Access toHealthcare:for the uninsured, the insuredand those caught in between

PAY IT FORWARDBarrier Islands Free MedicalClinic fills a void in ourcommunity

GOODWILLRoper St. Francis Healthcarebrings compassion, faith andexcellence together to createa network of healing

CATALYSTCarolina Autism transforms the lives ofthose living with autism in the Lowcountry

GROUNDWORKLowcountry nonprofits make great strides to reduce South Carolina's large number of uninsured

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for the uninsured, the insured andthose caught in between

Thank youTO ALL THE SPONSORS OF THE 35TH ANNUAL WHALE OF A SALE

Whale of a Sale proceeds fund the Junior League of Charleston, Inc.’s collaborative programs with community agencies focused on hunger and homelessness.Our current community projects are: Lowcountry Food Bank, Back Pack Buddies, Gibbes Museum of Art Community Days, Children’s Museum of theLowcountry, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Trident Area, Kids in the Kitchen and Louie’s Kids.

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Courtenay & Baron Fain • Charlotte Gillespie • Terry Haas • Harbor Specialties • Catherine Nixon Heibel Katrina & Clay HughesMegan & Charlie Inglefield • Susie Johnson Johnston Signs • Bryan & Shelley Julian • Shelley & Greg KeithMr. & Mrs. Robert H. Kennemur, Jr • Liane Kerr • Carol & Billy Killough Joanna King • Trisha & Russ Kometer

Kristy M. Lewis, CPA, LLC • Bonnie & Anthony McAlister • Kate McClain • Stephanie McDonald • Beth Meredith • Katherine MillerAnna O’Quinn • Susan Parsell • Pope Zeigler, LLC • Amanda Pottorf • Lucy & Norris Preyer • Lisa & Joe Rainero • Rising High

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CAUSE

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Dear Friends,With the short days and unpredictable weather of a Charleston winter

winding down, I find myself a little under the weather, in need of medicalcare and prescriptions. Having not slept well the past few nights due to abad cough, I wonder how many of us have ever truly lost a night’s sleep forfear we could not access quality health resources and professionals. Canwe understand the sleepless nights of anxious parents concerned not onlyabout the health of their children but also for themselves?

There are so many areas of need for healthcare. Thanks to the manyagencies, organizations, groups and individuals in our area, many needsare being recognized and receiving long-due attention. We are surroundedby hospitals and medical schools such as Roper St. Francis Hospital whocollaborate with other charitable organizations in the Lowcountry. We have annual events in our area that support health and healthcarethrough participation and the funds they raise. We also have individuals in our neighborhoods, schools and workplace inspiring us with theirinvolvement, whether it is through a few hours of service or annual financial contributions.

We applaud those in our area like Dr. Fitts and the Tri-County ProjectCare (see page 16) directly reaching more than 3000 individuals, as well as the Palmetto Project (see page 24) working as a catalyst to create theopportunities to reach those individuals. Each one of us can make a difference whether it’s one dollar, one hour or one letter. Each step takenand action performed moves us forward towards helping every person gain access to healthcare and services. We don’t all have to create organizations to make an impact – there is so much we can do as a part of one.

There are nearly 900 women in the Charleston Area who are members of The Junior League of Charleston, Inc. Each one of us looks forward toworking with you in 2010 as we take our steps towards making an impactand working together to build a better community.

Shelley Grant Julian PresidentJunior League of Charleston, Inc.

Letters to thepresident about this

issue of CAUSE are bothaccepted and encouraged.

If you would like to write thepresident about this

publication or its contents, feel free to

submit letters, Attn: CAUSELetter to the President,

by email tocauseeditor@jlcharleston.org

or by mail to 51 Folly Road,

Charleston, SC 29407.

Junior League of Charleston, Inc.51 Folly Road,

Charleston, SC 29407

Shelley Grant Julian, JLC President

Stephanie McDonald, JLC President Elect

CAUSE EDITORS:

Mary C. Mitchell, Editor

Selena Kaufman, Editor

Elizabeth Kelly Worrell, Assistant Editor

CAUSE COMMITTEE:

Clay Gilbert, Kelly Nix, Lisa Marie Womble Rehm,

Christy Reid, Katye Rhett, Pendleton Shiflett,

Meredith Siemens, Ashley Simons, Catherine Williams

CAUSE EDITORIAL BOARD:

Emily Abedon, Charleston Magazine, Contributor

Hannah Gillard, JLC Community Project Development

Richard Hendry, Coastal Community Foundation,

Vice President of Programs

Liane Kerr, JLC Director of Marketing

Chris Kerrigan, Trident United Way, President

Allison Leggett, JLC Former President

Kitty Robinson, JLC Former President and

Historic Charleston Foundation, Executive Director

Colleen Troy, Touchpoint Communications

Holland Williams, JLC Former President

A very special thanks to Jennifer Rader

P U B L I S H I N G & D E S I G N B Y:

Parkshore Centre1 Poston Road, Suite 190

Charleston, SC 29407843-747-0025

Richard Barry, President

Sis Reda, Director of Marketing & Business Development

Bob Durand, Senior Art Director

Ali Lorenzana, Editorial Services

Maggie Barry, Financial Services Director

For information on advertising opportunities please call Richard Barry at 843-746-2246

Copyright 2009 by the Junior League of Charleston, Inc.All rights reserved. No part of this publication may bereproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, record-ing, or by any information storage and retrieval system,without the express written permission of the Junior Leagueof Charleston, Inc.

Editorial Mission:In carrying out its mission to promote voluntarism and to serve as a

catalyst for positive change, the Junior League of Charleston, Inc., is pleasedto offer this comprehensive view of our community’s needs, organizationsworking to meet those needs, businesses and individuals supportingcharitable endeavors and opportunities for area residents to get involved andto maximize their volunteer experience.

35TH ANNUAL WHALE OF A SALE SPONSOR

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To order, call or click today! 843-763-5284 or www.jlcharleston.org.Also available in various retail locations throughout the area.

When you purchase cookbooks from the Junior League ofCharleston, Inc., you not only receive award-winning triedand true recipes, but you support your community.

Proceeds from the sale directly benefit the following Junior League of Charleston community service programs:

Lowcountry Food Bank • Back Pack BuddiesGibbes Museum of Art Community DaysChildren’s Museum of the LowcountryBoys and Girls Clubs of the Trident AreaKids in the Kitchen • Louie’s Kids.

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CAUSE

D E P A R T M E N T S

4 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CHARLESTON, INC.

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Access to HealthcareB Y C H R I S T Y D O B S O N R E I D

Local nonprofits are working hard to insure that everyone in thegreater Charleston area has access to healthcare. While their effortsare great and thousands of uninsured or underinsured people havereceived healthcare for free or minimal costs, there are holes in thesystem. As legislators debate the topic in Washington, there areimmediate needs here on the home front, ways to help and ways toobtain assistance thanks to local organizations and helping hands.

12A Full Plate of Volunteering B Y M E R E D I T H H . S I E M E N S

Meet Lee Batten: Lowcountry resident,volunteer extraordinaire and common-daysaint! Living the maxim, “to whom muchis given, much is expected,” Battenexplains why the Tuesday Night Parents’Supper at MUSC Children’s Hospital is hermost rewarding philanthropic endeavor.

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Letter from the Junior League President

CAUSE for Celebration

Catalyst - Carolina Autism is transforming the lives of those living withautism in the Lowcountry

Goodwill - Roper St. Francis Healthcarebrings compassion, faith and excellence together to create a network of healing

Motivated - Tri-County Project Care is on a mission to create a healthy, productive workforce

Pay It Forward - Taking care of the uninsured, Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic fills a void in our community

Groundwork - Lowcountry nonprofits are makinggreat strides in reducing the large percentage of uninsuredin South Carolina

Engage - Calendar of Events

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CAUSE6 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CHARLESTON, INC.

