portfolio- angharad chester-jones
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Brief Highlights of Angharad Chester-Jones: Events Branding PR- Marketing Non-Profit WorkTRANSCRIPT
ANGHARAD R. CHESTER-‐JONES Portfolio
P.O. BOX 21285 • Charleston, SC 29403 • [email protected] • 843.754.2378
Writing Samples:
Media Contact: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Angharad Chester-‐Jones June 28, 2012 (843) 723-‐3600 [email protected]
Heroes Come in All Sizes
A hero is someone who is admired for brave deeds. What about a child who finds the courage to tell about
being sexually abused or an adult who comes forward to tell about abuse that they experienced as a child? In
the world of child abuse, they are true heroes. The Dee Norton Lowcountry Children’s Center (DNLCC)
believes that heroes come in all sizes. In light of the high profile sexual abuse cases in the news today, theses
heroes need to be acknowledged. Their heroism is contagious. For each victim that finds the courage to tell,
another victim is empowered to follow their example. However, telling can be just the first step in a journey
of healing for victims of abuse.
Of course, all adults should be provided the appropriate tools and training to help protect our children from
sexual abuse, but abuse still occurs. Therefore, adults should also be educated on the appropriate response
when there is an allegation of abuse. Research tells us that how a child integrates the trauma of abuse into
their lives is directly related to the level to which the child is believed and protected by an adult in their life.
Children’s advocacy centers (CACs) such as The Dee Norton Lowcountry Children’s Center are where child
abuse ends and healing begins. The children and families that seek treatment are given the tools they need to
begin healing and to mitigate the effects of the trauma they have experienced. Child abuse is tragic, but it
doesn’t have to define who a child is, or who a child will become. DNLCC uses evidence based treatment,
treatments that have been shown in research to be effective, to help these children and families heal.
Research shows that children who receive appropriate intervention will exhibit decreased post-‐traumatic
stress disorder symptoms and therefore, decrease the possibility of these adverse outcomes of the abuse.
For children in our community, there is an appropriate response system in place when children and families
have the courage to come forward. We have something to celebrate here -‐ our community has recognized our
heroes and responded to their needs. While no child deserves to be abused, every child who is abused
deserves the opportunity for the abuse to end and for healing to begin.
Together, we are working to help these heroes heal.
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About The Dee Norton Lowcountry Children’s Center: DNLCC is a non-‐profit organization dedicated to serving victims of child abuse and neglect in Charleston and Berkeley counties. Our mission is to keep children safe from abuse, and when abuse occurs, to work with our community to bring healing to these children and their families. By bringing together child protective services, law enforcement, medical, legal, educational and mental health professionals, DNLCC provides a coordinated approach to helping children and their families at no cost. Since the opening in 1991, DNLCC has helped over 20,000 children and their families. www.dnlcc.org
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For Immediate Release:
April 25, 2012
Contact: Angharad Chester-‐Jones
FRESHFIELDS VILLAGE TO HOST FASHION SHOW FOR
DEE NORTON LOWCOUNTRY CHILDREN’S CENTER
JOHNS ISLAND, SC –Calling all fashionistas and style mavens. It’s time for the Dee Norton Lowcountry Children’s Center Fashion Show, Saturday, May 19 from 5 to 7 p.m. The event will feature a fashion show with over 50 complete, unique looks from Freshfields Village clothing retailers, accompanied by hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction.
Rosanna Krekel of The Fashion Group International will be the host for the evening. Participating boutiques include Coastal Palms Island Apparel, J. McLaughlin, Papaya Island, Pink Boulevard, The Old Rangoon, The Resort Shop, The Spot, Tommy Bahama presented by Palmetto Island and Vineyard Vines presented by Coastal Palms.
Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. All proceeds will benefit the Dee Norton Lowcountry Children’s Center, which provides hope and healing to abused children and families. Tickets can be purchased on the Dee Norton website or by calling 843-‐723-‐3600. Tickets include bites from Newton Farms Catering; beer, wine and champagne will be available for purchase at a cash bar offered by Java Java.
Event sponsors include: Loluma, Alexandra Styles, Apricot Hill, Beachwalker Rentals, Classic Party Rentals, Elysium Salon, Gamble Home Services, Java Java, Kiawah Fine Jewelry, Kiawah Island Real Estate, Kiawah Seabrook Medical Care, Newton Farms Catering, Skirt Magazine, Southern Style Salon, Tout Talent and Vanity Salon.
