Dear Friend Of The Foundation, |
Although we are not back to the normalcy we all crave, we are still grateful to be on the other side of 2020. While 2021 has had a rocky start, the Bar Foundation has been very fortunate. We had the great opportunity to present Governor David Beasley with the DuRant award which you can watch here. We also had an incredibly fun virtual mixology event where we had the chance to catch up, have some laughs and learned to make some really good drinks. It was so popular that we are hosting another one this spring. These are just a few examples of the creative ways we have tried to celebrate the momentous 50th anniversary of the founding of the Bar Foundation.
We are so grateful for you, our dedicated supporters, who have been so generous and have not only sustained us, but reinforced our confidence and resolve to keep the Foundation going in perpetuity. While we all continue to navigate uncertainty and anxiety within all aspects of our lives, our mission remains unchanged: we vow to continue to provide funding to provide legal access and education to our fellow South Carolinians who are struggling more than ever.
We ask that you consider making a lasting impact and donate in honor of our anniversary. There are many ways you can show your support and here some examples:
- Meet President, Jennifer Blumenthal's $50 for 50 Challenge
- Get your Foundation Friend digital badge for any personal donation of $250 or more
- Get your firm/corporate digital donation badge for any firm donation of $500 or more
- Recognize your friends and family with a gift in their memory or in honor
- Turn your gift into recurring gift- weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually. You set the amount and forget that you need to donate
- Donate stock or life insurance to ensure you make a lasting impact
- Ensure a justice legacy by including the SCBF in your will or estate plan. If you are 70 ½ or older, you can make tax-free gifts directly from your IRA
- Make a pledge and pay monthly, weekly, quarterly or at the end of the year
- Follow our social media outlets, and like, share, or comment on our posts
- Consider being and creating a champion page for Midlands Gives asking your friends to support us
- Plan to participate in Midlands Gives on May 4, 2021
- Tell your colleagues what influences you to support our mission
However you choose to support us, know that you are making a difference in someone's life today. 81 cents of every donated dollar goes to support our grantees. Your investment in justice for all will reap dividends for years to come. We appreciate your support and hope to see you face to face before too long. If you need more information, contact the SC Bar Foundation or visit our website.
Wishing you continued health,
Megan, Marisa & Melissa
Your SCBF Staff
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A Note from
Secretary/Treasurer
LISA COTTEN
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As members of the SC Bar, we are blessed with the ability to continue to earn a living during a time when many of our neighbors have been left wondering how they are going to provide for the basic needs of their families. The SC Bar Foundation has spent the last 50 years providing support to organizations that ensure access to legal aid and education throughout the State. If you have not already done so, please consider sharing your blessings by making a monetary donation of at least $50 to the Bar Foundation in celebration of its 50th Anniversary. Many of the Foundation’s grantees need our support now more than ever.
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SCBF Annual Report
FISCAL YEAR 2020
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We are pleased to share with you our Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2020. It's an honor to fund nonprofit organizations around the state that improve the lives of the poor, the homeless, and those with nowhere else to turn by supporting the administration of justice, providing civil legal aid and providing law related education. The Annual Report details the sources of the South Carolina Bar Foundation’s funding, as well as illustrating how our resources are distributed.
We are fortunate to have dedicated donors and IOLTA income, but the legal needs of human trafficking victims, the homeless, veterans, domestic violence victims, and children far outweigh what we can provide. In fiscal year 2020, 81 cents of every dollar went to help those in need and 5.23% of South Carolina Bar members donated to the Foundation.
With 2021 being our 50th anniversary, we challenge all Bar members to donate at least $50 in honor of that milestone. We are your South Carolina Bar Foundation, and our goal is to increase the number of participating members to 100% by December 2021. Please make your donation and a difference today. You can donate online at https://scbf.networkforgood.com/.
We appreciate your generosity and continued support!
Jennifer Blumenthal, President
Megan Seiner, Executive Director
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We hope you continue to notice our anniversary celebration badges as you surf the internet, on social media pages, on email signatures, and on firm websites. It has been such a pleasure creating these individual badges and having the opportunity to personally thank each donor for their support of the Foundation, our mission, and our grantees.
If you would like to receive your own badge, and personal thanks, simply donate $250 or more (or $500 or more for firms) before June 31, 2021 as we virtually celebrate our 50th anniversary.
Thank you for your steadfast support of the SC Bar Foundation!
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Former Gov. David M. Beasley
Awarded 2020 DuRant Award
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We were proud to announce that David M. Beasley, Executive Director of the UN World Food Programme and former governor of South Carolina, was named the recipient of our 2020 DuRant Distinguished Public Service Award. The award was presented to Governor Beasley in a small ceremony January 4, 2021 at the South Carolina Supreme Court. If you haven't had a chance, you can watch the recorded event you can watch here or at the link to the left. |
Venus Poe, David Beasley, Jennifer Blumenthal, and Megan Seiner at the 2020 DuRant Award Presentation |
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Jennifer Blumenthal, the SC Bar Foundation president stated, “Governor David Beasley is the epitome of what it means to be a DuRant Award recipient. He has dedicated most of his personal and professional life to serving and advocating for those in need. He continues to bridge political, religious, and ethnic boundaries to champion economic development and education around the world. It is clear Governor Beasley does not just lead the World Food Programme, he lives its mission.”