1. Amanda Holloway (left) and KiraChucta at the Dee Norton LowcountryChildren’s Center (DNLCC) Fall OysterRoast, held in October of 2009. Over 250people enjoyed oysters, cold beveragesand live music at the event’s largestturnout to date.

2. A group of attendees at the DNLCC’sOyster Roast held in the CharlestonVisitor’s Center Bus Shed in October 2009.Pictured left to right: Lucas Drake, AngelaDrake, Jimmy Hagood, Anne MarieHagood and Jim Kuyk.

3. Aw shucks! A group gets busy shuck-ing oysters at the oyster roast eventbenefiting the Dee Norton LowcountryChildren’s Center.

4. Jeff and Tara Spicer pause for a poseat The Dee Norton Lowcountry Children’sCenter’s (DNLCC) 6th annual Gatheringof the Elves event held in December of2009. The event was first founded byJeff Spicer 5 years ago as a way to giveback to the community by “gathering”toys and gifts for children in need.

5. Marc Chardon, Blackbaud CEO,revealed the total number of toys donat-ed by Blackbaud employees to the U.S.marine Corp’s Toys for Tots CampaignLive on News 2 with Rob Fowler inDecember of 2009. Chardon announcedan impressive 6,318 toys were collected;boosting the company’s total toys donat-ed to well over 32,000 in the many yearsit has participated in the campaign.

6. The band, Fowl Play, takes a breakfrom entertaining the crowd at the“Drinks for Diapers” event benefiting theFlorence Crittenton’s FamilyDevelopment Program. Held at MadRiver Bar and Grill in November of 2009,the event helped to provide diapers forbabies of low-income young mothers inthe Florence Crittenton’s FamilyDevelopment Program.

7. Lori McCall (left), Maureen Porter, PhD,Director of the Florence Crittenton’s FamilyDevelopment Program and Mike McCallpause for a photo opp during the “Drinksfor Diapers” event, where donations, raffleticket sales and a percentage of MadRiver Bar and Grill’s tips went to theFlorence Crittenton’s Family Developmentprogram in the form of diapers.

8.Chefs from across the Lowcountrydonated their time and talents at the 8thAnnual Signature Chefs Auction to helpraise awareness and donations for theMarch of Dimes. Pictured left to right:Dr. Charles Rittenberg, Dr. Tameeka Law,Dr. John Rushing, Dr. Roger Newman,Dr. Ashlyn Savage, Dr. Margaret Villers,Dr. Angela Dempsey, Dr. Hema Doshi, Dr.Jennifer Loehle, and Elizabeth Gagliardi.

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9. Celebrating the tremendous successof Hamlin Helping Hand’s 3rd annual“Regift Event” where nearly $3,400 incash donations was raised, with 80percent going to the LowcountryOrphan Relief and 20 percent to theHamlin Helping Hand’s Adopt-a-Family.

10. Volunteers with Hamlin HelpingHands during the 3rd annual “RegiftEvent”, held every January with thepurpose of donating all those unwantedgifts received during the holidays to agood cause.

11. Riders get ready to start theirengines at the first annual “Undy 500”benefiting Goodwill Industries of LowerSouth Carolina. Held in October of2009, the event raised awareness andfunds for programs and events to sup-port local homeless veterans.

12. J. Palmer Gaillard and ShelleyGrant Julian, President of the JuniorLeague of Charleston, at thePhilanthropy Week in the LowcountryReception hosted by the Junior Leagueof Charleston (JLC).

13. Lee Batten and Louis Yuhasz,founder of Louie’s Kids, at thePhilanthropy Week Reception held atthe Gibbes Museum of Art.

14. Stephanie McDonald (left) withChris and Tanya Staubes at thePhilanthropy Week in the LowcountryReception.

15. Dressed to the nines at the 8thAnnual March of Dimes SignatureChefs Auction: (left to right) AndrewNissen, Allison Nissen, Dr. Toya Pound,Dr. Margaret Villers, Dr. Jennifer Young,Dr. Angela Dempsey and Ben Fanning.

16. Ollie and Elizabeth Burwell at theMarch of Dimes Signature ChefsAuction.

17. Julian Smith and Renee Merriam atthe March of Dimes Signature ChefsAuction.

18. Anna Wilson (left) and ShannonCalcutt were among the many guestswho contributed to the more than 300toys and $1,300 collected at theDNLCC’s 6th annual Gathering of theElves event. The event’s donationswere used to help ensure over 205 chil-dren, served by DNLCC, received giftsfor the 2009 holiday season.

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A Champion for Autism in the Lowcountry

B Y K AT Y E R H E T T

he prevalence of autismamong children is largelyknown. But what happenswhen these children grow

up? What about adults with autism?What happens when families of autis-tic children and adults can no longercare for their loved ones? ManyLowcountry adults and teens livingwith autism have suffered as a result offamily abuse, neglect and financialrestraint. Until 2002, placement instate institutions was the only solution.However, that solution consisted ofmerely three homes in the Charlestonarea because the South CarolinaDepartment of Disabilities was unableto expand its services, leaving manyleft with no treatment and no options.

In August of 2000, three deter-mined individuals left the Departmentof Disabilities to form Carolina Autism,a nonprofit organization providingsupported living and applied behav-ioral therapy services to individuals

and families affected by autism. ByJanuary of 2002, Phil Blevins, AlanRose and Kendra Chaplin had openedtheir first group home for four clients.Today they serve 24 clients in sixgroup homes in West Ashley, inaddition to over 70 clients participat-ing in physical and behavioral therapyservices in Charleston, Myrtle Beach,Columbia and Orangeburg.

UNDERSTANDING THE DISEASEAutism is a general term used to

describe a group of developmentaldisabilities resulting from neuro-logical disorders known as PervasiveDevelopmental Disorders (PDD). Mostcommonly, autism affects brain func-tion in the areas of social interactionand communication. As a spectrumdisorder, the symptoms of autism canappear in a wide variety of combina-tions, materializing from severelydisabled to seemingly eccentric orodd. As a result, there is no “typical”

case; in fact, no two cases of autismare exactly alike. Other symptomsinclude delayed or difficulty with playand leisure activities, inflexibility tochanges in routine, repetitive bodymovements, unusual attachmentand/or fixation to objects, unusualresponses to people and, occasionally,aggressive behavior. The wide-ranging nature of the disorder makesaccurate diagnosis difficult.

Ideally, a child should be diagnosedby eighteen months. Therapy could

therefore be sought before thedisorder had any major impact onearly development. However, there areno diagnostic tests available; alldiagnoses are based on observation.For this reason, most cases aren’tdiagnosed until at least two to threeyears of age as this is when mostchildren are first exposed to socialsettings without the constantpresence of a parent or guardian. Inless severe cases, including thosediagnosed with Asperger syndrome, ahigh-functioning form of autism,diagnosis can take even longer.

According to the Centers forDisease Control (CDC), autism isthree to four times more likely tooccur in males than females. As many

TRIGHT: Phil Blevins

with Braeden Reed, aCarolina Autism client

and one of theDear John stars, on

the set of Dear John.

BELOW: One of theyoung men Carolina

Autism serves.

FACING PAGE: Just one of Carolina

Autism's group homes.

Through consistentsupport and therapy, thosediagnosed withautism could learn the skillsnecessary to get a job, go toschool and liveindependently.

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as one in 150 can be diagnosed asautistic, making it one of the mostcommon developmental disorderswith over half a million cases in theUnited States. Still, despite its relativecommonality and the considerableamount of research performed, thereis no known cause and no real cure forthe disorder. Behavioral therapy is thebest known treatment and it is one ofthe two critical services offered byCarolina Autism.