The Dee Norton Lowcountry Children’s Center is a non-‐profit organization dedicated to serving victims of child abuse and neglect in Charleston and Berkeley counties. By bringing together child protective services, law enforcement, medical, legal, educational, and mental health professionals, DNLCC provides a coordinated approach to helping children and their families at no cost. Since the opening in 1991, DNLCC has helped over 19,000 children and their families.
Freshfields Village is located on Johns Island between Kiawah and Seabrook islands. With over 55 locally owned shops, galleries, restaurants, services and businesses, Freshfields has something for all ages and price ranges. Visit www.FreshfieldsVillage.com or www.facebook.com/FreshfieldsVillage information on new stores, events and other announcements.
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PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Angharad Chester-‐Jones
(843) 810-‐2673
CHARLESTON, SC (September 13, 2011) – The Gavalas Kolanko Foundation will be the beneficiary of the upcoming preview party for the Macintosh, Charleston’s newest fine dining restaurant located at 479 King Street. The event will be held on Wednesday, September 21 from 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. The Gavalas Kolanko Foundation (GKF) is a non-‐profit organization that awards college scholarships to students with physical disabilities. Since 1999, the Foundation has awarded 52 scholarships to students at College of Charleston and Charleston Southern University. Its major fundraiser, the James Island Connector Run, is scheduled for Saturday, November 5. The Macintosh is the newest venture by the hospitality group, The Indigo Road. Opening later this month downstairs from the Cocktail Club, the Macintosh will offer a menu from executive chef Jeremiah Bacon and include items such as Burden Creek goat cheese gnuddi with stone crabs and sweet 100s, braised Blue Chip Farms rabbit with slow roasted tomato and ricotta salata, and sweet and sour pork belly soup.
Co-‐Chairman of GKF, Nicholas Gavalas, said “We are thrilled to have Steve Palmer and his team support us with the preview of The Macintosh. The community support for students with physical disabilities has been outstanding. We are thankful for Steve and The Indigo Road’s partnership.” The cost of the event is $35 per person and $50 per couple with 100% of the proceeds going directly to the Gavalas Kolanko Foundation. Ticket price includes heavy appetizers and an open bar. Tickets can be purchased online at www.gkfoundation.org. There are only a limited number of tickets.
ABOUT THE INDIGO ROAD The Indigo Road operates four locations in downtown Charleston, S.C, Oak Steakhouse, O-‐Ku, the Cocktail Club and the Macintosh. Led by managing partner, Steve Palmer, the established hospitality group operates under the highest attention to service and a dedication to the utmost in superior customer experience. As culinary and industry leaders, The Indigo Road also specializes in restaurant and hotel consulting services providing customized solutions to each. For more information, visit www.theindigoroad.com
Angharad Chester-‐Jones Event and Press Highlights: 2009-‐2012
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Title: 2009-‐ Red Shoe Society – Young Professionals Group for The Ronald McDonald House of Charleston. Location: Appearance on Lowcountry Live, Charelston, SC Charleston Ronald McDonald House-‐ Red Shoe Society: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cqjbhuxUrQ
A Foodie Fantasy
Combine two celebrity chefs with a group of celebrated winemakers, and you’ve got one world-‐class weekend. This month, Gourmet & Grapes returns to Kiawah Island Golf Resort—set to raise more funds for MUSC’s Hollings Cancer Center—and foodies will find plenty of reasons to attend.
On Friday night, Patrick O’Connell, the James Beard Award-‐winning chef of the Inn at Little Washington, prepares a black-‐tie dinner at The Sanctuary. Saturday brings tastings with top Italian and American winemakers followed by a cooking demonstration luncheon given by Todd Gray of Washington, D.C.’s Equinox Restaurant. “The Obamas dine at Equinox, and Gray is part of Michelle Obama’s initiative to fight childhood obesity,” says Sanctuary food and beverage coordinator Angharad Chester-‐Jones. Later that night, the Wine Odyssey and Grand Finale features 12 stations of dishes prepared by top local chefs.
“We create a feeling of intimacy throughout the event, allowing guests to have serious conversations with chefs and winemakers,” explains Chester-‐Jones. Last year, chef Charlie Trotter even sat down to play chess with an attendee.
