainhoy Peninsula Chapter of Rotary!

In Service,

Jon Stroud

President

Cainhoy Peninsula Rotary, District 7770

Healing invisible wounds through WarriorWOD

As Marine Corp Veterans, Philip (Phil) Palmer, CEO and President of WarriorWOD and Dylan Kill, Founder of Kill'n It Fitness, understand what sacrifice means. However, they were not prepared for what the aftermath of service would entail.

Veterans make up 8% of the population in America, yet 6,100 die annually by suicide according to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). That number only reports veterans receiving VA care, which is about 30% of the veteran population. Not included in that number are those who were dishonorably discharged and those losing their lives to substance abuse, which is an estimated 20 veterans per day. Although the VA's report averages to about 22 veterans daily, independent research institutions have concluded that considering the above factors, we are likely losing up to 60 veterans each day to what Phil describes as, "a pandemic".

In 2007, Phil returned home from deployment with more than physical wounds. He began to experience the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a common diagnosis for combat veterans. Unfortunately, there were minimal supports available to veterans facing this "battle within our minds". His experience led to the creation of WarriorWOD; a program that heals mental distress through comradery and physical exercise. Upon enrollment, veterans receive a six month membership to their preferred gym, six months of nutritional programming, and six months with a "battle buddy". Battle buddies are fellow veterans with shared experiences, such as Dylan, who also serves as a Nutritional Coach and Community Director.

Last year, WarriorWOD supported 110 veterans, with graduates reporting a 29% decrease in PTSD symptoms. Their greatest performance was a decrease of anhedonia, in which graduates reported a 36% increase of experiencing joy with the things they love. Nine veterans who were considering suicide no longer struggle with suicidality and report that they have, "found joy" through this program.

To support WarriorWOD's mission, please consider donating, hosting a fundraiser, or sponsoring a class of veterans. They are also seeking fellow veterans who could volunteer as a Battle Buddy. Their greatest request was to help spread awareness. The more veterans that are made aware of this program, means the more lives saved.

July Newsletter

Cainhoy Peninsula Rotary, here we go! 2024 - 2025 year is engaged. Let’s keep up the momentum and show this Wando/Cainhoy/Huger Corridor we are the ones to call when you need big hearts and service-minded people! I am honored to serve alongside all of you and be your head cheerleader.

We start off this year with 14 Members. John Walden made the decision to resign as he has moved to Summerville and will serve in his new community alongside his wife. We thank John for his contributions as Service Chair and wish them the very best. With that said, one of the biggest pushes for us will be building our group. Bryan Heilman has stepped up to be our new Membership Chair, and with his energy/ideas and our amazing core membership, I think this is our year to push past the 20 member level and become our own club. I fully believe that as we do more projects in the community and people see us serving while having fun, they will want to join us. Thank you for everyone that has invited people in the past. Keep doing that!

I also wanted to thank John Stanford for his leadership and cheer leading this past year. As much as I LOVE to tease John, it was an honor to serve with him, and I appreciate all he has taught me. Heck, I just had a quick call with him this morning to make sure I knew the right format for these newsletters. I am grateful for his willingness to help, and for his friendship.

Now, let’s talk about this upcoming year’s Leadership Team! I am excited and humbled to serve with the following Members for 2024-25:

President-Elect & Public Image Chair: Marion Lovett

Treasurer: Scott Laborowski

Secretary: Bess Leiti

Membership Chair: Bryan Heilman

Foundation Chair: Michael Spires

Speaker Coordinator: Sharon Cassidy

Social Coordinator: Cathy Puscas

Sergeant-at-Arms: Lou Puscas

And the most coveted of leadership roles . . .

Immediate Past President: John Standford

When we are a small group, most of us are going to be in some sort of leadership role. We DO have the Service Chair role open at this time. John Stanford said he would help me with that role until we had a person to fill it. I ask that all of us help in this role, as much as able.

July’s Rotary International Theme is “Maternal and Child Health Month. I love that we are already engaged with children’s health, with the Hygiene Closet at Phillip Simmons Middle School. Y’all really knocked it out of the park with the donations from you, your families, and your neighbors. Even after the drive convened, Scott had a dentist donate two boxes of oral hygiene products. What a Blessing for these kids in need.

Speaking of health, Sharon has Dylan Kill and Phillip Palmer from Kill’n It Fitness coming to speak with us July 16th. They use exercise and comradely to combat mental distress that can come from military service. Looking forward to also seeing our Duck Race Beneficiaries in upcoming meetings as well.

August is “Membership and New Club Development” month! Let’s plan to have a “Discover Rotary” in August and invite some great people with servant hearts!