A LOWCOUNTRY SOLUTION:CAROLINA AUTISM

Initially, the Carolina AutismSupported Living Services (CASLS)sought to provide an alternative tolifelong placement in state institu-tions by way of supervised living incommunity group homes. Throughconsistent support and therapy, thosediagnosed with autism could learnthe skills necessary to get a job, go toschool and live independently. PhilBlevins, co-founder and executivedirector of CASLS, said that as soonas the first group home was opened in2002 the demand for more serviceswas overwhelming. Expansion due tohigh demand and positive feedbackled to the establishment of sixgroup homes serving 24 people witha significant waiting list.

Group home residents averagenineteen years of age, though CASLShas housed a child as young as six,who, like many, was abused andabandoned by his caretaker. Its mostsenior resident, a 54-year-old man,lived in a state-supported psychiatrichospital since the age of five. Hisfamily made great efforts to ensureplacement in the community grouphome. The everyday operations of thegroup homes require a considerableamount of manpower and resources.Two CASLS personnel are on dutyassuming eight-hour shifts. As the

homes are under constant supervi-sion, six staff members are on dutyeach day.

Beyond supervising group homes,CASLS staff also provides physicaland behavioral therapy, or AppliedBehavioral Analysis (ABA). ABA iscurrently the best known treatmentfor autism. Due to the nature of thedisorder, which, again, can includesocial anxiety and resistance tochange, most therapy sessions areperformed at clients’ homes. There,both children and adults are taughtto adapt to real world situationsusing coping skills allowing themto better connect with parents,teachers and other children. Clientswith access to proper therapy, suchas the intensive early interventionprovided through ABA, dramaticallyincrease their chances of leadingnon-disabled lives as adults. For thisreason, CASLS has placed emphasison training service providers with noprevious autism care-taking skills.CASLS has trained teachers inBerkeley, Dorchester, Lexington,Georgetown, Allendale and Charlestoncounties; serve as consultants inmultiple school districts; and holdtwo-week training sessions open tothe public. Clients without access toservices like those provided byCarolina Autism have other optionsas well. Online discussion groupsprovide an alternative for grouptherapy though restricted interestpatterns displayed in most autisticpeople can make support groupssomewhat futile. Social ineptnesscan lead to untactful interactionsmaking for difficult and potentiallyineffective therapy sessions.

AUTISM ON THE SCENE? Autism seems a buzz word in some

circles. Whether or not the disorder istruly on the rise or the diagnosis is

being handed out more freely is high-ly debatable. What is not debatable isthat early detection improves the livesof those diagnosed as autistic, andautism awareness has risen for goodreason. The number of people whoknow someone with autism or a simi-lar PDD is higher than most realize.

Media and Hollywood exposurewill hopefully have a positive effecton related research and treatment.While Rain Man first introducedautism to the masses, Dear John, therecent film adaptation from the novelby Nicholas Sparks, highlightsAsperger syndrome specifically. Thishigher-functioning form of thedisorder is often undiagnosed untillater in life, well into one’s twentiesor thirties, as it fails to reveal as adevelopmental disorder at an earlyage. Though many with Aspergersyndrome have been able to go toschool, perform well and hold down ajob, social relationships are oftenvery difficult to form if ever at all.Dear John, starring Channing Tatum,Amanda Seyfried and RichardJenkins, depicts the effects ofAsperger syndrome through afather-son relationship. The film issignificant to the autism communityas it reveals a side of the disorderwith which most of the public isunfamiliar and does so in a very realand relatable manner. Dear John isespecially important to CarolinaAutism, as it was filmed inCharleston and stars one of itsclients, Braeden Reed. For thisreason, Charleston hosted a star-studded premiere of the movie inJanuary at the Terrace Hippodromewith a reception following at theSouth Carolina Aquarium.

The Lowcountry is fortunate tohave people like Phil Blevins, AlanRose, Kendra Chaplin and the CASLSteam. Their efforts have transformedthe lives of individuals and familiesliving with autism, giving hope tomany who were previously unable toreceive treatment and making greatstrides in serving the adult communi-ty suffering from autism spectrumdisorders.

Local and NationalAutism Resources:

Carolina Autism -www.carolinaautism.orgCarolina Autism hasapproximately $2M inoverhead a year. While thestate supports most of itsefforts, they still need thesupport of its community.To see what you can doand how you can give toCarolina Autism, pleasevisit their website.Carolina Autism dependson your contributions tobest serve their clients!

National Association ofResidential Providers forAdults with Autism -www.NARPAA.orgNARPAA’s mission is toassure the availability ofresidential services andother resources for adultswith autism throughouttheir lives.

Autism Speaks -www.autismspeaks.orgThe nation’s largest autismscience and advocacyorganization, AutismSpeaks is dedicated tofunding research into thecauses, prevention, treat-ments and a cure forautism; increasingawareness of autismspectrum disorders; andadvocating for the needsof individuals with autismand their families.

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CAUSE10 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CHARLESTON, INC.

Compassion in Action

B Y K E L LY N I X

ne person can make adifference. People work-ing together can turnthe desire to make a

difference into a community inaction. Roper St. Francis Healthcare(RSFH) brings the compassion, faithand excellence of its employees andvolunteers together with othercharitable organizations to create anetwork of healing.

As the area’s only private not-for-profit healthcare provider, RSFH relieson the experience and resourcescollected over its 150 years ofexperience in order to best addressthe healthcare needs facing ourcommunity and abroad. Thisexperience includes longstandingpartnerships with other organiza-tions. “Collaboration is really neededwhen finding ways to help meet theneeds of our community,” said Rev.Dr. Terry Flemming, Vice Presidentof Mission. “It is not necessary toreinvent the wheel.”

RSFH partners with numerous localcharities to provide professional serv-ices and to facilitate funding. This pastyear alone, RSFH’s generosity allowedCrisis Ministries to help 424 homelesspersons in the Charleston area becomeself-sufficient. Over $300,000 is donat-ed annually for testing services at localclinics such as the Barrier Islands FreeMedical Clinic and the Wellness Houseon Johns Island.

In 2007, RSFH’s Mission Depart-ment established the MedicaidNavigator Program to help qualifiedresidents in Charleston, Berkeley andDorchester counties navigate through

the complex system and successfullyenroll in South Carolina’s MedicaidProgram. Led by Kathryn Harrison, theMedicaid Navigator Program ensuresthat those who qualify for Medicaid aregiven the tools needed to apply forand participate in the government-sponsored program. The program staff,referred to as Medicaid Navigators,work onsite with community organiza-tions—such as Crisis Ministries,Catholic Charities of North Charlestonand the Wellness House—providingone-on-one assistance and advocacyto the homeless, migrant and poor.The Medicaid enrollment programenables participants to receive moreconsistent healthcare resulting in earlydiagnosis of diseases, better treatmentand fewer emergency visits. TheMedicaid Navigator program hashelped over 1,000 people to date.

In addition to providing localsupport, RSFH recently launched itsfirst global service project, MissionH2O: Maji for Kenya. Employees,physicians and volunteers raisedmore than $33,000 to bring clean, safewater, or “maji safi” as it’s called inthe native African language, to thePlateau Mission Hospital and itssurrounding community. This moneyhas allowed RSFH to fund a LivingWater™ Treatment System andsurface pump for a community of6,000, including an 89-bed hospitaland a primary school that serves600 children.

In early May 2009, RSFH employ-ees Scott Broome, Caroline Pate andJoan Perry traveled to Kenya to takepart in a special commissioning

ceremony for the water treatmentsystem purchased using program-raised funds. As a result of thisinitiative, RSFH has forged bondswith the hospital’s patients andemployees, generating several newoutreach efforts. RSFH donatedvarious medical devices and suppliesto Plateau Mission Hospital, forinstance, and continues to exploreways to help align the hospital witha sustainable source of resources inthe future.

