Dear Friend Of The Foundation,
Happy fall! While we all wish the pandemic and its related stresses were behind us, the Foundation Board and staff cannot help but be incredibly grateful for all of you and your help in supporting us over the past year. Unfortunately, the legal needs of our fellow South Carolinians have continued to grow, and the strain put upon our grantees as result is almost unprecedented. The Foundation strives to be as efficient and effective as ever in supporting these wonderful organizations helping the least among us every day. So much so, that at least 81 cents of every dollar goes into the community supporting the organizations that are working to improve the lives of those in need around us. We would not be able to do any of this without your help, so just know we are in awe of your generosity.

Despite everything 2020 and 2021 has thrown our way, the Foundation is happy to report that we were able to provide grants to three new organizations! We would like to welcome Root and Rebound, Safe Houses, and Medical Legal Partnership to our grantee family and are honored to walk alongside every organization in the quest of providing legal services for all of South Carolina. The best way to learn about all of the organizations we fund is to visit our website and see our full list of grantees here.

One of our grantees, Hopeful Horizons, reported in their 2020 Impact Report that they provided legal assistance to 282 people in 2020. That is an estimated $625,000 in free legal assistance to survivors. Hopeful Horizon’s legal services includes representation in Family Court for matters related to divorce, custody, visitation, child support, separate maintenance and support, and equitable distribution matters. Their legal team assists with the filing of Orders of Protection and Restraining Orders. Survivors are also provided legal assistance for criminal and bond court hearings as well as civil court hearings in court. This is the work completed by just one of our 36 grantees! What a difference is being made around the state!

We are so grateful for how you consistently demonstrate your care and concern for your neighbors and the work that we do at the SC Bar Foundation. If you are compelled to show even more support for our organization and the grantees we support, would you consider one or more of the listed steps below:

  • Recognize your friends and family with a gift in their memory or in honor.

  • Participate in #givingtuesday on November 30, 2021


  • Turn your gift into recurring gift- weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually. You set the amount and forget that you need to donate.

  • Donate stock or life insurance to ensure you make a lasting impact.

  • Ensure a justice legacy by including the SCBF in your will or estate plan. If you are 70 ½ or older, you can make tax-free gifts directly from your IRA.

  • Donate annually.

  • Make a pledge and pay monthly, weekly, quarterly or at the end of the year.


  • Follow our social media outlets, and like, share, or comment on our posts.

  • Tell your colleagues what influences you to support the Foundation.

Thank you again for your continued support. We would not be your South Carolina Bar Foundation without you! If you need more information, contact the SC Bar Foundation or visit our website.
 
Wishing you continued health,
Megan, Marisa & Melissa
Your SCBF Staff
A Note from
President
VENUS POE
"We are looking forward to our organization and our grantees getting back in the community. Our staff and grantees adapted to COVID with grace and those we all serve at the forefront of their efforts. We are looking forward to an exciting year ahead with new opportunities for the Bar to support these great organizations providing access to justice and law related education across our state."
ARTICLE EXCLUSIVE
Tax-Savvy Charitable Giving
CHERYL R. HOLLAND, CFP, CFBA
Abacus Planning Group
Are you planning to make a gift to the South Carolina Bar Foundation?  Do you frequently sell and realize capital gains on your investments? Does your portfolio need rebalancing to your portfolio targets for growth due to the recent bull market? If so, you may be an ideal candidates to gift shares of appreciated securities directly to the Foundation. The process is simple: 
 
  • You gift the shares to the South Carolina Bar Foundation’s Schwab account

  • The Foundation sells your shares and as a non-profit does not pay the capital gains tax on the transaction

  • The Foundation sends you a charitable verification statement reflecting the value of your gift which you report on your income tax return as a charitable deduction.
 