Again, it is an honor to serve with you. I look forward to what this year will bring. Here is to all the “Doers” in the Cainhoy Peninsula Chapter of Rotary!

In Service,

Jon Stroud

President

Cainhoy Peninsula Rotary, District 7770

Installation Celebration

We recognized our outgoing leadership team and those who have volunteered to lead us into next year alongside incoming President, Jon Stroud.

We are deeply grateful to our outgoing President, John Stanford, and his family for their dedication to our Chapter. With presidency comes an increased level of responsibility, however, their unwavering commitment allowed for us to complete 12 service projects and increase club membership!

Congratulations to Bess Easton Leiti for being named Rotarian of the Year! Her efforts, especially with the Charleston Duck Race, supported our club’s success in serving our community.

We thank Assistant Governor, Rebecca Walker, for attending as well as Daniel Island Rotary Liaison, Michael Cole. We also thank our outgoing 2023 - 2024 leadership team members who were able to attend and those we missed.

Heather Valeri, Immediate Past President

Scott Labarowski, Treasurer

Marion Lovett, Public Image Chair

Bess Leiti, Membership Chair

John Walden, Service Chair

Mike Spires, Foundation Chair

Sharon Cassidy, Speaker Coordinator

Cathy Puscas, Secretary

Lou Puscas, Sergeant-at-Arms

June Newsletter

Fellow Rotarians, we have made it to the last month of our fiscal year! June’s Rotary theme is “Fellowship” and I can’t think of a club that enjoys their fellowship time more than ours. First, a huge shout out to those who assisted with our service projects this month with the Philip Simmons Middle School Garden Project and the Habitat For Humanity Women’s Build. Thank you for helping make them a success!

Our schedule will look a bit different this month. We will have one regular meeting and two fellowship opportunities. Our regular meeting on June 4 will feature the induction of our two new members, Bryan Heilman and Dan Stirling. We are so excited to have them join our club. Secondly, these two as well as our other two newest members will give their 3-minute speeches. This will give us a chance to get to know them better. Looking forward to this meeting and hope the majority of you can attend. Our second activity this month will be our gathering for the Installation of Officers on June 19th. This ceremony will be held at the Nelliefield Plantation park & pavilion from 5:30 - 8:00 pm. Our Assistant District Governor will be attending to install the officers for the 2024-25 Rotary year. Come with your family to support Jon Stroud and his new leadership team. Please RSVP to me as soon as possible so we can plan accordingly for food/drink. We will end the month with a final fellowship and networking meeting at Indigo Reef on June 25th.

Lastly, I would love to thank you all for the privilege of being your President over the past year. Although challenging, it was very rewarding and I appreciate everyone that supported our efforts to grow and make this a first class organization.

In Service,

John Stanford

President

Cainhoy Peninsula Rotary, District 7770

Service with a smile!

Last weekend, we supported Philip Simmons Middle School's Garden Project by planting trees and installing bee hives, as pictured on the left below. As you may recall, we also stocked their Hygiene Closet through a Hygiene Drive earlier this year, which you can see pictured on the right below.

Rotary believes in developing the next generation of leaders to become agents of change. By providing necessary resources and leading by example, we hope these students will be inspired to make a difference. No matter how big or small of an action, every act of service matters.

Windwood Family Services: An organization dedicated to supporting youth and reuniting families

Rick Lhotan, Major Gifts Manager, shared how Windwood provides therapeutic intervention for 28 boys aged 6 - 16 years old to support a family structure in which all members thrive. They have two programs, a residential treatment program consisting primarily of SC Department of Social Services referrals and a psychiatric residential treatment facility consisting of Tri-County Youth who require additional support in managing their mental health.

This 110 acre farm includes two residential houses, a CCSD accredited school, and plenty of outdoor activities for the boys to enjoy, such as fishing, gardening, basketball, kickball, and riding their bike. Windwood's 6 - 12 month comprehensive care plan includes remedial education, life skills, medical care, individual, group, and family therapy, and an environment in which boys can learn how to become the gentlemen they desire to be. After leaving Windwood, boys receive continued support when possible from a Transition Coordinator and families can access outreach centers.

Although the staff at Windwood are fantastic, these boys love welcoming volunteers! If you or your business would be willing to volunteer for a Windwood Workday, share your expertise, act as a Fishing or Reading Buddy, provide a meal, or contribute to a donation drive, please reach out to Rick Lhotan today!

Cheers to Windwood's mission with their swag!

The Charleston Duck Race was a "Quacktastic" event!

We extend our gratitude to our volunteers, sponsors, and those who adopted a rubber duck!

