Lake Carolina Development Donates $28,000 to Local Charities

May 19, 2020

Funding Provided by Community Events and Neighborhood Donations

Columbia, SC – Lake Carolina Development, through its beneficiary, Children’s Charities of the Midlands, presented five local charities with a combined donation of $28,000.

This gift was made possible through events at Lake Carolina such as the Polar Bear Plunge in January, Oyster Roast in March, and the Wine & Food Festival in October. Recipients include:

  • Abundant Life Equipment Lending Library which lends durable medical equipment to the community of Columbia;
  • Autism Academy of South Carolina offers individualized Applied Behavior Analysis therapy (ABA) to clients with Autism Spectrum Disorder;
  • Family Connection of South Carolina which provides parent-to-parent support to families of children with disabilities or special health care needs;
  • Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) which funds Type 1 Diabetes research; and
  • Rising Champions of Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital which helps fund special projects and initiatives supporting the needs of Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital.

“The support of Lake Carolina and Children’s Charities of the Midlands aids us a great deal as we seek to spread awareness of type 1 diabetes and raise funds for research. Within the last month alone, we’ve learned of 20 children being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, with a similar number of adults being diagnosed in the same time period. The support of Lake Carolina and many organizations like them allow us to move research forward,” says Kevin Simmons, Executive Director of the Palmetto Chapter of JDRF.

The biggest fundraising event each year at Lake Carolina is the Polar Bear Plunge, held on the second Saturday of each January. Gary Matthews, a long-time resident of Lake Carolina, formed a fundraising team called the ChippenWhales many years ago and has raised tens of thousands of dollars over the years for Children’s Charities of the Midlands. Gary says, “After going through my own personal circumstance many years ago, I realize how important it is to give back to these charities that are doing such great work. I’m so glad I get the chance to do this through the community where I live.”

David Tuttle, President at Lake Carolina Development, says, “Lake Carolina is such a great, diverse community. We feel like these events are not only a terrific way for neighbors to get to know each other better but also come together to make a real difference in the lives of children in our community and beyond. I’m thrilled that we get to play a small part in the important work these organizations are doing.”

Abundant Life Equipment Lending Library is located within the Lake Carolina community. With patients of all abilities, Kathleen Ganley takes special pride in her work providing physical therapy services, support and lending equipment to children with special needs. Kathleen said, “Lake Carolina is such a great community that works together for every child, no matter the ability. I appreciate so much the support they provide to us and our mission to make sure we provide opportunities of growth for all our children.”

For more information about Lake Carolina or upcoming events in the community, visit www.lakecarolina.com.