An example might be helpful in understanding the advantages of this strategy for you and your pocketbook. Let's assume you wish to make a gift of $5,000. You also are planning to sell shares of a stock or mutual fund that have grown substantially and you want to trim your ownership. You purchased the shares several years ago for $1,000 and the current value is $5,000, which translates to a potential capital gain of $4,000.   This chart compares selling the shares in your brokerage account and donating cash to the Foundation versus donating the shares to the Foundation.
 
Under both scenarios, you will have a transaction for tax purposes of the fair market value of your shares of $5,000. Assuming your capital gains tax rate is 20%, your state capital gains rate is 3.92%, and you are subject to the 2.9% ACA tax. you would have to pay the following tax:
By gifting your shares directly to the SC Bar Foundation rather than selling the shares and donating cash you save $1,072 in taxes. A gift to the SC Bar Foundation and a tax savings to you. You might also qualify for a charitable deduction on the gift if you have deductions in excess of the standard deduction of $12,550 for single tax payers and $25,100 for joint filers. 
 
And, finally, if you are gifting an investment that has appreciated but you think has additional long-term appreciation potential, rebuy those shares with the cash you had planned to donate and start the income tax clock back to zero!
You're Invited
Upcoming Event
Join the SC Bar Foundation in celebrating autumn in all its splendor in Charleston’s Historic William Aiken House’s gorgeous courtyard. Enjoy an evening of live jazz, seasonal cocktails, and decadent bites while casually learning about the SC Bar Foundation as well as some local grantees. Cocktails in the Courtyard is the perfect time to catch-up with old friends, form new connections, all while contributing to the advancement of justice in the Charleston community. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased below:
Cocktails in the Courtyard
Oct. 26, 2021 - 5:30 p.m. | The William Aiken House
Thank you to our Event Sponsors:
DIAMOND
The Peper Law Firm, PA | Walker Gressette Freeman & Linton, LLC
PLATINUM
Burr & Forman, LLP | K&L Gates, LLP | Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP
Patrick Properties Hospitality Group | Parker Poe
Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP | Stasmayer, Incorporated
GOLD
Bleecker Family Law | Butler Snow | Buxton & Collie, LLC | Ethridge Law Group | Nexsen Pruet
Savage Law Firm | Womble Bond Dickinson | Yarborough Applegate LLC
SILVER
Barnwell Whaley Patterson & Helms, LLC | Law Offices of David Savage | Law Offices of Richard A. Hricik, PA
Law Offices of Thomas S. Tisdale, LLC | Ramsdale Law Firm | Riley Pope & Laney, LLC
BRONZE
Seth W. Whitaker, Ltd. Co.
Interested in sponsoring Cocktails in the Courtyard? Visit this link for more information.
Grantee Feature
SC BAR LAW RELATED EDUCATION
Mock Trial State Championship Winners celebrate at the Bob Jones Banquet
In a time of going virtual during Covid-19, the SC Bar’s Law Related Education some how managed to make Mock Trial virtual. Middle school and high school teams competed with a virtual case, which was a huge success. The key component to its success was the use of Zoom allowing coaches to coach students virtually, and the ability to compete with attorney volunteers judging the competition statewide. The adaptation of an in-person competition to a virtual competition was a huge undertaking, but it was a great achievement!

What is Mock Trial?
Mock Trial is a hands-on exercise in learning about due process. It is a team activity program that is most often conducted as an extracurricular activity, but can also incorporated into law, forensics or public speaking classes. Private schools, home school groups and community groups are welcome and encouraged to participate. Students representing attorneys and witnesses for both sides of a fictional case role play that case being tried in court either in person or virtually. The students are guided in their case through support of their teacher and attorney coaches. The program teaches the legal process and trial procedure. Each participating school enters a team sponsored by a teacher volunteer that is ideally composed of between six and 16 students, but can have more students filling alternate roles. Teams try a fictional case against other teams at regional competitions and the top 12 teams compete in a state competition.

