Tag Archive for: 2026

GWC Annual Celebration, “Give Where You Live”, at Greenwood Community Theatre, April 20, 2026

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The  Federal Building Courtyard in Uptown Greenwood was awash with the sounds of cool jazz, provided by a quartet of the Lander University Jazz Ensemble, and the sounds of laughter of dozens of members and guests at the 2026 Greenwood Women Care Annual Celebration. This year’s event was entitled “Give Where You Live,” a testament to GWC 2025 Grants totaling $79,825 to Greenwood nonprofits and $483,799 over seven years of granting awards.

Representatives from our Membership Committee, Cady Nell Keener, Nina Trent, Lisa Wyn, and Kerry Tieman, enthusiastically greeted all. The Social Committee provided a delicious repast of Mediterranean-style naan, turkey sliders, shrimp, tabouleh salad, and fresh fruit and cheese. Helena Wardlaw, owner of Charming Gourmet Sticks, made tasty chocolate-covered pretzel sticks and macarons. Prosecco, red and white wine, fruit punch, and water were served as well. Social Committee Co-Chairs Bobbie Fulton and Karen Smith, and committee members Summer Booker, Vickie Chandler, Kelli Eberhardt, Marg Gunderson, Carol Harley, Billie Havey, Christine Nowowiecki, Ginger Richman, Ginger Rogers, Denise Stone, Jeanne White, and Brenda Wulfkotte were on hand to serve this beautiful spread.

After the reception, we progressed to the Greenwood Community Theatre, with programs distributed by Margaret Conrad and Jan Puzar.

Peggy Dewane-Pope, GWC Vice-Chair, greeted us and highlighted the efforts of our six GWC standing committees in keeping GWC vibrant. She then suggested, “let’s shift from what we do… to why it matters. Let’s take a look at the impact of giving where you live.”

All enjoyed reliving the GWC events of the past year through a “Year in Review” slide show (prepared by Rachel Strayer) replete with inspiring quotes and images of all our 2025 events. Karen Smith and Bobbie Fulton then took the stage and awarded the first set of door prizes to members Brenda Feece and Rowan Pallis, delivered to recipients by Billie Havey and Kelli Eberhardt.

Our emcees for the evening, Helena Wardlaw and Laura Stowe, both serving on the GWC Advisory Board, advanced to the stage. They presented a lively look at options to address some serious challenges facing Greenwood County today, with information provided by LakelandsCounts.org, a trusted resource that tracks quality-of-life data. It has been GWC’s honor and privilege to step forward and assist with responding to these challenges with funding support.

The duo presented four different areas of concern, followed by a few ways, both humorous and serious, that these might be addressed. The first area, “A Healthier Greenwood,” explored challenges from infancy to geriatric care. GWC 2025 grantees New Morning and Community Initiatives’ La Clinica Gratis, along with Lions Vision Services, were highlighted in this section.

Teresa Goodman, Executive Director of Community Initiatives, spoke of how GWC’s grant impacted La Clinica Gratis and how their HOPE (Healthy Opportunities for Perinatal Equity) program serves uninsured and underinsured women in Greenwood County and the surrounding Lakelands. GWC grant funds were allocated toward providing a community health worker, medical provider, licensing, and patient education supplies.

The second challenge, “A Caring, Connected Greenwood Community,” centered on addiction, substance use, and housing instability. Chris Padgett, Founder and Executive Director of HUB Transition Centers, explained the mission of HUB to provide housing and support to individuals who are on the road to recovery and stability. Our GWC grant helped to cover intake fees, transportation costs, and household items.

Our third challenge focused on “Resilient Children and A Brighter Future for Greenwood,” highlighting 2025 grantees Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lakelands, Girls on the Run – Upstate SC, and Scouting America – Blue Ridge Council. Sabrina Miller, Executive Director of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lakelands, spoke to us concerning the Starz 24 Teen Center and our GWC grant, which contributed to the important function of transportation of students from school to the Teen Center, including bus maintenance and staffing support, along with insurance, tags, and first aid supplies.

Our fourth challenge explored “Creative Opportunities and Inclusive Access for Greenwood,” highlighting even more 2025 grant recipients: Greenwood Community Theatre, Greenwood Performing Arts, and Lakelands Region YMCA. Ryan Hewitt, Artistic and Technical Director of Greenwood Community Theatre, spoke of their appreciation of the GWC grant for assistance with the production costs of The Penguin Project, which offers the opportunity for youth with disabilities to experience participation in a full-scale musical.

Mamie Nicholson and Donna Foster were the lucky recipients of our second round of door prizes.

What followed was a boot-stomping rendition of “Grants on the Ground,” a version of the popular song “Boots on the Ground” with lyrics revised especially for GWC by Mary Woodiwiss. Debbie Coesens introduced this segment of our program. Mary led 13 GWC friends through several rehearsals to be ready to take the stage with boots and clappy hands to present this rousing dance: Whitney Nicholson-Allen, Tara Smith, Laura Stowe, Helena Wardlaw, Santasha Highley, Ricque Greer, JulieAnn Mottern, Tyra Murray, Kit Adkins, Barbara Warner, Marilyn Murphy, and Charissa Gibson. Meanwhile, eight members armed with placards revealed, digit by digit, GWC’s total funding to our community to date: $483,799! They were: Erica Ferry, Denise Mock, Cady Nell Keener, Rowan Pallis, Michelle Stallworth, Debra Moton, Donna Foster, and Suzy Holloway.