Individual departments at RSFHhave also stepped forward to makea contribution. RSFH’s Women’s,Infants’ and Children’s Center isreaching out to its counterparts andraising money for a renovation of theMaternity Ward at Plateau MissionHospital. The RSFH volunteer depart-ment gathered boxes of used booksand equipment for the Plateau Girl’sSchool. RSFH’s Access Departmentcollected more than 1,600 pairs ofshoes for Plateau residents.

Healing is more than placing abandage on a wound. Healing isa process, a process of restoringhealth and repairing what has beendamaged. It’s an emotional, physicaland long-term process of providingcare. Thankfully, RSFH continues todo its part to make this process acommunity concern, collaboratingwith caregivers across the Lowcountryand around the world to serve thehealthcare needs of many.

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wound. Healingis a process,a process of

restoring healthand repairing

what has beendamaged. It’san emotional,physical and

long-term processof providing

care.

A CARING CULTURE: POWER IN NUMBERS OF CARING PEOPLETrident United Way:RSFH employees raised an amazing total of $469,000, shattering previous communityrecords. No previous employee campaign had raised more than $400,000 andturned out so many leadership givers. 178 employees pledged $1,000 or more,and 62 percent of employees participated.

Heart Walk:Roper St. Francis Healthcare raised more than $69,000, nearly double its $35,000 goaland $10,000 more than last year, for the 2009 American Heart Association’s Start!Lowcountry Heart Walk in September, with 56 team leaders and 757 participants.

Light the Night Walk:RSFH’s Light the Night walk team raised more than $13,500, surpassing its $10,000goal, for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The team won the top corporate fundrais-er in the state and was handed the inaugural Port City Cup, a traveling trophy theLeukemia & Lymphoma Society awards to the top fundraising hospital each year.

Komen Race for the Cure:Teams from Roper St. Francis (RSF) Cancer Center and Physician Partners joined morethan 8,000 people in the October fundraiser to fight breast cancer. RSF Cancer Centerwon first place for team participation with 176 walkers and placed sixth in overallmoney raised, bringing $5,610 to the cause.

Backpack Buddies:The Backpack Buddies program is a way to send food home with school childrenwho do not have anything to eat over the weekend. Bon Secours St. Francis Hospitalcommitted to delivering 50 bags of food each month to Hursey Elementary Schoolin North Charleston, where 98 percent of students are at or below the poverty rate.Roper St. Francis Imaging Services also committed to donate 50 backpacks of foodto Stall High School.

AIDS Walk:The Roper St. Francis Healthcare Ryan White Program hosted its inaugural AIDS Walkin November of 2009 at Hampton Park in downtown Charleston. The Ryan WhiteProgram focuses on delivering HIV/AIDS care and services to people living with HIV orwho are at risk of infection in underserved or rural communities. In January 2008, theMedication Endowment Fund was established as a reserve for emergency medicationsand medical care services for our enrolled patients. All money raised during the AIDSWalk was contributed to this fund.

CAUSE12 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CHARLESTON, INC.

CAUSE 13V O L U M E 3 N U M B E R 1

B Y C H R I S T Y D O B S O N R E I D

In the midst of healthcare turmoiland information overload in our country,Charleston area citizens are needing helpand hope for the future of healthcare. Thegrowing need for access to healthcare ishitting home, and there are many nonprofitorganizations working to help those inneed. Today, healthcare options includenonprofit care for those who qualify; privateinsurance for those who have access andcan afford it; and government aid. Thefuture of healthcare is uncertain, butthere are ways to help and ways to obtainassistance, and people in our communityare working toward better care.

for the uninsured,the insured andthose caughtin between

to HEALTH CARE

CAUSE14 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CHARLESTON, INC.

hether or notyou find your-

self insured, youor someone you

know is likely struggling with health-care coverage. If you have a full-timejob with benefits that include health-care or if you have the resources to payfor a private insurance policy, you maystill have out-of-pocket expenses ontop of the cost of insurance. Healthcareis still costing you something, anamount that might not be known untilit's on a bill.

While clinics and centers arebeneficial for those who have noother means of healthcare, they donot provide an all-encompassinghealthcare system.

“Many uninsured people typicallygo to the emergency room,” said AnneBergin, director of health at TridentUnited Way. In both clinics andemergency rooms, the patients aretreated, but not by someone whoknows their history and will follow upat later visits. They are not alwaysreferred to specialty care that may benecessary. But help is on the way.

“Trident United Way is conveningmembers of the medical communityto create a coordinated system of carefor low-income uninsured people inthe tri-county region,” said Bergin.

“The goal is to provide patient-centered medical homes that offerpreventative care.”

In between the insured who arecovered by their providers and theuninsured who can seek nonprofithelp, there is a big gap. What aboutthe people who have insurance butfind that it’s not enough? Becausethey have the insurance, they areover-qualified at most nonprofitresources. And if they are really sick,they need treatment beyond whatmost clinics and centers can offer.

Annette Nielsen falls into such agap. She has private insurance, heronly option since she is unable to workfull-time and is single. Nielsen suffersfrom transverse myelitis, a neurologicaldisorder resulting from inflammation ofthe spinal cord. As the disease hasprogressed, she has lost function in herlegs and one arm and is now in a wheelchair. Before her diagnosis, she was afull-time employee with insurance; sheis now on full-time disability.

Nielsen qualified for disability in2008 but is currently in a two-yearwaiting period before she is eligiblefor Medicare. “Why?” she asked. “Ifyou’re disabled, it is vital to haveaffordable access to healthcare.”

For Nielsen, it’s been a full-time jobdealing with her insurance companyto get coverage. “I have had to spendhours on the phone with insurers,getting documents, fighting forcoverage that's under my plan,but having to prove that it's medicallynecessary,” she said. At one point, shewas discharged from the hospitalprematurely because her insurance

benefits ran out and she could notafford to pay. She also went throughred tape for four months before shewas able to receive physical therapy.

Nielsen has insurance, but becauseof her health condition, the cost ofprivate insurance and insurancenot covering her costs in-full, she’sleft in an unfortunate financialsituation. And because she hasprivate insurance, disability andMedicare qualifications, she does notqualify for the healthcare offered forfree or minimal charge by nonprofits.She also needs more extensivetreatment than most nonprofits canoffer for free or little cost.

Nielsen lives a simple life, buther disability still leaves her withthousands in out-of-pocket expenses.“I can not allow myself to be uninsuredbecause of the medical care I require,”she said. “I don’t dare not havethe insurance.”

Nielsen is now able to work part-time, but due to the recession, it hasbeen difficult for her to find work. Shefeels fortunate to have had savings onwhich to fall back, but those funds arebeing quickly depleted because of thehigh cost of insurance and medicalcare, with disability not meeting ends.“I still feel lucky and blessed to havehad something to fall back on,” shesaid. “Many people like me, don’t.”

Aside from the hardship on her,Nielsen explained that there is a muchbigger problem. She said, “I’m justbeing moved up to the future ranksof the impoverished elderly and willbecome a larger burden to society.”

While clinics and

centers are beneficial

for those who have

no other means of

healthcare, they do

not provide an

all-encompassing

healthcare system.

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CAUSE16 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CHARLESTON, INC.

Wellness for the Working Uninsured

B Y C AT H E R I N E W I L L I A M S

ithout Tri-County ProjectCare (TCPC), SusanMorris’ children wouldbe without their mother.

“Five years ago, I was diagnosedwith an extremely aggressive StageIV breast cancer,” Morris explains. “Ihad no health insurance, because myjob didn’t offer it, and it was financial-ly impossible for me to insure myself.Tri-County Project Care begancoverage immediately despite mypre-existing condition and treatedme like a family member.”