This past year, many students experienced the passion for Mock Trial and attributed many of their successes and college path selections as a result of the participation in Mock Trial. But, we also witnessed students overcoming not only the challenges of what a pandemic can cause, but showing they could rise above to return to that “norm” they knew and loved in Mock Trial. They returned to their Mock Trial “family” and experienced determination and perseverance to overcome new technology – all while developing and increasing their basic skills such as listening, speaking, writing, reading and problem analysis.

“Even with all that’s going on this year, I am so thankful for Mock Trial and the friendships I’ve been able to grow,” said Bob Jones Academy junior Bella Sanders, who served as a witness and a lawyer in the 2020-21 competitions.

Added junior Cayden Meissner, "This Mock Trial year really emphasized the work done before and between the actual trial. I found that my favorite moments were often not the trials themselves but the work it took to get there."

Any recent successes?
For the 2020/21 Mock Trial competition season, Bob Jones Academy won the state competition. This was their first state championship win since 2010, and under new teacher leadership. Bob Jones competed in the national competition virtually, and did so thanks to the help of many attorney volunteers. Bob Jones Academy had competed in prior nationals, but never with so much support from the SC Bar and attorney volunteers. The volunteers signed up to provide feedback at multiple scrimmages arranged by the SC Bar in preparation for the national competition. As a result, Bob Jones Academy beautifully represented South Carolina and placed fifth in the nation.

“High School Mock Trial is the epitome of part of our mission statement,” said Chuck Nicholas, teacher coach at Bob Jones Academy. “We are training the leaders of tomorrow in basic analytical communication skills and participating in this competition enables good people to develop into successful citizens.”

What is next for Mock Trial?
The SC Bar Law Related Education Division recently released the 2021/22 Mock Trial case, the competition handbook, and coaches’ manual. Middle School Mock Trial students will compete virtually in November and December. And, High School Mock Trial students will compete virtually in February and March along with the state champion representing South Carolina in the national competition in May either in person or virtually. Many attorney volunteers will support this program by serving as attorney coaches for the teams preparing or as judges scoring the students.

Want to volunteer and make a difference? Sign up here.
Donor Feature
TERRY RICHARDSON
Partner
Richardson, Thomas, Haltiwanger, Moore & Lewis
“My advice to new lawyers is that they need to focus on their practice for the first five years. After that, they need to find ways to get involved and financially support organizations like the South Carolina Bar Foundation. I think the Bar Foundation is unique because it is a great way to optimize philanthropy. An attorney does not have the time to carefully evaluate the qualities of 36 different organizations, but the Bar Foundation Board and staff take the time to judiciously review them to ensure they are good candidates for a grant and by extension worthy of financial support. Many people in South Carolina are dealing with tough issues and five out of six of the poorest people do not have access to an attorney. Donating to the Bar Foundation feels good because you know the non-profits they fund are helping those in desperate need of legal help. That is why I routinely donate to the South Carolina Bar Foundation.”
Become a recurring donor today. Visit our website or contact us for more information! Together we can grant legal access and education to all!
DuRant Distinguished Public Service Award
NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS
The SC Bar Foundation has opened nominations for its 2021 Distinguished Public Service Award. This award, established in 1980 in memory of Manning attorney, state senator and special associate justice of the SC Supreme Court, Charlton DuRant, has become one of the most prestigious statewide honors that members of the Bar can bestow on a fellow attorney. Recipients are nominated and selected by their professional peers. Selection criteria include meritorious service to the law and the community. Past recipients are listed below:
The DuRant Legacy
David W. Robinson, 1980
Walton J. McLeod Jr., 1981
Robert M. Figg Jr., 1982
Thomas H. Pope, 1983
J.D. Todd Jr., 1984
Hugh L. Willcox, 1985
C. Bruce Littlejohn, 1986
Heyward E. McDonald, 1987
Charles W. Knowlton, 1988
E.P. “Ted” Riley, 1989
Augustine T. Smythe, 1990
Harry M. Lightsey, 1991
Terrell L. Glenn, 1992
A. Frank Lever, 1993
Morris D. Rosen, 1994
Ellen Hines Smith, 1995
Claude M. Scarborough Jr., 1996
Julius W. McKay, 1997
A. Lee Chandler, 1998
I.S. Leevy Johnson, 1999
William L. Pope, 2000
H. Simmons Tate Jr., 2001
Joseph H. McGee, 2002
Alex M. Sanders Jr., 2003
Eugene N. “Nick” Zeigler Jr., 2004
Ernest A. Finney Jr., 2005
Leo H. Hill, 2005
Julian J. Nexsen, 2006
B. Henderson Johnson Jr., 2007
David L. Freeman, 2008
G. Dewey Oxner Jr., 2009
Richard W. Riley, 2010
David A. Merline, 2011
Harold W. Jacobs, 2012
Mark W. Buyck Jr., 2013
William R. Byars Jr., 2014
Ernest F. “Fritz” Hollings, 2015
George Cauthen, 2016
Elizabeth Van Doren Gray, 2017
Sue Berkowitz, 2018
Robert M. Wilcox, 2019
David M. Beasley, 2020

