Member News
Issue: Dec. 2020
Connecting women who care with causes that matter.
In This Issue
A Note from Rhonda

Zoom Christmas Party

Membership Renewal

Member Spotlight

Note from a Former Grant Recipient

PEARLS 2021 Grant Applications
PEARLS Board
Rhonda Willis
Chair

Glenda (Rusty) Belote

Kari Foy

Peggy Grill

Latoya Robinson

Sharon Shealy

Becky Young
A Note from the PEARLS Chair
Wrapping up 2020 and Looking Toward 2021

The year 2020 has given all of us many challenges. In Hampton County, citizens have climbed the mountains of COVID-19, an EF-4 tornado and, of course, normal life.

Neighbors, family and friends have walked beside each other, worked together, prayed together and supported and encouraged each other every step of the way. The spirit of love, concern and hope have been evidenced by selfless acts of kindness and giving. Hopefully, everyone, amid the challenges of a pandemic’s quarantine and isolation, has felt the love of someone who cared and has experienced some of life’s joys regardless of circumstances.

Recently each of you should have received a Thanksgiving card from the PEARLS board expressing how thankful we are for you. As our mission states, our giving circle connects women who care with causes that matter. This year that mission was put to the test and PEARLS members rose to the challenge.

PEARLS served on Community Foundation of the Lowcountry’s COVID-19 grant committee to award many organizations in Hampton County or serving Hampton County with relief funds for housing, food and medical needs of those affected. PEARLS members actively supported the creation of tornado relief funds. The PEARLS Board also collaborated with Beaufort County’s Women in Philanthropy (WIP) to provide and distribute tornado relief items to victims.

These examples do not include many of the unsung heroes among you, our members who gave of your time and money to help others. Although most often our smiles were hidden by masks, the kindness in your eyes was given and received through your words and actions.

Mentioning the collaboration between PEARLS and WIP, this friendship will continue. I would like to welcome Elizabeth Loda, WIP Chair, as one of PEARLS' newest members!

During the PEARLS advisory board’s most recent meeting, Elizabeth joined with our members for a few minutes to share WIP’s vision for our collaboration on future projects. Thank you, Elizabeth, for joining PEARLS as a pledge of commitment and support for our giving circle.

Before I close, I want all members to mark December 17 as a very important date. On this evening, PEARLS ladies and their invited guests are encouraged to attend our ZOOM Holiday Party between 7:00 and 8:00 PM. More details follow in this newsletter.

Although 2020 has been a challenge, I hope each of you has realized the joys and blessings of life in a renewed sense. PEARLS is all about being sisters, being friends and caring for others. As Jon Katz noted, “I think if I’ve learned anything about friendship, it’s to hang in, stay connected, fight for them, and let them fight for you. Do not walk away, do not be distracted, do not be too busy or tired, do not take them for granted. Friends are part of the glue that holds life and faith together. Powerful stuff.” Thank you for being you and for being a part of PEARLS. Together we are “powerful stuff!”

Take Care,
Rhonda

Rhonda Willis
Advisory Board Chair
PEARLS
December 17 Christmas Party
In keeping with the social limitations imposed by COVID-19 that prevent us from organizing a typical holiday gathering, PEARLS is planning a CHRISTMAS ZOOM PARTY on Thursday, December 17 at 7 p.m.! If you've not experienced Zoom, it's a web program you can download onto your computer, phone or tablet that allows you to see, hear and speak with all the others who sign in.

In addition to wishing other PEARLS members a holiday greeting at our party, you will also be able test your Christmas knowledge in a trivia contest.

Zoom is easy to use. You can find the link to our Christmas Zoom Party here. Just click to log on when you're ready to "enter" the party. If this is your first time using Zoom, we recommend logging on 10-15 minutes early so that you can download Zoom on your computer, phone or tablet. The nice thing about Zoom and this PEARLS Christmas party is that you can wear whatever you want, indulge in any food or beverages you have available and enjoy an hour celebrating with other PEARLS members!

This will be a fun event!
Membership Renewal
Membership renewal information was mailed in November. While these are difficult and challenging times for us all personally, it has also been an active time for PEARLS to provide for others in the community. Your support, both personal and financial, make possible everything we are able to do. We look forward to your continuing membership and active involvement.
Member Spotlight - Peggy Grill
Peggy Grill is a founding PEARLS member who has graciously agreed to become the president-elect for the next year. Looking back on the organization’s founding, she noted the diversity of the group professionally and the broad age range among the founders. The thing she found they all had in common was the desire to make a difference in the community.

Now retired from her position as a Victim Advocate for the Fourteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office in both Hampton and Allendale Counties, Peggy noted that she loved her work, her co-workers and the people she served. However, she's now enjoying time working in her yard and being with her family. Her only disappointment is that Covid-19 had caused a change her retirement travel plans.

Peggy indicated that she is not a Hampton County, nor even South Carolina, native. She grew up in a small town in western North Carolina, but since 1987 has found Varnville home for her family. She noted that it is very much like Valdese, NC ... except for the missing hills! Peggy added that she would like to see Hampton County grow in the areas of employment, education and health, with PEARLS having a seat at the table.

She's looking forward to the Christmas season when the family gathers together to enjoy home cooking, watch old movies like “Christmas Vacation,” enjoy beautiful music and hear the laughter of grandchildren. Peggy added that with COVID-19 she is particularly thankful for the blessings of life and good health.
A Note from a Former Grant Recipient
It is always rewarding to hear from previous grant recipients about their projects. What follows is a brief quote from a letter received recently from a group that was funded in 2020. It is edited because of the sensitive nature of the work they do.

“So far this year, Hopeful Horizons has helped 1,200 individuals and their families. Your gift has allowed us to continue providing therapy and services …. You helped set into motion a support system to help families who call on Hopeful Horizons …. You are making a difference in the community. Your gift has changed lives.” 

Thanks to Kristin Dubrowski, MNM, the chief executive officer of Hopeful Horizons for her feedback.
PEARLS 2021 Grant Applications:
"Overcoming COVID-19"
The 2020-21 PEARLS grants are designed to help deploy resources to community-based nonprofits and equivalent organizations. This year the theme for applications is focused on addressing the needs of citizens impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in Hampton County. Individual grant requests should be in the $500 to $3,000 range.

Eligible applicants should be a nonprofit agency with 501(c)3 status or an individual school, church or government agency under the Internal Revenue code. Grants may enhance an existing program or help to launch a new program. However, requests for personnel or office equipment, specific religious activities, political activities or organizations, endowments or annual fundraising campaigns will not be considered.

Selected grants will be approved through a process established by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry board. Applicants will be notified when the review process is completed. Awardees are generally recognized at the PEARLS annual meeting.

Grant applications are available now through PEARLS and the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry. Completed grants must be submitted no later than February 7, 2021, at 11:59 p.m.
PEARLS of Hampton County is a Fund of