Treat your palate to one or all of the delicious events—and heck, maybe even a game of chess with a celebrity chef—to help raise funds and awareness for the cutting-‐edge research programs at the Hollings Cancer Center. —Rob Young
Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, 1 Sanctuary Beach Dr. Times vary. $250-‐$125. (843)768-‐6000, www.gourmetandgrapes.com
Photographs by Andrew Cebulka
Fall fashion with a flair
• BY STEPHANIE BURT
• Special to The Post and Courier • Posted: Thursday, September 23, 2010 12:01 a.m.
photo by Diana Deaver/Angharad Chester-‐Jones (forefront, pink skirt) stands with models from last year's Fall Fashion with a Flair. The fundraiser features a pop-‐up shop with clothing, food from Jasmine Porch and more.
Some people collect movie memorabilia. Other people knit in their spare time. But for Charleston resident Angharad Chester-‐Jones, a hobby is a little more complicated
She plans large-‐scale charity events when she's not working as the food and beverage marketing coordinator at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort.
"I have a real passion for nonprofit work," she explains. "But I also enjoy promoting local talent, and I think that any time you can bring people together who are talented, intelligent and creative, good things happen."
Her events include the Wine to Water event (hosted by Social) earlier this year, as well as Gourmet and Grapes at The Sanctuary.
This week, she is set to host the second annual Fall Fashion With a Flair event to benefit the Center for Women.
The Center for Women is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to make personal and professional success an everyday event for women in the Lowcountry.
"We're excited to have Ayoka Lucas as the emcee this year. She is a big advocate for The Center for Women," Chester-‐Jones says. "And all the designers featured in the show are young, local women making something very unique in Charleston. They are empowering women through fashion, so it just makes sense to have the Center for Women as the recipient charity."
During Jasmine Porch's three-‐course meal, models will wear fashions from local designers and boutiques, and music will be provided by a local DJ. After the lunch, guests can browse a pop-‐up shop filled with clothing and accessories.
The party continues with beach and pool access for the guests for the remainder of the afternoon, as well as future discount on a treatment at The Sanctuary's spa.
On Saturday, Chester-‐Jones will be conducting a symphony of designers, models and wait staff.
There are only about 50 tickets left for the show that will feature 10 looks from each designer.
featured designers and boutiques Eden Boheme, www.edenboheme.com
Cose Belle
Cavortress, www.cavortress.com Monkee's of Daniel Island, www.monkeesofdanielisland.com
Lori Wyatt Vintage
Jewelry by Candy Shop Vintage, www.candyshopvintage.com Taashki Handbags,taashki.com
Social to host Wine to Water benefit • By Samantha Test, Special to The Post and Courier • Posted: Thursday, January 28, 2010 12:01 a.m.
/AP
A girl sits with an empty pot at a makeshift shelter in Port-‐au-‐Prince. Tens of thousands of people were left homeless in the aftermath of the Jan. 12 earthquake. Local artists are coming together to benefit Haiti with
Wine to Water, an event at Social Re
Although turning water to wine might be deemed quite the feat, Wednesday night will prove otherwise.
Social Restaurant and Wine Bar will host a benefit for Wine to Water, a nonprofit dedicated to providing clean water to needy people around the world. This event will focus on Haiti.
Social will provide the wine and foodstuff while Charleston's local arts scene will provide a showcase of talent and entertainment.
"I heard about the organization briefly on "CNN Heroes." The gentlemen who started the organization was a local bartender in North Carolina," said Angharad Chester-‐Jones, food and beverage coordinator for Kiawah Island Golf Resort.
"And the fact that Charleston is known for both its restaurants and local arts, I wanted to combine both for a good cause. It was also really astonishing and hit home after all my travels, that in many poverty-‐stricken areas in the world, the first step in the right direction is to be able to provide clean water."
On display will be SCOOP studies artists Ben Timpson, Christopher Murphy, Stewart Young, Cyle Suesz, Julio Cotto and Scott Debus. Other artists include Nathan Durfee and Liz Vaughan. Photography on hand will be by Rich Dean, Jeremy Collier Higgs, Tim Zienlenbach, Robert Donovan and Andrew Cebulka.
Guests also will have the chance to explore the upstairs Pop-‐Up-‐Shop and purchase art pieces and various showcased boutique items including, The Kenneth Beatrice Collection by local designer and emerging Charleston Fashion Week talent Chelsie Ravenell.