Morris’ story stands as testamentto the eight-year endeavor of localgeneral surgeon Dr. Robert “Casey”Fitts and his ever-growing network ofprimary and specialty care physi-cians. Founded in January 2002,TCPC provides access to health carefor the working low-income (those ator below 200% poverty level) and pro-vides a means for the uninsured to

find community or government pro-grams that provide coverage, even ifthey are ineligible to be coveredunder TCPC. Theirs is a grassrootseffort, one of a community of pro-grams offered throughout the state.

“Our goal is to offer a differenthealth care delivery system for theuninsured group that’s often over-looked—the low-income workingsector that’s ineligible for federal andstate health care assistance such asMedicare and Medicaid. While theycan afford some healthcare expendi-tures, they can’t afford to pay entirelyfor most medical procedures out-of-pocket and are financially unable toafford their own health insurance,”Fitts explains.

TCPC is not an insurance companynor is it a free medical clinic; it is ahealth care delivery system that relieson an existing network of primary andspecialty providers that have agreed

to provide services to this uninsuredpopulation at a significantly discount-ed rate. Prior to establishing TCPC,Fitts became increasingly frustratedwith the standard health care insur-ance system. Specifically, he couldnot provide care to those withincomes too high to qualify forMedicaid yet too low to afford privatehealth insurance. Approximately35,000 people within Charleston,Berkeley and Dorchester counties fallwithin this subset. Because thisgrowing uninsured sector looks toemergency rooms for point-of-careservice for most non-emergencycases, health care costs have contin-ued to rise for both hospitals andthe taxpayer community.

“Clearly the current system isinefficient and broken,” Fitts argues.“It is much more cost effective in thelong run to provide preventative carethan to treat an illness or disabilityin its final stages. Our programprovides patients with a ‘medical

Tri-County Project Care’s Grassroots Effort Provides Access to Affordable Health Care

W

The Healthcare providerspictured represent

the larger communityprovider network for

Tri-County Project Care

home’ where they can receive standard preventative care. Thedata shows that approximately 17% of uninsured patients treatedin a medical home were able to buy insurance within a year.” Fittscontinues, “This is a method of alleviating some of the burdens ofthe taxpayers by keeping this group healthy in the long run.Financially and morally, it is just the right thing to do.”

In 2001, Fitts took a year of leave from his bustling practice tofound TCPC. With nearly $10 million in funding secured and anetwork of the area’s four hospital systems and nearly 1,600physicians in development, Fitts and his team launched Stage 1 ofthe pilot program. Stage 2, which began in 2006, consisted of usingthe network of physicians and systems of care to offer a product tosmall businesses, wherein the employer and employee shared thecost of the nominal prepayment fee.

With Stage 2 successfully implemented, TCPC is now focusedon Stage 3. Fitts is hopeful that passage of the seven-centcigarette tax may lead to state funding of TCPC and other likeprojects. This would establish TCPC as a premium assistanceprogram to be utilized statewide, establishing a stable financialplan for the organization.

Until that happens, TCPC continues to work with the healthcare sector of the Duke Endowment, AccessHealth South Carolina.Together with Trident United Way, AccessHealth is bringingtogether a multitude of community programs like TCPC to attendto the uninsured.

“Even if Project Care isn’t a fit for someone, we still want to linkthose people with whatever resources are out there,” Fittsexplains. “AccessHealth and Trident United Way are doing thatand have been instrumental in this effort. Only through a healthyworkforce can our state become more economically competitive.It just makes sense.”

CALL TO ACTION!For more information on Tri-CountyProject Care, please visit www.tricountyprojectcare.org or call (843) 388-9719.

757 A Long Point Rd. Mt. Pleasant, SC 843-971-6221

www.smilesbydrrandy.comDr. Randy and

his daughter, Callie

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CAUSE18 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CHARLESTON, INC.

Volunteers Make HealthcarePossible for the Uninsured

B Y E U G E N I A K . B E A C H , E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R , B A R R I E R I S L A N D S F R E E M E D I C A L C L I N I C

eith Bishop has a lot to bethankful for these days,most importantly, his life.And it is all thanks to the

Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic(BIFMC).

After losing his business, hisproperty and everything he owned,Keith Bishop had fallen on hard times.When he began experiencing sharpchest pains, he was scared the nextthing he would lose would be his life.Without health insurance, he tried toignore the pains, but with a familyhistory of coronary heart disease hehad no choice but to give in to hisson’s pleads to go to BIFMC. There,one of the many volunteers who treatpatients without insurance told himhe was in immediate danger ofhaving a heart attack. The clinicperformed a heart catheterizationwhere his coronary artery was openedand two stents were placed in theartery to keep it open. Luckily, Bishopavoided a heart attack.

Along with this life-saving proce-dure, BIFMC’s medical volunteers andhospital partnerships provided Bishopwith continuing care, encouragementand medications – all at no charge.Not only was Bishop able to regaincontrol of his health and his future, hegained the assurance that he couldwork again and the dignity that camefrom being able to manage his ownhealth. Stories with happy endingssimilar to that of Keith Bishop’s arewritten everyday because of BIFMC.

Gaining affordable access to healthcare is an almost impossible task forthe large percentage of the surround-

ing community who is either ineligi-ble for or unable to afford health insur-ance. A nonprofit organization fundedentirely by private donations andgrants and doctors giving their servic-es for free, BIFMC provides freemedical care to those uninsured,lower-income adults who live or work

on Johns, Wadmalaw or JamesIslands. 20 volunteer physicians, 19nurses and more than 40 office staffrun the clinic, ensuring qualitymedical care at no charge to patients.Since its opening in April of 2008,BIFMC has served 1,315 patientsduring 4,277 visits to the Clinic.

KBETWEEN

APRIL 11, 2008 AND DECEMBER

31, 2009:

Patient Visits:

4,277Actual Patients:

1,315

RIGHT:Dr. Shannon Kennedy,Mr. Keith Bishop and

Nurse Manager DonnaKillip at our 3,000th

patient visit

FACING PAGE:Volunteers manage

the front desk

The Cost of ER Unfunded Primary Care in 2008

MUSC $2,700,000Roper Saint Francis Healthcare $6,200,000

BIFMC acts as a primary physician would. When prescriptionsare needed they are often provided by Welvista, a non-governmen-tal healthcare intervention that provides access to prescriptionmedicine and pediatric dental services. Welvista partners withpharmaceutical companies to receive donated drugs.

Prior to BIFMC’s opening, the emergency room (ER) was theonly place an uninsured person could access healthcare.Unfortunately, a single primary care visit to the ER costs anaverage of $1,650 and does not include the cost for continual orfollow-up care. Without continuing care, the patient often cyclesback into the ER in worse condition and typically requires inpatientcare at an even greater cost. Unfunded care routinely costshospitals millions of dollars which subsequently are passed on inhigher insurance premiums for the insured and higher taxes foreveryone. Not only is it a vicious cycle for our healthcare system, itcan become a life and death issue for the uninsured patient.

The free clinic model of creating access to healthcare is a verysimple solution to a complicated problem.

Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic Needs:

• Volunteer Physicians• Volunteer Nurses• Volunteer Interpreters• Volunteer Office Staff• Database Experts• Contributions

CALL TO ACTION!To learn more about volunteer opportunities or to make a contribution, please call the Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic at(843) 266-9800 or visit www.bifmc.org.

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B Y M E R E D I T HH . S I E M E N S

There are leisure travelers and world explorers; armchair athletes

and Olympians. There are seasonal volunteers and then there’s

Lee Batten. Splitting her time between more than seven local and

national organizations—the MUSC Children’s Hospital Volunteer

Advisory Committee, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®, Darkness

to Light, the Women’s Council of the Carolina Art Association, the

American Heart Association, the Charleston Horticultural Society,

the Junior League of Charleston—it’s a wonder she has time to be still,

much less work towards a degree in Computer Information Systems.