Although our participation began in 2022, this annual family-friendly event has raised over 2.5 million for local beneficiaries and rotary projects worldwide since it's 2007 inception. Now, eight different Rotary Clubs come together and through the funds raised, create lasting change in their respective communities.

Thank you for helping us make a difference create hope in the world!

May Newsletter

Welcome to May where we celebrate Rotary's 5th avenue of service, "Youth Services". In honor of this month, we have sponsored our first Rotary Youth Leadership Awards candidate, Liv Dewhirst. Many of you will remember Liv as she presented to the group in March regarding her leadership of a Leukemia and Lymphoma Association fundraising group. We are so proud to have her represent us at the RYLA meetings in May.

The Rotary year is winding down, but there is still a lot going on for our group. Our May 7th speaker will be Rick Lhotan, Major Gifts Manager of Windwood Family Services. They serve at-risk youth and reunite/strengthen family units for long-term success. On May 21st, our speaker will be Michelle Barbara of Water Safety. With the boating season upon us, it is a great time to freshen up our water safety skills.

For service this month, we have a packed calendar. May 4th concludes our fundraising season with the Charleston Duck Race at Guggenheim Terrace on Daniel Island. Please go to the Daniel Island Rotary website and register to assist with the dunking booth from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm. After the Duck Race, we have a garden build on May 18th with Phillip Simmons Middle School. We will end this month, technically next month, with a Habitat for Humanity Women's Build on June 1st in conjunction with several other area Rotary clubs. What a great way to honor the women of our chapters and their contributions!

A warm welcome to our newest member, Bryan Heilman. Bryan works for Edward Jones and is a huge supporter of our local sports teams, especially the Charleston Battery and South Carolina Stingrays. We look forward to his many contributions to the club. Lastly, be on the lookout for our final June meeting date, the installation of officers. Location and time to be announced soon! This will be the first time our club has its own separate installation ceremony. Looking forward to what our incoming President, Jon Stroud, and his new board will do in 2024-2025!

In Service,

John Stanford

President

Cainhoy Peninsula Rotary, District 7770

Reasons to adopt a rubber duck

When most people see a rubber duck, they see a toy. When we see a rubber duck, we see opportunity.

For $10, you can adopt a duck to be entered into the Charleston Duck Race. Not only could you win up to $10,000, but more importantly, support local organizations and our neighbors who utilize their services. Our 2024 Beneficiaries will be...

Operation Sight: A nonprofit that restores peoples' vision by providing optical surgery for medical conditions and sight- threatening injuries to those unable to afford the procedures.

Hope Repair: A nonprofit that secures safety and shelter for residents of Berkeley County through building wheelchair ramps and completing home projects, such as siding (past service project).

Philip Simmons Middle School Autism Sensory Classroom: Accommodating neurodivergence to ensure quality education for all students on the spectrum.

How this organization makes kids "wheely" happy

Katie Blomquist, founder and executive director of Going Places, has brought joy to 4,697 students by gifting them a bike, helmet, lock, and pump. These students attend Title 1 schools, where at least 40% of children enrolled live at or below the federal poverty line. This gift improves social-emotional health, with data from a six month follow up study showing that mood and behavior improved 96.9%, stress decreased by 84.4%, and playing increased by 87.5%.

By donating $155, you can help gift students joy and support Katie's goal of providing this to over 15,400 students of Title 1 schools in the Charleston County School District. You can also volunteer for a bike reveal or attend their 4th Annual Going Places Gala on May 18th.

April Newsletter

Welcome to April, everyone! In April, Rotary International focuses its efforts on an important theme: Environment Month. During this time, Rotarians come together to support environmental causes and raise awareness about the planet’s well-being. 🌿

Rotary’s commitment to the environment is reflected in its seventh area of focus, which includes initiatives related to conservation, sustainability, and ecological health. By addressing environmental challenges, Rotary aims to create a positive impact on our planet for current and future generations.

I would encourage everyone to individually do their part...plant a tree, clean up their landscaping, better yet, help someone else take care of their landscaping, pick up the trash you see...Remember, every small action counts!

Many things are going on for the club in April heading into May. First, the Charleston Duck Race. I would encourage everyone to get your Duck Adoption hat on and assist us with the adoption sales as much as you can. We had some unfortunate weather with our last event at Firefly and now have about a month to reach our goal! Talk to your friends, family, coworkers and most importantly the places you shop! We have 2 more scheduled events to go. Let's get tons of support and get some ducks adopted! Also, we are in the homestretch for our hygiene drive for Philip Simmons Middle School. I know several have had a great outpouring of support from their neighborhoods. Let's dig deep ourselves and see what we can bring to the table in this next week as we finalize this initial round of support.