Further fashion fun will feature the collections of local boutiques Eden Boheme, Cose Belle and Cavortess.
Brooke Ryan of 95SX's "Two Girls and a Guy" will emcee the eclectic soiree, and DJ CMNDer will provide the beats. Local favorite and up-‐and-‐coming dance group Buen Ache will perform a live Afro-‐Latino performance.
"Cure your winter blues, meet new people and support an amazing cause," said Chester-‐Jones. "I think if you want to get a taste of Charleston's local arts and talent, you would enjoy this event, or if you wanted to break into the local art scene, it's a great way to ease into it.
"(It's great) how much talent lies within local Charleston young professionals, and how phenomenal it is, when 20 of them get together to raise donations and awareness for a cause that changes lives."
All proceeds will go to countries in need, with a special focus on helping Haitian earthquake survivors.
"Chelsea Small from the Wine to Water organization will actually be coming down to the event and will represent the organization and will help create a heightened awareness of what they hope to achieve with the funds raised that evening," said Chester-‐Jones.
February 05, 2010CALENDAR+SCENE » THE SCENE
Social works a miracle with well-‐building fundraiser Turning wine into water
by Cara Kelly
Many believe that 2,000 years ago, one man turned water into wine. Doc Hendley, a bartender and musician from North Carolina, set out to recreate this legendary act of kindness, with his own twist. Knowing that over one billion people in the world go without clean water, Doc felt compelled to use his drink serving skills to somehow impact the international problem. His solution? Wine to Water, an international nonprofit that sells wine and hosts events to raise money for the construction of wells and filters for communities in third world countries. After seeing Doc’s inspirational presentation on CNN Heroes this past Thanksgiving, Angharad Chester-‐Jones thought the idea would take hold in Charleston — and she was right. On Wednesday night, donors packed Social for the first Wine to Water event in the Holy City. Angharad recruited friends and colleagues to donate their time and talents to the event — luckily for us, Angharad has a lot of talented friends. Julie Wheat of Cavortress hopped on board, and was one of three local shop owners/designers to show six looks in a mini fashion show. In addition, Wheat outfitted the volunteers for the evening. Emcee Brooke Ryan of Two Guys and a Girl on 95SX looked stunning in a Cavortress blazer lined with gold piping. Cose Bella showed several looks on the impromptu stage, as well as Eden Boheme. After the brief show, which seemed more like a tease, we were left even more excited to see Anna Lassiter (of Eden Boheme) in the upcoming Emerging Designers Competition during Charleston Fashion Week. Local visual artists Julio Cotto, Nathan Durfee, Ben Timpson, and Joanna Jackson decorated the walls with their works. Afro-‐Latino dance troupe Buen Ache gave attendees a lively performance, expertly swaying their hips in front of the makeshift art studio. A pop-‐up shop of sorts was constructed upstairs, with clothing from the earlier fashion show and a book signing with local children’s author Jonathan Miller
Chocolate, wine and water mix well in Charleston
• By Karen Briggs, Special to The Post and Courier • Posted: Thursday, February 11, 2010 12:01 a.m.
Karen Briggs/
Katie Kern models at the first Wine to Water event at Social Restaurant. The event featured local art and fashion and benefitted Haiti relief efforts.
Chocolate Affair
Hundreds of philanthropic Charlestonians turned out to support The 19th Annual Chocolate Affair benefitting Communities in Schools last Saturday.
Twenty-‐five local eateries and chocolatiers provided a breathtaking array of delectables beautifully presented on a candlelit table. Guests cooed over the decadent spread while sipping chocolate butterscotch martinis, yummy coffee and more traditional cocktails. For those with savory palettes, a buffet of dinner items was served.
The evening kicked off at 6 p.m. with a preparty for the nonprofit's corporate sponsors. Promptly at 7 p.m., the evening's smartly dressed attendees began filtering in, eager to bid on one or more of the 200 available items for auction. The First Class Band kept everyone mingling and bidding between large seated tables.
At the close of the silent auction, the real fun began. Auctioneer Doug Warner spun bidders into a frenzy with his rapid auction-‐ease, generating thousands of dollars for the 13 available items. Winners took home items such as a framed "Twilight" photograph signed by the cast, a golden retriever puppy and tickets to the Moscow Ballet.