CAUSE20 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CHARLESTON, INC.

photo illustration by Bob Durand Jr.

CAUSE22 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CHARLESTON, INC.

To become involved with MUSCTuesday Night Parents’ Supper

programs contact:

Bethany MooreChildren's Hospital Volunteer Services

165 Ashley Avenue, PO Box 250332Charleston, SC 29425Phone: 843-792-8190

Fax: 843-792-8860E-mail: moobe@musc.edu

CAUSE 23V O L U M E 3 N U M B E R 1Please recycle this publication

attenlives the maxim, “to whom much isgiven, much is expected.” It is difficultto get Batten to talk about her ownachievements, involvement or theawards she’s received. She may,however, convince you to attend avolunteer meeting. Batten herself wentfrom a few days’ commitment stuffingpackets to the Packet-Stuffing/Registration Chair for the 2008 and2009 Race for the Cure®. The majorityof her volunteer work has followed asimilar path, beginning as provisionalopportunities and placements pursuedthrough the Junior League. Thischance to try on different projects is anexperience that she finds brings peopleback, seeking out larger roles.

Such was the case with one ofBatten’s most rewarding and involvedphilanthropic endeavors, the TuesdayNight Parents’ Supper at MUSCChildren’s Hospital. The Tuesday NightParents’ Supper is a program thatserves breakfast to families staying atMUSC with their children and to localfamilies commuting for daily visits. ForBatten, this seems a predestined fit.

With a family background in medi-cine, her grandfather stressed a bed-side manner emphasizing patientrespect and dignity. Batten herselfwas ingrained with the care and

grace of a true southern hostess hav-ing grown up in the town of Estill,South Carolina.

The Tuesday Night Parents’ Supperprogram began three years agoand was designed to minimize the

financial impact of hospitalizationwhile offering community mem-bers a chance to become involvedwithout attending a four-tofive-week formal volunteer train-ing course. A volunteer since thefall of 2007, Batten extols, “no

matter what kind of day you arehaving, you can’t leave MUSC

without seeing the effect you havemade on these families.”

The program has grown from onegroup serving Saturday breakfast toover 20 groups serving meals threedays a week. Batten heads theTuesday night meals program, featur-ing a range of community groupsincluding Atlantic Bank & Trust,Jim ‘N Nick’s Barbeque, the JuniorLeague of Charleston and theMUSC Children’s Hospital VolunteerAdvisory Committee.

Christine Messick, Director ofVolunteer Services at the MUSCChildren’s Hospital, has developed thevolunteer services program from one to16 programs, increasing the number ofvolunteers from 51 in 2002 to over 320in 2009. In her 14 years of experience innonprofit management, Messick hasseen the gamut of volunteers andpraises Batten’s energy, personablenature and dependability for giving theprogram much of its current strength.“Our patient families go through a lot ofheartache while their children arehere,” Messick explains. “Some fami-lies come to eat and find a volunteerwilling to listen to them. Others mayquickly stop to grab a bite to eat

without pausing to talk. Others refuseto leave their child's side so volunteersmay deliver a plate to the room. Inevery instance, Lee's warm spirit andsmile are a comfort!”

As both Messick and Batten arequick to point out, the MUSC TuesdayNight Parents’ Supper program isalways looking to expand. They beganserving Sunday brunch in January andplan to add another weeknight meal.The need is always there. “I’ll see somefamilies for a few weeks,” Battenexplains, “or some families every weekfor nearly a year.”

For individuals looking to becomeinvolved with the MUSC TuesdayNight Supper program or other week-ly meals, there are multiple options.Volunteers can prepare or purchasefood or paper products to drop off atthe hospital; they can help serve foodfrom 6pm to 8pm; or they can provideand serve during the meals. Eachsupper serves around 60 individuals.Six volunteers assist with setup,service and clean-up.

Regardless of what role the volun-teers choose to assume, the overallexperience seems to be a universallypositive one. Participants expressfeeling truly gratified seeing thefamilies and helping in some smallway to lessen their financial andemotional struggle. Some familiesquickly scoot away while otherschoose to stay, sit and be distractedfor just a bit enjoying theme dinners,homemade casseroles, packagedcandy bags, or simply conversation.

On days when spending two hoursaway from one’s desk or home seemsimpossible, there is something veryhumbling about visiting familiesunable to spend two hours away fromthe hospital. A sense of duty may bringvolunteers to serve that first meal, but aspirit of joy often brings them back. AsBatten says, “you just can’t help butfeel good.”

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CAUSE24 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CHARLESTON, INC.

Access to Healthcare: Places to Get and Give Help

B Y E L I Z A B E T H W O R R E L L

e are all familiar with the alarmingly high number of uninsured Americans, which now stands as theprimary healthcare issue facing our nation. The large percentage of Americans living without healthinsurance not only affects national productivity, but also the health of our society, our healthcareinfrastructure and the cost of healthcare for everyone. Not having access to benefits and medical help

may not be a subject that many can speak knowledgeably about – especially for those who have always been insured.But if it were to affect you or someone you know – would you know who to turn to or where to seek help?

We researched some of the organizations in the Lowcountry that have been established to assist South Carolinianswho do not have access to adequate healthcare. If an organization pulls at your heart strings and you would like to help,visit its website or give the organization a call. If you or someone you know is in need, check with the organizationabout its qualifications and hours of service.

AREA-WIDE

The Palmetto Project – an organizationcommitted to providing healthcareto low income, ethnic and culturalgroups who can not afford or do nothave access to healthcare. Visitwww.palmettoproject.org or call843-577-4122.

The Palmetto Project includes thefollowing initiatives:

• South Carolina Information and ReferralNetwork – provides assistance to SouthCarolinians without private health insurance. Visit www.schealthcare.org or call 1-888-998-4646 (toll-free).

• Heart & Soul – provides education and information especially on cardiovascular disease, as well as other health topics, to African-Americans.

• AccessNet – provides assistance and direction to healthcare of uninsured and underinsured in Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester counties.

• The South Carolina Immunization Project – works to raise immunization rates in South Carolina.

• Carolina Hearing Aid Bank – provides free or affordable hearing aids to those in need.

Tri-County Project Care – a nonprofitorganization providing affordablehealthcare to uninsured workingadults. Small business owners oremployees may also be eligible forassistance. Visit www.tricountypro-jectcare.org or call 843-388-9719.

Welvista – provides free prescrip-tions for those who are uninsured,qualify and pay a $20 applicationfee. Visit www.welvista.org or call1-800-763-0059.

DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON

Church of the Holy Communion – offersa clinic that helps provide prescrip-tions at minimal cost or for free topatients who are unable to afford med-ication. 218 Ashley Ave., Charleston,SC 29403. Call 843-722-2024.

Crisis Ministries’ Homeless HealthClinic – a primary healthcare clinicfor current and former residents ofCrisis Ministries’ shelters. 573Meeting St., Charleston, SC 29413.Visit www.charlestonhomeless.orgor call 843-723-9477.

W

Franklin C. Fetter Family Health Center– a federally-funded health centerwhere patients are charged basedon their income. 51 Nassau St.,Charleston, SC 29403.Call 843-722-4112.

MOUNT PLEASANT

St. Andrew’s Church – offers a freehealthcare clinic on Tuesdays. 440Whilden St., Mt Pleasant, SC 29464.Call 843-284-4310.

East Cooper Community Outreach –includes programs that help providehealthcare, dental care, prescriptionassistance and counseling to unin-sured residents and, in some cases,non-residents. 1145 Six Mile Rd.,Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466. Visitwww.eccocharleston.org orcall 843-849-9220.