Looking forward to our meetings this month! April 2 will feature guest speaker, Katie Blomquist, Founder & Executive Director of Going Places. Our next regularly scheduled meeting on April 16 is a first for us, an Annual Meeting. This is a business meeting night, Rotarians only. We will take a moment to recognize the work we have done this year and what we plan to do, as well as a glimpse at the board for 2024-25 and what they plan to accomplish. Please plan to be there for this important night. We will round out April with a networking event on April 22 at Community Crafthouse, located in Point Hope.

We have a lot going on in our last quarter of the Rotary Year and a ton to prepare for and get excited about. Come be a part of it!

In Service,

John Stanford

President

Cainhoy Peninsula Rotary, District 7770

OneWorld Health heals communities across the globe

Missie Parker, Major Gifts Officer of OneWorld Health, shared with us how their organization is expanding opportunities in communities where healthcare had been inaccessible. They have 25 facilities in various communities located in Uganda, Honduras, and Nicaragua, where patients can receive in-patient, out-patient, emergency, and mobile care. OneWorld Health has served over one million patients, with around 70% consisting of women and children.

What may be one of the most impressive factors of their operations is their model of sustainability, which is achievable for new facilities in 18-24 months. How you may ask? The average charge for medical care is $5, an attainable amount for 90% of community members that pay in full and typically make $2.50 a day. With the organization employing more than 95% of staff locally and working closely with each country's Ministry of Health, they prioritize community needs over a set agenda.

We thank Missie Parker and OneWorld Health for their dedication in providing care to those under-served. If you would like to support their cause, please consider donating or volunteering for one of the 20 medical and non-medical trips they make a year.

How Liv changes lives through Team Tara

Liv Dewhirst, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) Team Tara Campaign Leader, is a local high school activist dedicated to supporting 1.2 million people undergoing treatment or in remission from blood cancer. Of that number, 54,000 are youth under 20. The severity of this statistic is amplified when considering leukemia is the #1 most diagnosed form of childhood cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among children and adolescents.

The team name is in memory of her “Auntie Tara”, a Daniel Island physician who passed due to blood cancer. To honor her, Liv became involved in the LLS Student Visionaries Program, joining over 170 high school students in the Charleston area. As the Team Tara Campaign Leader, she has created events such as Dogs and Jogs to encourage donations for LLS and support patients and loved ones who utilize the organizations' free support services. LLS is also expanding access to treatment options, improving quality of care, and alleviating travel costs, with over 100,000 volunteers involved in legal or governmental advocacy.

LLS is the largest world health organization dedicated to blood cancer research, with over 1.6 billion dollars invested the last 75 years. This research is critical to discovering a cure, as 33% of blood cancer patients do not survive more than 5 years post-diagnosis, and a U.S. citizen is diagnosed every three minutes. Support LLS, blood cancer patients, and Liv's fundraising goal by donating today.

We would also like to thank Liv's LLS Mentor, Mary Margaret, for supporting Liv's campaign and being a part of this incredible organization.

March Newsletter

The Charleston Duck Race season is upon us, but first, I would like to give a huge shout out to our Membership Chair, Bess Leiti, and the rest of the club that put on a fantastic Discover Rotary event! It was great to see so many attendees. Many hands make light work, and the more like-minded members we add to our club, the more good we can do within our community! Looking forward to seeing all of them again at our regular meeting. Speaking of, regular meetings this month will take place on March 5th & March 19th. Our first speaker will be Liv Dewhirst, who will inform us about her fundraising for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. We will follow up the next week on March 12th with a full leadership team meeting via Zoom. Our final meeting of the month will feature Missie Parker who will share the impacts of OneWorld Health. We will end March with a networking and happy hour event on March 26th.

On to the Duck Race! Thanks to everyone who came out and supported our first event at Indigo Reef Brewing Co. It was a huge success with great fellowship and fundraising. There are still plenty of opportunities to help with our fundraising efforts that support YOUR community! Take time now to sign up for 3/23 & 4/13 @ Firefly Distillery, and 4/27 @ the Charleston Battery game. Also, please look for other opportunities as they present themselves!

Finally, our Service Chair, John Walden, is spearheading a project to fill the hygiene closet for Philip Simmons Middle School. This project will provide students who need general hygiene products throughout the day and to take home over the weekend at a time when bullying begins to present itself. John will be sending out a list of the items needed as well as a letter you can produce with it, detailing the “why” and the need. Please consider supporting this effort and stay updated by attending our upcoming meetings!