Halfway through, a mound of tiny jewelry boxes were auctioned for $100 each, with bidders hoping they would be the recipient of one box hiding a diamond.
Wine to Water
The creative community rallied together at Social last Wednesday for an event benefiting Wine to Water. A who's who of Charleston art and photography, including Nathan Durfee, Scott Debus and Ben Timpson, displayed pieces in an impromptu gallery in the dining portion of the bar and restaurant.
Hundreds packed the East Bay Street location to sample hors d'oeuvres and, of course, wine, while waiting for the evening's entertainment. Event organizer and Wine to Water representative Angharad Chester-‐Jones took turns sharing stage with emcee Brooke Ryan of 95 SX, educating the crowd on the importance of providing clean water to Third World countries.
After loosening up the crowd, Ryan introduced the first of three fashion shows displaying winter pieces from boutiques Eden Boheme, Cose Belle and Cavortress. Charleston Fashion Week model coach Michelle Wood was on hand, coaxing fierce walks from the girls while offering tips on how to maneuver Social's stairs-‐turned-‐runway for the evening. While the girls changed from look to look, local Afro-‐Latino dance group Buen Ache shimmied into the dining area, generating some eye-‐popping stares from impressed attendees.
With the close of the last show, guests were invited upstairs to a Pop Up Shop showcasing art pieces and boutique items
Wine to Water Tuesday, April 6th, 2010
Before moving back to Charleston, SC, I worked as a reporter for a local media group in Boone, NC, covering non-‐profit organizations and education. I adored the job, and was constantly uplifted by the people I interviewed. One of those impressive people was a man named Doc Hendley, founder of the international 501 (c)(3) non-‐profit Wine to Water. I met Doc in a bit of an unusual spot. I got a call from a teacher at the local high school advising me that an interesting fundraising effort was in the works for the student’s lunch time hour that might provide for a good photo op. I obliged, having little going on that afternoon, and found a couple educators duck taped to the wall of the cafeteria. Each strip of tape cost a dollar for the cackling teens, and the money was going straight to the hands of Hendley, who was there to soak up the entertaining show. I was able to talk to him afterwards and learn more about the organization he started.
Doc is one of those fascinating characters who, one deciding what they want out of life, pursue it whole heartedly. A bar tender by trade, he realized pooring drinks spread a bit of happiness to patrons, and finally conceived an idea to take the concept and expand it to help those in need around the world. His thoughts spurred from a bible passage in which Jesus turned water to wine. In the reverse, his organization sells wine in order to fund projects in third world countries that produce clean drinking water. The organization, which from my understanding started with a few wine tasting parties, has become nationally know, thanks in large part to some dedicated fans who nominated Doc for CNN Herosprogram. Doc was one of ten recognized by the news organization on Thanksgiving Day for their exceptional dedication to philanthropic efforts. The presentation nearly pushed me to tears, thinking how a man from my small town of Boone had caused such an incredible stir. I had been contemplating how to throw an event for Wine to Water in Charleston since the airing of the show, but working virtually two jobs and applying for grad school had managed to get in the way. I was thrilled to learn that someone else had the idea and had really run with it. Angharad Chester-‐Jones started a committe
for the event, and worked with Social’s Brad Ball to host the party at the popular wine bar. She understood Charleston’s propensity for delicious spirits and a good event event, and knew the concept would take off. She roped in several other friends including local artists, designers and a talented MC for the evening. Read my review of the event. To learn more about Wine to Water and how you can purchase wine or make donations, visit their website.
Memos & Distinctions
• Posted: Monday, November 15, 2010 12:01 a.m. UPDATED: Monday, March 19, 2012 1:04 a.m. Print The Fashion Group International of Charleston has named its 2011 board of directors. They include: Marshall Simon of Gywnn's of Mount Pleasant is membership director; Linda Burnside of LGB Interiors is co-‐program director; Michael Mitchell of Michael Mitchell Interiors is co-‐program director; Natasha Shamdasani-‐Madan of Taashki Handbags is chief technology director; Katie Kern of Circa PR is public relations director; Sarah Digangi ofSunTrust Bank is treasurer; Angharad Chester-‐Jones of The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort is co-‐program director; and Anna Lassiter of Lassiter Designs Inc. is secretary. Also,Rosanna L. Krekel of La Vita É Bella is regional chapter director.