NORTH CHARLESTON

Dream Center Clinic – a faith-based clinic that provides free pri-mary care, routine dental services and counseling for residents ofNorth Charleston and Hanahan who have no health insuranceand have a household income below 200% of the Federal PovertyLevel. 5505 N. Rhett Ave., North Charleston, SC 29406. Visitwww.dreamcenterclinic.org or call 843-225-1115.

Enterprise Health Center – a federally-funded health center wherepatients are charged based on their income. 2047 Comstock Ave.,North Charleston, SC 29405. Call 843-722-4112.

Harvest Free Medical Clinic – a faith-based clinic that providesbasic healthcare for those unable to afford healthcare. 1670Drydock Ave., Bldg. 10B, North Charleston, SC 29405. Visitwww.hfmc.org or call 843-747-3526.

Lowcountry Pediatrics & Adults – a federally-funded health centerwhere patients are charged based on their income. 3973 RiversAve., North Charleston, SC 29405. Call 843-747-8893.

MUSC Children’s Care – provides medical homes to children whoare uninsured and qualify for Medicaid. 2070 Northbrook Blvd.,Suite A-16, North Charleston, SC 29406. Call 843-818-6102.

Tricounty Family Ministries – a faith-based organization focused onhealthcare, prescription assistance, healthcare referrals and healtheducation for those with little or no access to healthcare. 3349Rivers Ave., North Charleston, SC 29405. Visit www.tricountyfam-ilyministries.org or call 843-747-1788.

JOHNS ISLAND

Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic – provides primary healthcarefor free to residents of Johns and Wadmalaw Islands who do nothave insurance and cannot afford healthcare due to low income.3226 Maybank Hwy., Suite A, Johns Island, SC 29455. Visitwww.bifmc.org or call 843-266-9800.

Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach Wellness House – a placespecializing in women’s health, dental health and health educa-tion for residents of James Island, Johns Island, Wadmalaw Islandand The Neighborhood House of Charleston. 1684 BrownswoodRd., Johns Island, SC 29455. Visit www.olmoutreach.org or call843-559-4493.

Johns Island Health Center – a federally-funded health centerwhere patients are charged based on their income. 3627Maybank Hwy., Johns Island, SC 29455. Call 843-722-4112.

LIVE..WORK..PLAY..INVESTSIMPLY NOT A BETTER PLACE TO BE, CHARLESTON!

Joan H. Hazelton BUYER AGENT AND HISTORIC PROPERTY SPECIALIST

JHazelton@HistoricCharlestonProperties.comwww.CharlestonPropertyFinder.comHistoric Charleston Properties, LLC

843.754.8102

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CAUSE26 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CHARLESTON, INC.

ENG

AG

ECalendar of Events

APRIL 2010APRIL 13Wine on the Water7-9 p.m.Join the South Carolina Aquarium for a special evening featuring sustainable seafood,wine and waterfront views of the Charleston Harbor. Sample sustainable seafood dish-es prepared by Charleston’s finest chefs, enjoy live entertainment and more.

BENEFITS: SC Aquarium’s conservation and education programs

LOCATION: SC Aquarium, 100 Aquarium Wharf, downtown Charleston

COST: $25 per Aquarium member, $30 per non-member, advance reservations and payment required

CONTACT: (843) 577-FISH (3474) or visit www.scaquarium.org

APRIL 17Habitat for HumaniTEA Fundraiser2:30-4:30 p.m.Wear your best hat for an afternoon of sweet tea, lemonade and tea foods spon-sored by the Hat Divas. Win fabulous door prizes and bid on luxurious auction items,with all proceeds helping to fund the 2010 Women Build home.

BENEFITS: Sea Island Habitat for Humanity's 2010 Women Build home

LOCATION: Charleston Tea Plantation, Wadmalaw Island

COST: $30 per ticket

CONTACT: (843) 768-0998 or visit www.seaislandhabitat.org

APRIL 17“Are You Ready to Rally?” Road Rally and Silent Auction4-9 p.m.Follow clues to Road Rally stops in a driving adventure through greater Charleston.Drivers and non-drivers alike attend the after-party with music, dancing, great foodand drinks, and a silent auction in a fun and casual atmosphere.

BENEFITS: LifeManagement Center

LOCATION: Citadel Holliday Alumni Center, 69 Hagood Ave.

COST: $75

CONTACT: (843) 852-5705 or visit www.lifemanagement.org

APRIL 18The Old Village Home, Garden & Art Tour1 - 5 p.m.This self-guided tour offers visitors the opportunity to see some of the homes andgardens of the Old Village in Mt. Pleasant. Music and refreshments are part of theart show, which will feature works for sale by local artists.

BENEFITS: The services and programs of American Red Cross, Carolina Lowcountry Chapter

LOCATION: Old Village in Mt. Pleasant

COST: Tickets are $45 for individual or $35 for groups of 10 or more. Tickets canbe purchased at www.lowcountryredcross.org (click on MyCommunityTickets) orpurchase at any of the following area locations – Abide-A-While Garden Center,GDC, Scratch Pad (Mt. Pleasant); Morton James (West Ashley); or Edward DareGallery (downtown Charleston).

CONTACT: (843) 764-2323, ext. 386

APRIL 22iFive:K Run/Walk/Shuffle6:30 p.m.The Charleston Digital Corridor iFive:K starts and finishes at the Charleston MaritimeCenter on the Charleston Harbor. The peninsula’s only evening race winds throughhistoric downtown Charleston and finishes with a post-race celebration at theCharleston Maritime Center.

BENEFITS: Burke High School Scholarship Fund

LOCATION: Charleston Maritime Center, 10 Wharfside St., downtown Charleston

COST: $30 after April 2; $25 through April 1

CONTACT: (843) 579-7659 or visit www.ifivek.com

APRIL 22EYEland Soiree6-9 p.m.The second annual EYEland Soirée benefits the Association for the Blind. Enjoy danc-ing to a steel drum band, delicious island food, and tropical drinks. Also available forthe night is an open bar, so come out and dance the night away for this great cause.

BENEFITS: Association for the Blind

LOCATION: The Creek Club on I’on, 44 Saturday Road, Mt. Pleasant

COST: $60 at the door

CONTACT: (843) 723-6915 or visit www.associationfortheblind.org

APRIL 25Creative Spark’s Amazing Race3-6 p.m.On this bike-riding treasure hunt, quick thinking beats quick riding! Ride the biketrails of Daniel Island, solving cryptic clues and completing crazy tasks to win theAmazing Race. Teams of four cyclists can consist of either four adults or at least oneadult and children compete. The race requires more ingenuity than athleticism andmore brains than brawn. Two teams win grand prize ribbons and awards from thesponsors including bicycle merchandise and catered parties.

BENEFITS: Creative Spark Center for the Arts

LOCATION: Daniel Island

COST: $90 for team of 4

CONTACT: (843) 881-3780 or visit www.creativespark.org

APRIL 30 – MAY 2Gourmet & GrapesWeekend events begin on Friday evening with an exclusive black-tie dinner preparedby a celebrity chef. During the day on Saturday, guests are treated to various wineseminars and tastings. The evening features a fundraising gala with dishes preparedby Charleston’s Top Chefs.

BENEFITS: Hollings Cancer Center at MUSC

LOCATION: Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort

COST: Prices vary

CONTACT: (843) 792-7994 or visit www.gourmetandgrapes.com

MAY 2010MAY 1Charleston Dog Show8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.The 7th annual Charleston Dog Show is a wonderful family event for Lowcountrydogs and their families. In addition to friendly canine competition, there will be a dogvendor village, silent auction, pet portrait artists' corner, microchipping clinic, educa-tional exhibits, Canine Good Citizen (CGC) testing, obedience demonstrations andmuch more!