Governor Beasley was selected for numerous reasons not the least of which has been his absolute dedication to public service and his tireless work as the executive director for the United Nations World Food Programme since 2017. Under his leadership, the World Food Programme’s needed financial support has grown and the public awareness for the global fight against hunger has increased substantially. The fight against hunger become even more urgent due to persistent conflict, climate change and the Covid-19 pandemic. Under Governor Beasley's leadership the World Food Programme mobilized the resources needed to reach more people with the goal of 138 million in 2020. In addition, he is highlighting the WFP’s work on how longer-term development can bring peace and stability to troubled regions. The Norwegian Nobel Committee recognized all of this hard work and as a result awarded the World Food Programme with the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize.
Join us in congratulating former Governor Beasley for this prestigious award!
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#givingtuesday2020
A GREAT SUCCESS
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With the COVID-19 pandemic, and the canceling of many events, including our Cocktails in the Courtyard Spring and Fall events, we needed to rely on the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage giving and to celebrate generosity to help boost our fundraising endeavors.
Our donors were incredibly generous, and well exceeded our initial goal of $5,000. With three matching hours of up to $1,000, as well as the $10,000 donation from the Law Office of Kenneth E. Berger, the South Carolina Bar Foundation received a total of $31,210!
We cannot fully express the excitement and gratitude we have for such a successful fundraiser. Thank you for your generosity!
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Save the Date
Upcoming Events
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Derby Mixology Event
April 29, 2021 - 7:00 p.m.
Online Event
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Midlands Gives
May 4, 2021 - All Day Event
Online Event
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Interested in sponsoring these events? Email Melissa for more information.
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Grantee Feature
CHARLESTON URBAN LEAGUE
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The Charleston Trident Urban League (CTUL) promotes diversity and racial inclusion and provides multifaceted programs that assist African Americans and all other underserved groups to achieve social equality and economic self-sufficiency.
CTUL implements its mission through advocacy, direct services and referrals on behalf of clients through an array of social service agencies and organizations. Since its inception in 1991, the CTUL has established positive and longstanding partnerships with local and national corporations as well as state and local governments to solve complex social and economic problems.
Over the years, the CTUL has created and implemented programs to improve the socioeconomic conditions of minority and low-income individuals. Through unique programming, combined with public policy, CTUL has assisted thousands of individuals and families in the Charleston community. The organization also assumes an advocacy role that addresses essential elements in the community such as promoting understanding and greater racial harmony.
With our support, CTUL, has been working with many of our Charleston grantees preventing foreclosures and assisting with rent. We are grateful for their work to keep our neighbors within their homes during the global pandemic. We thank our donors for allowing them to continue in these good works.
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President Blumenthal's Challenge:
$50 FOR 50 YEARS
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At the beginning of her presidency, Jennifer Blumenthal issued a challenge for all members of the SC Bar to donate $50 in support and celebration of the 50 years of service the South Carolina Bar Foundation has provided to the community. Many of you have already responded, and we encourage everyone else, especially those who have never made a donation to our organization, to join along!
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Donor Feature
SHAHEENA BENNETT
Certified Circuit Court Mediator/Attorney & Counselor At Law
Bennett Law Firm & Mediation, LLC
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"My goal is to improve the lives of those around me….in some way shape or form. In times of trouble or in times of need, we should all be able to rely on someone for help. It may be through various social connections, community outreach, education or by sharing personal values. By supporting the South Carolina Bar Foundation, you create the opportunity to give in such an impactful way. It is indeed a blessing to help others. I made a commitment to contribute monthly to the Foundation knowing that a NEED is being fulfilled. Contribute what you can. Sometimes later becomes never…Donate now!" |
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We'd be honored for you to partner with us in becoming a recurring donor. Please visit our website or contact us for more information!
Together we can grant legal access and education to all!
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Cheers to 50 Years - Virtual Mixology Event
THANKS TO THOSE WHO JOINED US
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Last Thursday evening, safely from the comfort of our own homes, 75 of us gathered together to socialize and toast the accomplishment and great work of the Bar Foundation for the past 50 years. Ryan Casey, a renowned bartender, lead us in the proper technique to mix a perfect old-fashioned and classic martini with a few varieties all while sharing historic facts about the origination of the drinks.
We had fun catching up with old friends, meeting some new acquaintances and toasting together in the Zoom format we've all grown accustomed to. Thank you to those who joined and supported us in this way! It was so nice to "see" your faces.
We'd like to send a special note of gratitude for our Gold Sponsor, Kristi Harrington, for her support of the Bar Foundation in this event. Thank you, Kristi! |
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SC Bar Convention 2021
VIRTUAL EXHIBITION BOOTH
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The global pandemic forced the SC Bar to move the 2021 Bar Convention in Charleston to an online platform this year. We had the opportunity to create a virtual exhibition booth for attendees to visit where they could learn more about SCBF, view the award ceremony of this year's DuRant recipient, chat with a staff member, or leave a business card. Thanks to all who attended and "stopped" by our booth this year! We sincerely hope to "see" you in person next year in Greenville! |
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Historical Society Podcast
LISTEN TO THE MOST RECENT EPISODES
Released in March:
Released in December:
Make sure you listen and subscribe so you don't miss the latest episode releases. Want to be a part of the Historical Society? Become a member today!
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950 Taylor Street
Columbia, SC 29202
Phone: 803-765-0517
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