What an exciting time with much going on, as well as our continued growth efforts!

In Service,

John Stanford

President

Cainhoy Peninsula Rotary, District 7770

January Newsletter

Happy New Year everyone and welcome to January where Rotary focuses on the theme of Vocational Services! This month, we will highlight the personal and professional lives of our fellow Rotarians on social media, as well as enjoy some 3-minute speeches from fellow members in our meetings to relearn who they are and what brought them to our great organization. If you would like to participate in this, please get provide that information to our Public Image Chair, Marion Lovett. Before we begin to prepare for this upcoming year, I would like to spend a few minutes to reflect on the first half of our Rotary year and what we have accomplished as a young club. We had a fruitful Discover Rotary event to start our year, multiple group service projects including those for Hope Repair, MUSC Children's Hospital, and the Fisher House, as well as establishing monthly recurring events our members can sign up to work on with Hope Repair and Philip Simmons Middle School. We also enjoyed some great fellowship at our Networking and Happy Hour events highlighted by a Daniel Island Rotary Chili cook-off win and a fantastic Holiday Party hosted by the Labarowski's. I continue to say, what a great group of professionals to grow and serve with! 2023 was great to us, now we thrive in 2024!

We already had a January 2nd meeting with a great presentation by the Executive Director of Operation Sight, Taryn Mason. Her passion was evident when sharing their mission and growth needs of their organization. Looking forward, we will have our second meeting of the month on January 16th, where Aiyana Mathews, owner of Gardner-Mathews Global Management, will speak to us about her business journey and how that relates to our Rotary mission. We will follow that up with a wonderful Networking and Happy Hour Event on January 23rd at Indigo Reef Brewing Company.

Service being the primary goal of our club, we are currently planning and looking forward to the many opportunities we have underway with the PTO of Philip Simmons Middle School! Look for a large group project beginning in February as well as several opportunities to serve this special group of children in our community. Also, Duck Race is around the corner! Looking forward to hearing from Immediate Past President, Heather Valeri, and what she has planned for our Duck Race opportunities this year! QUACK, QUACK!

In Service,

John Stanford

President

Cainhoy Peninsula Rotary, District 7770

Seeing is believing - Operation Sight saves peoples' vision

Initiated in May of 2011, Dr. Boatwright Jr., Dr. Soloman, and Dr. Herring decided to dedicate themselves to restoring the vision of those unable to afford optical surgery. Over a decade later, Executive Director, Taryn Mason, alongside 14 volunteer doctors continue to act upon the founder's legacy, accomplishing almost 800 procedures to date. These procedures include cataract and retina surgery, as well as sight-threatening procedures for South Carolina residents who are uninsured or insured without coverage for the procedure. Cataract surgery, which can cost up to 8,000 per eye and retina surgery, which can cost up to 15,000 per eye acted as an obstacle for many people. Without the financial means, they were burdened with the rapid decrease in vision, eventually leading to blindness and inhibiting them from the life they used to live. With Operation Sight and a free 2.5 hour procedure, these individuals are able to reconvene the life they were living.

Operation Sight has about a 2 month turnaround process from initial contact to procedure completion. Ms. Mason reported that 90% of individuals who lost their job due to vision loss are employed again within 3 months of procedure completion. Not included in this statistic are the number of people who experience an increased quality of life after vision restoration, and the families impacted by this as well. To continue expanding their impact, they ask for donations and/or support at their 20/20 Vision Event.

Let's Walk, Charleston!

If you want to know the secret to remaining youthful and active as you age, ask founder Lynn McCollum-Lasher and board member Reena Regala of Let's Walk! With over 40 years of collective experience in home health care and physical therapy, they witnessed the difference walking made in their clients' mental and physical well-being, especially in easing the road to recovery after an injury.

Lynn founded this program just over two years ago, which now has over 100 walkers paired with over 100 volunteers. To date, they have completed more than 1,100 walks! This FREE program is available to residents of the tri-county area and accepts walkers of all ages and abilities. Walkers are on-boarded with a physical evaluation and volunteers are background checked and informed of their paired walkers' preferences. Volunteers decide their level of commitment, from a 15 minute walk to helping multiple walkers for 10 hours a week.

This program is possible because of their volunteers, donations, and the referrals made by neighbors, loved ones, and participants who enroll themselves. If you know of someone who may benefit from the program, you can reach out to Let's Walk with the name and phone number for them to start the conversation. There is no insurance or personal information required for referrals and the person referred decides their level of participation (if any at all). Keep on walking, Charleston!