GWC Chair Rachel Strayer closed our celebratory evening with words of gratitude to the “Arts Center of Greenwood and Greenwood Community Theatre for allowing us to gather in such beautiful spaces once again “, Ryan Hewitt, for “everything you’ve done to help bring tonight’s program to life”, and to the anonymous Advisory Board members who covered the cost of the Lander Jazz Ensemble’s performance and the door prizes. Rachel concluded with, “It makes my heart happy to see so many of you here in celebration of this organization and the impact it has on our community. I only wish more women knew about us and took advantage of the opportunity to be part of this. We all know our membership doesn’t just impact the nonprofits we support. It impacts each of us, too. Each of you matters. Each of you play a role. Each of you is part of the reason this work is possible. What we’re building together matters. And it only works because you’re a part of it.”

GCCF Youth & Education Grants Awarded, April 2026

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Greenwood County Community Foundation’s 2026 Youth & Education Grants provided 10 nonprofits with awards totaling $40,000. Each funded proposal will serve residents of our county.

These GCCF Grant recipients are:

Able SC — Youth workplace and college transition services for students with disabilities

Boys and Girls Clubs of the Lakelands — Rising STARZ Summer Impact program

Burton Center — Life skills training for greater independence

Emerald City Rotary Foundation — Dolly Parton Imagination Library books for children ages 0-5

Greenwood Community Theatre — The Penguin Project for young actors with disabilities and youth mentors

Healthy Learners — Staff salary support, transportation, and medical fees for schoolchildren’s health needs

Lakelands Region Y — Scholarships for youth programs

The Period Project — Hygiene products for low-income female students

PlaySafe — Athletic training services for local high schools

Project Hope Foundation — Technology for therapy for children with autism

Congratulations to our 2026 Youth & Education grant recipients! All the best to you as you carry out your missions in our community!

GWC New Members Drop-In, March 17, 2026

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GWC is always delighted to include new members in our circle of giving and connection! This winter, 14 new members have already joined GWC, and we hope to welcome even more in the coming months.

On March 17, our Membership Committee hosted a New Members Drop-In at the home of Mary Woodiwiss. Our New Members events provide a smaller gathering for women who have recently joined GWC to meet each other outside our larger quarterly meetings and socials.

What a festive spread of savory and sweet treats, some especially prepared to commemorate St. Patrick’s Day! On offer were: corned beef wraps, pimiento cheese mini-shells, fruit cups, chicken salad pinwheels, Irish soda bread, brownie bites, salted rosemary shortbread, shamrock pretzels, mint chocolate chip cookies, and refreshing punch, wines, and coffee. There was plenty of time to relax and enjoy conversations around the serving table, beverage counters, and living room.

Rachel Strayer, GWC Chair, and Helena Wardlaw, Advisory Board member, led introductions around the circle and spoke about our six standing committees and their committees’ activities within GWC.

GWC welcomes these new 2026 members (as of early March): Dianna Akin, Rose Amemasor, Rachel Blair, Kaye Cook,  Ricque Greer, Stephanie Lathren, JulieAnn Mottern, Judye Reed, Hope Scurry, Abbie Sladick, Korey Springman, Kerry Tieman, Sandy Tresino, and Joy Williams.

Special thanks to Mary Woodiwiss for hosting us in her welcoming home, Membership Committee members for providing tasty food and drink, and our newest members for sharing the evening in the friendly company of GWC women!

GWC Quarterly Meeting, “Partnerships Helping Students Succeed”, at Emerald High School, February 17, 2026

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GWC’s first quarterly meeting, “Partnerships Helping Students Succeed” featuring Greenwood Promise, was appropriately held at Emerald High School. Cady Nell Keener, Cindy Leary, Erica Ferry, Mary Woodiwiss, and Lisa Wyn of the Membership Committee warmly greeted members and guests. Approximately 15 guests were in attendance, and a total of around 60 women are now better informed about the great work Greenwood Promise facilitates at both Piedmont Technical College and Lander University for our local students.

Everyone enjoyed a delicious buffet of pasta salad, stuffed croissants with pimiento cheese and chicken salad, fresh fruit, brownies, and fruit punch elegantly served by Karen Smith, Bobbie Fulton, and Kelli Eberhardt of the Social Committee. Kelly Buckshorn of the Communications Committee circled through the group snapping photos to memorialize another of our gatherings. After a fun 45-minute social in the sunshine-filled lobby of the gymnasium, all proceeded to a comfortable classroom and settled in for an engaging program.