Wine to Water Fundraiser at Social Wednesday July 20
Posted on July 12, 2011 by Art Mag | 1 Comment
One of the best things about Charleston is our incredibly high quality of life. Even in the worst of times, we still live at the beach, in a town of incredible history, architecture and most of all, incredible people. These incredible people are philanthropically minded, and always broadening our horizons. Angharad Chester-‐Jones, sales manager at Patrick Properties Hospitality Group, is one of those people. She is spear heading the 2nd annualWine To Water local fundraiser, held at Social Wine Bar on Wednesday,July 20 from 8 – 10 pm. $20 will get you in, where you can enjoy “bubbles, bites, beer and more,” and bid on cool silent auction items like a 4 day pass for standup paddle board rentals–all the rage now–from Air Wind & Water Sports, beach yoga from Yoga Lilly and lots more fun summertime activities. Wine To Water’s mission is to bring clean water to the nearly who do not have access to it. ONE BILLION. That’s sick. Wine To Water is working on projects with local organizations in Sudan, Uganda, India, Cambodia, Peru, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, South Africa and Haiti.
Doc Hendley founded Wine To Water in Raleigh, NC in 2004, and with their first event in February of that year, Hendley was living in Darfur by August, installing water systems to aid genocide victims. That first experience has grown into a 501c3 non-‐profit organization, dedicated to fighting death and disease due to lack of clean water access and advanced sanitation.
Join in for Wine To Water Fundraiser on Wednesday, July 20 at Social, 188 East Bay Street, from 8 – 10 pm
Top Stories The Dee Norton Lowcountry Children's Center illuminates a dark issue
By Jennifer Johnston Apr 25, 2012 -‐ 9:34:43 AM
The DNLCC provides protection, healing, and hope in a warm, safe environment.
Considering the headlines that leave us shaking our heads in recent months, it would seem impossible that anyone would actually lack awareness of child abuse. We’ve read far too many stories of children harmed at the hands of those they most trust: teachers, coaches, even parents. But the staff and partners of Dee Norton Lowcountry Children’s Center (DNLCC) don’t define awareness as mere knowledge that something has occurred. To this group of dedicated children’s advocates, awareness is an active exercise in attentiveness, recognition, and sensibility. And that’s the kind of awareness they have been working hard to promote, particularly during April’s 39th annual National Child Abuse Prevention month. The DNLCC is a remarkable child advocacy center in downtown Charleston, serving tri-‐county children who are victims of abuse and neglect. The center is multidisciplinary; children who come to the DNLCC have nearly every aspect of the investigation and treatment handled with great care all in one facility. This includes the forensic interview and medical exam, the police investigation, and therapy
for the child and parents. The center achieves this by partnering with 39 agencies in the community. As a team, they take action on behalf of the victim, put into place a post-‐treatment plan, and work to increase public awareness of the issue of child abuse. Since its founding as a multi-‐stage effort of the Junior League of Charleston in 1991, the DNLCC has helped over 20,000 children and their families. It is named for one of its co-‐founders; Dee Holmes Norton began efforts to create this facility in 1975, and was instrumental in its opening 16 years later.