Cainhoy Peninsula Rotary Holiday Party - A time to celebrate our members and accomplishments of 2023

The Gift of Giving -

Heather's Rotary Story

In 2013, Heather recruited the help of local Rotarians to support a homeless family at Christmas time. The father of that family now has a successful business, created a scholarship, and leads a mentorship program to support at-risk youth in urban communities. Heather witnessed the rippling effects of Rotary, inspiring her to join and serve on our leadership team and board.

Members like Heather are a gift to our chapter, as it allows us to better serve the Cainhoy community. Please consider gifting your time and efforts so we can continue helping families like the one above.

December Newsletter

Welcome to December everyone! We’ve had a taste of some cooler weather, falling leaves, and it is finally soup season! It is also time to count our blessings for those that do so much for us every day. For me, this club is part of that group. It is also Rotary’s Disease Prevention and Treatment month. As we go through this month, I will take time during our meetings to remind everyone how Rotary furthers this effort around the world. As always, I like to start the newsletter with a brief look back at November. Though shortened by the Thanksgiving holiday, our regular meeting schedule included Executive Director of East Cooper Community Outreach, Stephanie Kelley, and a service project with Hope Repair. As usual, we had an excellent networking & happy hour sponsored by Blues Coastal Bar & Grill on 41. They provided us some excellent wings with a variety of flavors, which you have to try!

Looking forward to the holiday season, we have some great speakers for our two meetings this month. December 5th, we will welcome Mollie Temple-Dingle and Julia White, the President and Vice President of the Philip Simmons PTO. They have a great presentation planned for us. December 19th we will welcome Lynn McCollum-Lasher, founder of Let’s Walk here in Charleston. She was a guest at our November meeting and I can’t wait to hear her message to the group. If you have a great speaker for an upcoming meeting please get with Sharon Cassidy or submit it through our website for her to handle.

Both Jon Stroud and John Walden represented the the club at our rescheduled service project with Hope Repair. They helped with re-siding the house of a neighbor from the Huger community. Thank you to those two for helping out Ron and Hope Repair. For those that are unaware, this will be a regularly scheduled 2nd Saturday event. Look for opportunities to assist on our website each month.

Last, but not least, we celebrate! The holiday season brings joy to many and what better way to celebrate than remembering the great things we’ve done this year. We are so pleased that Scott & Judy Labarowski have opened their home to us on December 9th for our Holiday Party! If you have not done so, please RSVP immediately. They are preparing the main course and a dish is requested from those attending. Please use the sign up genius to RSVP now and state what you will be bringing. As always, I am so proud to be President of this growing and vibrant club. Many blessings to you and your family this holiday season from Cher, Chloe and I, to you!

In Service,

John Stanford

President

Cainhoy Peninsula Rotary, District 7770

Our Service Project with Hope Repair!

ECCO: "Helping neighbors navigate through life's challenges"

Last week, our club welcomed Stephanie Kelley, Executive Director of East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO). The organization was founded in 1989 as a disaster-relief response to Hurricane Hugo, entirely ran by volunteers. In Stephanie's words, ECCO continues to “help families that have storms blowing through their lives today” with assistance, guidance, and resources.

ECCO has supported 1,739 households from 10 different zip codes this year, with the average annual client income falling at $16,568. Over half of the clients they serve are single mothers, 30% without a vehicle, and 20% representing grandparents caring for children.

ECCO refuses to allow families to starve from food insecurity, which is why their client-choice food pantry is the most utilized resource offered by the organization. Additional services include clothing, Asset Development Program (ADP), medical and dental care, and prescription and financial assistance. Stephanie shared that she has witnessed many clients utilize the organization's services to get back on their own feet, and once standing steady, return to volunteer. She has also seen those roles reverse.

We are grateful to have ECCO as a community resource and encourage you to support their organization through financial donations, food drives, volunteer opportunities, and by adopting a family during the holiday season.

November Newsletter

Welcome to November and "Rotary Foundation" month! As we move into the month of Thanksgiving, what better time to learn about the Rotary Foundation and the many ways that we can, and do, give back to the community through this avenue. We had two great meetings, with the first consisting of an impromptu club training on how to bring in new members. For the second meeting, we welcomed Dr. Jim Elsey, Treasurer for the Fisher House, who spoke to us about the many ways they assist veterans and their families receiving medical services from the Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital. We had a couple of great fellowship opportunities with our annual Pints for Polio event, raising funds for Polio Plus, as well as an opportunity to socialize with Daniel Island Rotary at their annual Chili Cook-off. Congratulations to our own Peter Burgeson and his mother Kathy, a member of DI Rotary, for taking home 1st prize for their Buffalo Chicken inspired chili! It was a crowd favorite! Finally, we rounded out the month with a great service event, sponsoring the Charleston Walk for Alzheimer's and raising over $1,000 for research. Thanks to all who participated in the October events!