If you know an attorney that would be a worthy recipient of this award, please submit your nomination by clicking the button below before November, 5, 2021 by 5:00 p.m.
Board Member Feature
JEANNE HOWARD
Retired Assistant U. S. Attorney
U.S. Department of Justice
What initially led you to become involved with the SCBF?
As attorneys, I believe we have a responsibility to promote fairness in the legal system. The SCBF supports the ideals of fairness by ensuring legal aid and education to all South Carolinians. The opportunity to serve on the SCBF board alongside so many fabulous people is an honor.
 
What has been the most rewarding aspect of serving as a SCBF Board member?
Serving as a SCBF member has been a wonderful experience. Meeting the grantee organizations and seeing first hand the hard work and dedication so many people are involved in is heartwarming. Equally rewarding, is getting to know the staff and other board members and being a part of the SCBF mission.
 
In what way has working with the Foundation grown your character?
Being a part of such a committed group focusing on improving the legal profession has given me more compassion for those in search of legal needs. It has opened my eyes to the amazing work going on in communities all over South Carolina.

What is your hope for the Foundation in the next 50 years?
I would love to see all bar members commit and support the SCBF and learn of the amazing programs supported by the foundation.
 
What’s your biggest pet peeve? 
Waiting in line to exit a store so they can check my receipt drives me crazy! And it happens weekly on trips to Costco.

What office supply can you not live without?
Since retirement, I can live without just about all office supplies but postage stamps.

Do you have any collections or hobbies you’d be willing to share with us?
Retirement is the best. I have time to enjoy the outdoors by riding my bike, working in the yard or just hanging out with neighbors.

What’s a show or book you’re currently enjoying and would recommend?
I have read (and listened to) so many great books recently. On the top of the list is The Midnight Library by Matt Haig and The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett. A fabulous audible book is Becoming Duchess Goldblatt by Anonymous.

Thank you, Jeanne, for your time and dedication as a board member for the Foundation! We are appreciative of your leadership!


#givingtuesday
NOVEMBER 30, 2021
GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of radical generosity. GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Since then, it has grown into a year-round global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.

We encourage you to join the movement and give on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 to the SC Bar Foundation! 81 cents per dollar of your donation is directly granted to funding the programs of our worthy and life-changing grantees.
Help Us Welcome Our
Board Members for FY 22
Venus Poe
President
Lisa Cotten
President - Elect
John DeLoache
Secretary/Treasurer
Jennifer Blumenthal
Immediate Past President
Cherie Barton
Ryan Beasley
Shaheena Bennett
Marti Bluestein
George Cauthen
Thomas P. Gressette, Jr.
Whitney Harrison
AJ Holloway
Tiffany Butler Holt
Jeanne Howard
Rusty Infinger
John Roxon

Deon Tedder

We look forward to serving under their incredible leadership this coming year!

950 Taylor Street
Columbia, SC 29202
Phone: 803-765-0517