| February 2009 Fundraiser Successful |
Bluffton Today
Published Thursday March 5, 2009
| Bluffton Self Help officials were play- ingnumerical horseshoes on Tuesday, claiming success by simply coming close to matching last year’s February fundraising goal. The economy is worse this year than last, so collecting $5,122 instead of 2008’s $5,400 was “outstanding,” to use Self Help board secretary Lorraine Foley’s word. Then came Wednesday morning, when an anonymous donor helped Self Help dramatically exceed last year’s total.
The man brought four bags of groceries by the Old Town charity’s May River Road office. That gift would’ve been quite enough to earn profuse thanks from Self Help’s volunteers. But he brought something else with him: acheck for $500. “It was like Iwas in one of those cartoons. My eyeballs popped out of my head,” said board President Linda Kaufman.
“He said that article in (Tuesday’s) Bluffton Today ‘was so good, and I’ve donated before, but that article gave me the nudge,’” Kaufman said, making our day. “That’s the power of the press. I thought you’d enjoy that.” We do, Linda, but not for the obvious self-congratulating reason. We’re thrilled because Self Help needs the help, always, and we at BT simply want to provide what we can. Self Help is Bluffton’s oldest charity, ahelp-everybody group that was born when “everybody” was just athousand or so people.
Ida Martin founded it for the best of reasons, and those reasons remain unchanged — Bluffton folks need help. They need help paying their electric bills, finding asweater in the winter, or just finding acan of something to eat. Self Help provides its help for free. It provides it to our neighbors, our friends, our families.
The anonymous donor deserves applause, but he shouldn’t be the only one on stage. Stop by with acheck of your own.
Bluffton Today
Published Wednesday March 4, 2009
Bluffton Self Help officials are in a Catch-22. On the one hand, they met their February fundraising goal. On the other hand, they need money, much more money, much more than ever. As the economy plummets, Self Help’s clientele increases.
Families unable to afford food still need to eat. Last year, before the economy collapsed, Self Help raised about $5,400 through its February partnership with Bluffton Today. As of Tuesday, they’d raised $5,122.
“Considering today’s economy, that’s outstanding,” said Lorraine Foley, the secretary for the Old Town charity’s board of directors.
Linda Kaufman, the board’s president, said: “I think it has to do with those who do have (money) feeling really like stepping up and helping out, and they can see the immediacy of what we turn around here. (People in visible need) are here. Although the financial assistance we offer is not that quick (of) a turnaround, if people need food or clothes, they have it before they leave the building.
“That might be the explanation why in such a slow-down economy we can at least hold our own.” Liz Johnson, the board’s publicity director, said meeting the fundraising goal shouldn’t surprise anyone.
After all, Self Help’s founder, Ida Martin, was able to do it over and over again years ago when she had little to give. “Ida’s probably an example of that right? She doesn’t have an awful lot, but she always has something for someone else,” Johnson said. “And there but for the grace of God go I, right? If you have 20 bucks, you throw five in the pot, right? It could be you. “I think when we all don’t have a lot, that’s when we all come together.”
Many people, Kaufman said, offered last month to volunteer at Self Help because they couldn’t afford to write the charity acheck.
“It’s amazing how many people have come forward to do that, just amazing,” Foley said. “And the need continues,” she said. “More money is going out every month (as one-time bill-paying assistance) than ever before. The need in the community is tremendous.”
“Food, bring in food,” she said. “We’re putting out food every day and our food supplies are dwindling. Please bring in food.” Think non-perishables high in protein, like peanut butter, tuna fish, beans and canned fruit.
To help, call 757-8000. Self Help is located at 1264 May River Road (S.C. 46), opposite Stock Farm Antiques. |
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| BaSH at the Lake
Bluffton Self Help will be holding a fundraising event at the Lakehouse in Hampton Lake. This event will be held on Thursday May 7th, 2009 from 6 to 8pm.
There will be a silent auction, raffle, bar (1 complimentary drinks with admission), and heavy hors d'oeuvres. Watch the Bluffton Today for updates. Tickets are available for purchase at Markels in Kitty's Crossing, The Store on Calhoun Street, and Piggly Wiggly on Burnt Church Road.
Please come out and support our great organization at this fantastic event!
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