About Children's Charities of the Midlands
The mission of Children's Charities of the Midlands is to support programs which enrich the lives of children and their families across the Midlands of South Carolina. We partner with non-profit beneficiaries that empower children to achieve their full potential. By fostering partnerships within our community and beyond, we aim to support an environment where every child feels included and inspired to dream big.
According to 2020 U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 1 in 3 children live in poverty condition in Fairfield and Richland counties combined. SCDEC reports that in a 2019-2020 survey, 23% of children under 18 in South Carolina have special health care needs. Children's Charities of the Midlands strives to help those impacted with autism, juvenile diabetes, Down syndrome, hydrocephalus, homelessness, and more.
Children's Charities of the Midlands was a charitable organization originally formed by Lake Carolina in 2000. The founding members believed giving back and helping those in need was just as important as helping families find their dream homes. The organization began by hosting 3 events a year to raise money to support Children's Charities of the Midlands. At the end of the year, all of the proceeds were donated to local non-profit children's organizations that focused on children with physical and mental disabilities, and impoverished conditions.
In 2012, Gary Matthews and some friends discussed the Polar Bear Plunge event and thought it would be funny to buzz past the plunge on water skis. That turned out to be a pretty cold feat! The following year, the same group said, let’s form a plunge team, invite more people to have a little brunch beforehand, and pass the collection bucket to donate to the charity. The ChippenWhale team was born! The collection gathered over $1100 that year! Donations and participation grew and grew for the next 10 years, and in 2023, $100,000 was reached. Twelve (12) non-profit charities that benefit children received those funds.
No good deed goes unpunished! In 2022, Gary Matthews became the leader of the Children's Charities of the Midlands organization. The organization continues to focus and partner with non-profit organizations that help children with autism, juvenile diabetes, Down syndrome, hydrocephalus, and homelessness, just to name a few.
All proceeds to Children's Charities of the Midlands benefit selected causes with no portion being withheld to fund administrative or other operating costs of the organization.
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