For November, we start off with a great speaker who knows all about giving back to the community. Our November 7th meeting will feature Stephanie Kelley, the Executive Director of East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO). Our subsequent meeting on Nov. 21st will be cancelled due to the Thanksgiving holiday. We will resume with a networking and happy hour event on November 28th. For service this month, we will be focusing on assisting Hope Repair and their mission to assist those local residents in immediate need of repair to their homes. This event will take place on November 11th with time and place to be announced closer to the event as we coordinate with their director.

Finally, in this season of Thanksgiving, I would love to tell each of you how much I appreciate your time, effort and servants heart as we grow and make this club one of service and friendship!

In Service,

John Stanford

President

Cainhoy Peninsula Rotary, District 7770

Cainhoy Peninsula Club raises over $1,000 to end Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's Disease burdens over 6 million Americans, with over 11 million providing unpaid care for their affected loved one. The Alzheimer's Association is the global leader for funding research, allowing for the creation of medication to treat early stages and alleviate later stage symptoms. In late October, the Alzheimer's Association, South Carolina Chapter, organized the 2023 Walk to End Alzheimer's in downtown Charleston. Over 1,200 people participated in the walk, raising more than $320,000! Our club continues to support this organization's efforts and was honored to join the walk to end Alzheimer's.

The Fisher House: A hotel for heroes and loved ones

In 1990, Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher embarked on a mission to create free lodging for military personnel receiving medical care at a Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital and their loved ones. Although this philanthropic cause began as a personal investment of 20 million dollars, it has now expanded across the entire Nation, acting upon the legacy of the Fisher couple. With 92 houses and over 455,000 soldiers, veterans, relatives served, the Fisher House has saved service men and women over 575 million dollars in lodging expenses.

Dr. Jim Elsey, Treasurer of Friends of Fisher, Charleston Fisher House, shared with our club what they need to continue succeeding in their mission. As a nonprofit, their greatest need continues to be monetary donations, with reoccurring options available for the Charleston Fisher House located under the "Donate" tab. Another way to support residents is by volunteering your time for a "meal train". You and your fellow comrades will make dinner for guests with your own ingredients and recipe. Once preparation is complete, you will have the opportunity to serve the meal to those who have served our country, and their loved ones who kept the home fires burning. They also have an Amazon Wish List and will only accept listed items. The Charleston Fisher House has served over 4,000 families to date in their 16 room hotel. The Cainhoy Peninsula Rotary Club looks forward to continue supporting this cause and those who have made the ultimate dedication to our country.

October Newsletter

Welcome to October and "Economic and Community Development" month! Before we move into fall, let's take a brief look back at the successes of September. How great were our speakers this month? First, David Ensor, Director of Hope Repair, received their Duck Race proceeds and explained how we could partner with them on their mission. Then, Lou Mello, Governor of Rotary District 7770, paid the club a visit. Such an inspiring message with an emphasis on growth. We are proud to be one of only two satellite clubs he visited in the district. On the service side, we had our first "in-meeting" service event. We packaged coloring books and crayons for MUSC's Children's Hospital, each one receiving a colored picture and handwritten note of encouragement from one of our members. We rounded out September with a super networking and happy hour event at Rivertowne Public House, forming new connections and strengthening existing relationships.

For October, we have a jam-packed slate of events that highlight October's theme. We will start with our first meeting on October 3rd and hear from Stephanie Kelley, Executive Director of East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO), who will share their mission and ways to partner with their organization. We will follow that up with our October 17th meeting where Erik Zielinski, Manager of the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center Fisher House, will provide future ways we can assist them in their work. This is an organization our group has partnered with on a couple of occasions this year and are honored to continue supporting. We also have a couple of great service opportunities coming up. The eradication of polio as one of our core tenets of Rotary, and Tuesday, October 24th, is World Polio Day! Mike Spiers, our Foundation Chair, has worked with Indigo Reef Brewery to prepare a special event on this day to assist us in raising additional funds for Polio Plus. Be on the lookout for more information regarding our “Pints for Polio” event. Additionally, on Saturday, October 28th, we have the 2023 Walk to End Alzheimer's that our club is participating in. If you have not done so yet, please sign up online to register and begin fundraising for this event.

