2017 has been a very successful year for Daniel Island’s 2 nonprofits, the Daniel Island Community Fund and Daniel Island Community Foundation. Combined, they have awarded over $900,000 to nonprofits in 2017.
Throughout the year, the Daniel Island Community Fund has awarded a total of 30 grants to area nonprofits and supported 46 community events and/or initiatives. These events and/or initiatives can be anything from POA hosted events or special projects and events hosted by clubs and groups on the island.
In the 4th quarter alone, the Daniel Island Community Fund has sponsored 6 amazing community events.
- Fall Red Balloon Sale – Twice a year the community hosts an island wide yard sale
- Pumpkin Walk – An Annual tradition around Smythe Lake where walkers enjoy carved pumpkins, make S’Mores and enjoy the fall season with friends and family
- Glo For It 5k – An Annual 5k Fun Walk/Run at Night!
- Light the Night Luminary Event – Luminaries connect neighborhoods together for the holiday season
- Daniel Island Chanukah Celebration – A Celebration of Chanukah and Menorah Lighting at the Volvo Car Stadium
- Daniel Island Holiday Festival – Fabulous holiday shopping, outstanding entertainment by many groups including the DI School Band Boosters and fun kids activities. A portion of the proceeds from the 2017 Daniel Island Holiday Festival benefited the East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO). Read below for more information about ECCO.
Two highlights for the Daniel Island Community Fund in 2017 were the fundraising efforts made by the community which was matched by DICF for Hurricane Relief in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico and partnering with Nucor, BP and Senator Scott to rehouse WWII veteran Rufus Lockwood who lives in the Cainhoy area.
East Cooper Community Outreach
Founded as an emergency relief effort in 1989 after the devastation from Hurricane Hugo, East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO) has since grown into a permanent resource for the community in need with three main program areas: Basic Needs, Health Services and Empowerment. Thousands of families a year receive emergency assistance for food, clothing, household furnishings, financial aid, and have access to dental care, medical care, prescription assistance, counseling, and educational opportunities like financial literacy classes, computer skills training, job readiness workshops. These services are all enhanced through personal interaction with staff who provide individualized support for each client, ongoing case management, and emphasize accountability and achievement. Visit their website HERE for more information.
Additional Daniel Island Community Fund 2017 Grant Recipients include:
- Windwood Farms Home for the Children
- Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center
- Operation Home
- Lowcountry Food Bank
- Reading Partners
- Hearts of Huger
For a complete list of 2017 Fund Contributions (grant recipients and community initiatives), please click HERE.
The Daniel Island Community Foundation has also contributed to fundraisers and events in 2017. Through the Daniel Island Community Foundation, the POA hosted its Annual Park Day – A day of outdoor family fun for all ages that showcases and supports a local charitable organization. This year, Park Day raised a total of $15,000 for the nonprofit Pet Helpers! Read below for more information about Pet Helpers.
Pet Helpers
Pet Helpers’ is a 501(c)3 Adoption Center and Spay/Neuter Clinic that serves communities across the Lowcountry. Their mission is to end the euthanasia of all adoptable cats and dogs by keeping all animals until adopted; providing low cost spay/neuter surgeries; Medical Care for Animals in Need – often this medical care is for both emergency and lifesaving services; offering humane education programs; pursuing animal-cruelty prosecution; and initiating animal-welfare legislation. They are in the process of re-designing a space at their adoption center into a multipurpose room that can be used for a variety of community-based programs, particularly ones that serve children. Visit their website HERE for more information.