BENEFITS: Lowcountry Golden Retriever Rescue Resource, Greyhound Pets ofAmerica-Charleston, Middleton Place Hounds and Lowcountry Lab Rescue

LOCATION: Marion Square, downtown Charleston

COST: Free

CONTACT: (843) 412-8198 or visit www.charlestondogshow.com

MAY 1Make-A-Wish Foundation Wine Festival6-9 p.m.This 4th annual wine festival provides opportunities to sample over 85 select winesfrom around the world, taste authentic Charleston cuisine and enjoy live music.

BENEFITS: SC Make-A-Wish Foundation

LOCATION: Freshfields Village on the Village Green

COST: $35 in advance; $45 at the door

CONTACT: (843) 853-7880 or visit www.sc.wish.org

MAY 1Dining with FriendsTimes varySupporters host parties in their homes, churches, or workplaces in a massivefundraising effort. The type of party and the menu is up to the hosts.

BENEFITS: Lowcountry Aids Services

LOCATION: Various locations

COST: Donation determined by guests

CONTACT: (843) 747-2273 or visit www.aids-services.com

MAY 8Charleston Dragon Boat Festival1 p.m.The 3rd annual festival is a fun day for corporate and community teams to picnic andpaddle together on the Ashley River in 41-foot dragon boats.

BENEFITS: Roper Saint Francis Cancer Center

LOCATION: Brittlebank Park, 180 Lockwood Blvd, downtown Charleston

COST: Call for more information

CONTACT: (843) 442-6167 or visit www.dragonboatcharleston.org

MAY 12An Elegant Evening...A Meal to Remember 6 p.m. East Cooper Meals on Wheels celebrates twenty-five years of serving the homeboundwith a lively evening featuring fine cuisine, dancing and live and silent auctions.

BENEFITS: East Cooper Meals on Wheels

LOCATION: Omar Shrine Convention Center, 176 Patriots Point Rd, Mt. Pleasant

COST: $100, tickets on sale April 5

CONTACT: (843) 881-9350 or visit www.ecmow.org

WHEREMYAD

is

To make sure you are not leftout of the next issue ofCAUSE magazine, contact

Richard Barry at

746-2246to get more information onhow you can take advantageof advertising in the JuniorLeague of Charleston’s ownpublication.

To see more images of the Lowcountry community celebrating a cause, check

out the CAUSE for Celebration section on pages 6-7. If you would like to

submit a photograph to CAUSE, please e-mail your high-resolution image

with caption to causeeditor@jlcharleston.org with the subject “PHOTO.”

To find out about upcoming local fundraisers and events with a cause,

check out the Engage section on pages 26-29. If you would like to

submit a calendar entry to CAUSE, please e-mail your information to

causeeditor@jlcharleston.org with the subject “EVENT.”

LOOK WHO’SCELEBRATING

From Garden Festivals to Galas– Where will CAUSE find YOU?

CAUSE28 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CHARLESTON, INC.

ENG

AG

E

If you would like tosubmit a calendar

entry to CAUSE, pleasee-mail your information

to causeeditor@jlcharleston.org with

the subject “EVENT.”

MAY 21Forget-Me-Not Ball7 p.m.This 5th annual gala features a cocktail reception, silent and live auctions,dinner and a program.

BENEFITS: SC Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association

LOCATION: Francis Marion Hotel, downtown Charleston

COST: $100 a ticket; sponsorship levels also available

CONTACT: (800) 860-1444 or visit www.fmnball.org

JUNE 2010JUNE 5Lowcountry Splash Open Water Swim7:30 a.m.Quickly becoming South Carolina's premier open water swim, the 9th AnnualLowcountry Splash is a 2.4 Mile Open water swim along the Mount Pleasant shoreline,swimming under the Cooper River Bridge and finishing at the Charleston HarborMarina and Resorts in front of the USS Yorktown at Patriots Point. This event continuesto grow in popularity attracting swimmers from 13 states and 2 countries.

BENEFITS: The Logan Rutledge Children's Foundation, a local not for profit organization promoting the health and welfare of children in the Lowcountry

LOCATION: Hobcaw Yacht Club to Charleston Harbor Marina, Mt. Pleasant

COST: Early registration is $50; Late registration (after June 2nd) is $60

CONTACT: Call (843) 884-7880, gbanks@rcctherapy.com or visit www.lowcountrysplash.com

JUNE 5Annual Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival10 a.m.– 8 p.m.This daylong festival celebrates the rich Gullah Geechee cultural heritage, and providesthe most extensive showcase of sweetgrass baskets in the Lowcountry. Along with liveentertainment, visitors will be treated to a variety of authentic Gullah cuisine. Therewill also be family-friendly activities including a waterslide.

BENEFITS: Sweetgrass Basket Makers Society

LOCATION: Waterfront Memorial Park, Mt. Pleasant

COST: Free admission

CONTACT: (843) 856-9732 or visit www.sweetgrassfestival.org

JUNE 1210th Annual ALS H.O.P.E. Race6 p.m. Race StartCome run, walk or stroll the beach during this 5K Run/Walk organized by the MUSCPhysical Therapy Class of 2011. All proceeds benefit the research and support ofpatients diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly referred to asLou Gehrig’s disease.

BENEFITS: SC chapter of the ALS Association, supporting patients diagnosedwith ALS and ALS research

LOCATION: IOP Beach, race start line at Seaside Inn, 1004 Ocean Blvd, Isle of Palms

COST: $22 until May 22nd, $25 after

CONTACT: (423) 967-5270 or visit www.alshoperace.com

JUNE 25Abby’s Friends Charity Golf Classic & Evening Gala1 p.m. Golf Shotgun, 7 p.m. GalaThis day of golf at one of the nation’s top-rated golf courses, will be followed by anelegant evening Gala featuring food, beverage and entertainment, including live musicby Plane Jane.

BENEFITS: MUSC Children’s Hospital Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation andCamp Adam Fisher, a camp for diabetic children

LOCATION: Beresford Creek Course and the Daniel Island Club

COST: Call for golf sponsorship prices, gala is $150 per ticket

CONTACT: (843) 364-6731 or visit www.abbysfriends.org

JULY 2010JULY 13Brew with a View7–9 p.m.This special evening will feature sustainable seafood prepared by five of Charleston’sfinest chefs, beer, live entertainment and an amazing view of the Charleston Harbor.

BENEFITS: The SC Aquarium’s conservation and education programs

LOCATION: SC Aquarium, 100 Aquarium Wharf, downtown Charleston

COST: $25 per Aquarium member, $30 per non-member

CONTACT: (843) 577-FISH (3474) or visit www.scaquarium.org

JULY 16Palette and Palate Stroll5:30–7:30 p.m.For the 5th year, the Charleston Fine Arts Dealers’ Association’s (CFADA) will host anevening dedicated to fine art, cuisine and wine throughout the historic streets of down-town Charleston. The event will feature sample tastings from 12 of the finest localrestaurants in 12 of the most prestigious art galleries.

BENEFITS: CFADA’s visual scholarship fund

LOCATION: Locations vary, downtown Charleston

COST: $45 per ticket (tickets are limited)

CONTACT: (843) 819-8006 or visit www.cfada.com

JULY 31Fight for Air Climb Charleston8 a.m.Are YOU up for the Challenge? It’s more than a walk, it’s more than a run... climb for aunique challenge! Join the hundreds of people climbing their way up and down 1,056stairs in the North Charleston Coliseum to help benefit lung cancer research, asthmaeducation and air quality improvement.

BENEFITS: American Lung Association in the Fight for Air

LOCATION: North Charleston Coliseum, 5001 Coliseum Dr, N. Charleston

COST: $25 per person registration, $100 per person fundraising requirement

CONTACT: (843) 556-8451 or visit www.lungsc.org

Calendar of Events (continued)

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