GWC Chair Rachel Strayer delivered opening remarks welcoming members and guests and thanking Emerald High School for hosting us and the Programs & Education Committee for coordinating the evening. She invited everyone to reflect on their own experiences along their educational journeys. Rachel noted that while each path may have looked different, they likely led to the same realization that strengthening opportunities for student success is something every community should support.

Membership Committee Co-Chairs Cady Nell Keener and Cindy Leary followed by sharing a brilliant new initiative of their committee: a mentorship program pairing new members with GWC veterans. This mentor/mentee connection is designed to provide a smooth way for new members to ask questions and feel comfortable as they become more acquainted with GWC and the many ways to get involved.

The evening’s program was introduced by Programs & Education Committee member Mamie Nicholson, who welcomed Carrie Hofmann, President and CEO of Greenwood Promise. Mamie highlighted Carrie’s extensive background working in television newsrooms around the country prior to joining Greenwood Promise, noting she has won numerous awards recognizing her ethics, expertise, and service.

The Greenwood Promise supports Greenwood County high school graduates to pursue post-secondary education without financial burden. Carrie opened by sharing a graph comparing college success rates in Greenwood County with those of neighboring counties, clearly showing the growing impact of the Promise initiative. She also presented a brief video highlighting the program’s mission and its efforts to expand educational and career pathways for local students.

She shared that Greenwood Promise aims to build a highly skilled workforce, improve quality of life, and strengthen the local economy by fostering community engagement in education. Carrie noted that 75% of Greenwood Promise graduates stay in Greenwood. The program’s vision centers on supporting students from Kindergarten to Career throughout their academic journey. Administered through Greenwood County School District, the initiative is part of a broader effort to make higher education more accessible and debt-free for local students.

Following this overview, attendees heard from Trae Cary, Career Coordinator for Greenwood Promise at Piedmont Technical College. Trae noted that many Promise students are first-generation college students who may need additional guidance. High school students have typically relied on their school’s front desk for support and assistance. Since higher education doesn’t offer that same structure, his role is to provide a virtual “front desk” for Greenwood Promise students while he connects them to internships, apprenticeships, and local employment to help bridge the gap between education and career placement.

Presenting next was Casey Cline, Director of Workforce & Career Development at Lander University. Casey spoke about the many ways her department supports students including offering mock interviews, career fairs, the Professional Clothes Closet, and career coaches who assist with resumes, cover letters, internships, mentorships, headshots, and job searches.

Carrie wrapped up by sharing additional statistics showing that Greenwood Promise is not only supporting student success but also helping strengthen our community by building a skilled workforce. She then answered questions from attendees.

Charissa Gibson of the Programs & Education Committee presented Carrie, Trae, and Casey with All The Books by Haley Rocco, a hardcover book which will be donated to the children’s collection of the Greenwood County Library in their honor.

GWC Vice Chair Peggy Dewane-Pope closed the evening by highlighting one of GWC’s “superpowers”: the ability to gather as acquaintances and leave as friends. She went on to note how lovely it is to realize that we have far more in common than we sometimes recognize, as evidenced by the evening’s shared commitment to supporting education for local students. Peggy then thanked our speakers, Emerald High School, and GWC’s Social and Membership Committees.

GWC Winter Social, “An Evergreen Evening”, at Grange Hall, January 27, 2026

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This year’s Winter Social, “An Evergreen Evening: Growing together to keep our community strong all year long”,  took place on Tuesday, January 27th, from 5:30 to 7:00 pm at Grange Hall.

The evening began with Karen Smith and Bobbie Fulton, Co-Chairs of the Social Committee, welcoming almost 40 members and guests. They thanked fellow Social Committee members for their help organizing the event, including coordinating the delicious food, wine, and punch that everyone enjoyed. They also encouraged anyone interested in getting involved with the Social Committee to ask questions and learn more, sharing that new committee members are always welcome.

The setting at Grange Hall added to the relaxed and inviting atmosphere of the night. While simple in nature, the space was cozy, warm, and an ideal venue for gathering, conversation, and connection. For many in attendance, it was their first opportunity to experience this lesser-known piece of Greenwood history.

After socializing with old and new friends and enjoying refreshments, attendees participated in a fun “Winter Favorites” game. Several small groups answered questions about 1) favorite winter comfort foods, 2) a favorite recent book, TV show, or movie, 3) something they were glad they said yes to recently, and 4) something they are looking forward to in 2026. Answers were then shared with the full group. It was fun to hear so many different ideas, plans, goals, and hopes for the new year!

It was also enjoyable to see many attendees embrace the Evergreen Evening theme by incorporating shades of green into their wardrobe choices. From subtle touches to bolder accents, the theme added a playful and festive element to the evening.

Chair of the GWC Advisory Board, Rachel Strayer, wound down the evening by thanking everyone who ventured out on a cold night to spend time together. She shared that many great programs are planned for the year ahead, with the next gathering scheduled for February 17th at Emerald High School titled “Partnerships Helping Students Succeed.”

As always, it was such a good evening to be inspired to continue the dedicated work of GWC so that we can all make a difference in so many lives in our community.