Over the last several weeks, the DNLCC has marked April’s significance with numerous events in the Charleston area, from “spirit nights” at local restaurants to participation in the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry’s Fam Jam. The center has also tied many of these events to its “I Believe… Child Abuse is a Grown-‐Up Problem” campaign, which DNLCC’s Marketing and Awareness Coordinator Angharad Chester-‐Jones tells us is a crusade to create that proactive mindfulness. “We are a treatment center, and we do stress the hope and healing aspect,” Chester-‐Jones explains. “But this campaign was started seven years ago as a preventative measure.” Their objective is to reach 1,302 adults for support and donation; that’s the number of new children admitted to the center in 2011. The DNLCC’s National Child Abuse Prevention month observance will culminate in two key events this weekend. The first is a free “Movie in the Park” event, featuring Kung Fu Panda (and several popular area food vendors), from 6-‐10 p.m. on Friday, April 27 at Mount Pleasant Town Hall Field. The second is a collaborative DNLCC and D2L:Darkness to Light training and expert panel on Saturday, April 28 at Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church; this event is also free and open to public with pre-‐registration. Chester-‐Jones tells us that this educational session truly rounds out the whole month-‐long campaign. “This is the action,” she relates. “We are going to train as many people as possible.” With space for 300-‐400 participants, this event has the potential to make good on that goal. D2L’s contribution to the workshop will focus on sexual abuse, and participants will receive “Stewards of Children” certificates. The DNLCC will then present on other types of abuse and lead a panel of experts from both their center and D2L, as well as medical community representatives. This panel is intended to be a dynamic discussion; Chester-‐Jones assures that any question is fair game. In fact, it is that kind of transparency which the DNLCC seeks as part of its mission. But it is also the reason every nook and cranny of their facility is utilized today. “As awareness and openness grows, so does reporting,” Chester-‐Jones explains. “Of course, we hope the numbers dwindle as awareness sheds a light and people become less likely to turn a blind eye.” With summer camp season approaching, it is a critical time to educate parents and caregivers, so that they can ultimately feel comfortable letting their kids enjoy being kids. “Part of this is helping parents recognize signs of potential abuse and not putting children in potentially harmful situations,” Chester-‐Jones makes clear. And she goes on to explain that the amount of carpooling that happens during the break from school widens the circle of contact with a child and further complicates the recognition and reporting process. So what response, specifically, does the DNLCC advocate to abuse-‐suspecting adults, whether they are parents, neighbors, or anyone else having interaction with children? “If they have concerns, they can call our center, and we can help identify whether or not the concern appears to be legitimate,” Chester-‐Jones clarifies. “Coming to us first can make the process of reporting a little less scary. There’s a misconception that the minute you call DSS they swoop in, and that’s really not the case.” And it all goes back to that awareness. The primary objective of Chester-‐Jones and her colleagues is to make people aware that their center exists, and that it is an extraordinary haven for adults burdened with concerns and children suffering from mistreatment. It is a starting point, a safe hand along the journey, and a hopeful launch into better days ahead. Please join the DNLCC for their free special events this weekend. To learn more about the center, join the “I Believe…” campaign, and register for the workshop on April 28, visit www.dnlcc.org. You can also visit the Dee Norton Lowcountry Children’s Center Facebook page for event updates. 22.74%) © Copyright The Daniel Island News
Local artisan bakery and eatery, Rising High Café has debuted the latest sandwich in its Hoagies and Heroes campaign, which benefits local non-‐profit organizations.
The sandwich for the month of July is the “Wrapped in Hope Sandwich,” created by Army Wives’ Sterling Brown, with 10% of proceeds benefiting the Dee Norton Lowcountry Children’s Center, an organization focused on bringing awareness and healing to children who have been victims of abuse.
The “Wrapped in Hope Sandwich” ingredients include: tuna salad, basil pesto, red onions, roasted red peppers and sundried tomato dressing all in a spinach wrap. The sandwich is $8.00 and includes a side item and fountain drink.
“I think I’m a big kid myself and I’ve always had a strong affinity with young people. Now that I’m a new father myself, my love and adoration for them has grown even more,” said Brown. “It hurts me to know that there are kids that have to suffer at the hands of physical, mental or emotional abuse. But, it warms my heart to know that there are organizations such as DNLCC to come to those children’s aid when they don’t have anyone else.”
Each month a local charity will select a spokesperson to build a sandwich on their behalf with a portion of the proceeds from the sandwich sales going back to the organization.
“We truly appreciate any chance we are given to create awareness of who we are and what we do,” said Angharad Chester-‐Jones, marketing and awareness coordinator for the DNLCC. “This is a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with Sterling and show that the Charleston community supports DNLCC and our mission to provide hope and healing to victims of child abuse"
Future sandwiches for the Hoagies and Heroes campaign will be created on behalf of A Dog for Kate, the Center for Women, Lowcountry Local First and more.
“As a local business, we feel that it’s important to be a part of the Charleston community,” said Cliff Lowder, owner of Rising High Café. “We’re really excited about this campaign because giving back is an essential part of our philosophy. And, we get to do it by doing what we do best – making great food!”
Charlestonians interested in learning more about the campaign, including the debut of each sandwich, can visit Rising High Café’s Facebook Page or Twitter feed.
Rising High Café is a local, independently owned establishment that specializes in baked goods, breakfast and lunch fare. The café emphasizes healthy and sustainable eating with fresh,
quality food sourced locally. The restaurant has been a part of the Charleston community for seven years, with new ownership as of February, 2012. For additional information about Rising
High, visit their website at RisingHighCafe.com.