Also, I want to make everyone aware of some fellowship events taking place in the future. October 25th is Daniel Island Rotary's Chili Cook Off at Pierce Park. RSVP is on their website. Looking ahead even further, mark your calendars and RSVP for our Holiday Party on December 9th. This event will be graciously hosted by the Labarowskis and should be a great night of fun and fellowship, as well as the 2nd night of Hannukah!

I will continue to say it…how can you not be excited to be a part of this club right now? Share the excitement and ask someone else to be a part of it!

In Service,

John Stanford

President

Cainhoy Peninsula Rotary, District 7770

Hope Repair: Creating hope in homes with the support of the Cainhoy Peninsula Rotary Club

At our last chapter meeting, we welcomed representative, David Ensor, of Hope Repair to present his organization’s life-changing work. Hope Repair has assisted in 1,242 home projects, securing safety and shelter for residents of Berkeley County. In 2022 alone, they were able to build 77 wheelchair ramps, providing access for seniors and those with mobility limitations.

Hope Repair was one of our beneficiaries from this year’s duck race, but there is more support to be provided. With a waiting list of projects only growing bigger, they need the financial support and volunteers to get these things done. If you would like to support Hope Repair, please visit their website and select Get Involved. From there, you will be able to donate financially or learn about upcoming projects in which you can donate your time and improve the lives of your neighbors. No experience is necessary for volunteers, only the willingness to help. With 14 years of service already completed, it is up to our community to continue supporting their mission.

September Newsletter

Happy September and welcome to Rotary Internationals’ Basic Education and Literacy month! We rounded out August with our first, “Discover Rotary” event at Accent on Wine and had the pleasure of meeting guests and introducing them to our club. We also had a wonderful networking and happy hour event to end the month. This month is jam-packed with good stuff. We will start with our first meeting on September 5th and hear from the Associate Pastor at Pointe North Church and Director of Hope Repair, David Ensor. David was integral in the founding of this project. He will share what their current initiatives are as well as how we can help accomplish them. We will follow that up with a visit on September 19th from Rotary 7770 District Governor Lou Mello and Assistant District Governor Angela Drake. We look forward to welcoming them to our growing chapter.

Service, as always, is our focus, and this month we will learn more about potential initiatives with Philip Simmons Middle School and their Parent Teacher Organization. What a great opportunity during education month? We will also hear from John Walden regarding our Alzheimers Walk team and start planning some quarterly events with Lowcountry Veterans. I am proud of the opportunities we continue to create and the ways we have been able to serve our community. Despite our club’s youth, we have made a big impact! Look for some surprise service options as well!

This month’s fellowship event will include a networking and happy hour gathering on September 26th at Rivertowne Public House on 41. Stay up to date on meetings and events by checking the events tab on our website, as it will be updated regularly. It was great to see the turnout at last month’s fellowship event. I look forward to reconnecting with everyone at our upcoming chapter meetings and gathering later this month.

In Service,

John Stanford

President

Cainhoy Peninsula Rotary, District 7770

Cainhoy Peninsula Rotary Club donates over $5,000 to local nonprofit organizations

The Cainhoy Peninsula Club raised funds through the Charleston Duck Race to benefit local organizations such as...

...and other community-focused nonprofits.

The Club recently presented representatives of these organizations with proceeds to continue supporting their initiatives. We recognize that change requires collaboration, which is why we partner with local stakeholders to better support our community.

Lowcountry Local First

Kip Watson, the Director of Community Building for Lowcountry Locals First, presented to the Cainhoy Peninsula Rotary Club. Lowcountry Locals First is dedicated to advancing economic prosperity and local ownership through innovative and inclusive initiatives that build our community’s wealth and well-being.

Our Club membership is comprised of 80% small business owners, which means we are passionate about building a community that provides equitable opportunities and empowers entrepreneurs.

Lowcountry Locals First counsels local Chambers of Commerce on the importance of supporting local businesses. They also provide scholarship opportunities to entrepreneurs and have a business academy called 'Good Enterprises'.

Statewide facts:

96% of all jobs in SC are provided by small businesses (under 500 employees)
Small business makes up 45% of US GDP
Small business give DOUBLE the contributions to local non-profits vs. corporations
SC residents spent $11b on groceries last year. Over 90% was from stores outside of the state, with the majority captured by Walmart

The Hub at Point Hope hosts Rotary Club

The Cainhoy Peninsula Rotary Club visited The Hub at Point Hope to learn about the rich history of the Cainhoy Peninsula and Daniel Island. Community Services Manager, Erin Dudley, spoke about future community development, nature preservation, and park planning.

We give our gratitude to Speaker Chair, Sharon Cassidy, for arranging this tour and to Erin Dudley, for hosting a delightful and informative evening.

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