Helping Out highlights some of the many charitable events and activities going on in the Charleston area. Submissions should be sent to dailyjournal@scbiznews.com.
The Children's Museum of the Lowcountry, along with WCBD News 2 and Y102.5, are hosting the Fam Jam Festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 20 at Marion Square in partnership with the city of Charleston farmers market.
The ninth annual event aims to show children and families that being active is fun. Families will have the opportunity to take part in a series of outdoor activities and fitness demonstrations from practicing golf with First Tee of Charleston to learning to dance with Dance Moves of Charleston.
Activity stations will be hosted by the museum's tri-county community partners including: Fleet Feet Sports, New York Life, Happy Family, Moms in the Know, Charleston RiverDogs, Affordabike, Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission, city of Charleston Recreation Department, College of Charleston Athletic Department, Dance Moves, Bellies, Babies and Beyond, Capoeira Charleston, MUSC's Safe Kids, Japan Karate, Fingerprint Charleston, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Magnifilous Toy Emporium, among others.
Charleston Junior Woman's Club is hosting its Spring Soiree 2013 with proceeds benefiting March of Dimes Charleston. The event is 7-11 p.m. March 23 at Gold Bug Island in Mount Pleasant. Tickets may be purchased online for $30 by March 20 or $35 at the door. The event will have a casino theme with a silent auction, entertainment by Brotherman, food, drinks and nonmonetary table games.
 Palmetto Goodwill CEO Robert Smith (left) receives a check from Santee Canal Park Director Troy Diel and Santee Cooper General Supervisor David Kizer. (Photo/Provided) |  Eddie Gregory (left) accepts funds on behalf of S.C. Special Olympics from Santee Canal Park Director Troy Diel and Santee Cooper General Supervisor David Kizer. (Photo/Provided) |
The 2012 Old Santee Cooper Canal Park Celebrate the Season event was a monthlong holiday light display benefiting local charities. Through Goodwill’s participation, a portion of the generated gate proceeds were donated to Operation Independence, Goodwill’s veterans program and South Carolina Special Olympics.
Stroll the historic Old Village of Mount Pleasant from 1-5 p.m. April 21 on a self-guided home, garden and art tour. Ticketholders will visit Old Village homes, sample food prepared by local chefs, listen to music and view local art. Tickets are $45; $35 for groups of 10 or more. Proceeds from the tour support the American Red Cross, Carolina Lowcountry Chapter. To purchase tickets, visit www.lowcountryredcross.org.
The third annual Gimme Shelter presented by Home Team BBQ is set for 7 p.m. April 18 at The Alley in downtown Charleston. Proceeds benefit Operation Home. The event will feature a disc jockey, live and silent auction, raffle for a 177 Sport Scout boat, bowling, arcade games, Skee-Ball, a pinball machine and food from Home Team BBQ.
Proceeds will help Operation Home build wheelchair ramps and repair roofs, windows and floors for at least 60 homes this year. Operation Home's mission is to help low-income residents of Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties remain in their homes by increasing safety and accessibility through the coordination of critical home repairs.
Tickets are $15 in advance; $20 at the door. VIP passes are $100 and include open bar and extended menu in the VIP lounge. Tickets can be purchased online at www.operationhome.org.
The Episcopal Church Women of Old St. Andrew’s Church in West Ashley is hosting the 60th annual Tea Room and Gift Shop now through March 23. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and will feature Lowcountry favorites such as okra soup, chicken salad and shrimp paste sandwiches, and homemade desserts. The gift shop features handmade items and jams, jellies, pickles and other foods.
Proceeds from the Tea Room support the Episcopal Church Women mission and ministry programs at home and abroad, parish programs and the preservation of the historic church. Reservations are accepted for groups of six or more by calling the church office at 843-766-1541. Takeout orders are also available. The church is located at 2604 Ashley River Road; for more information, visit www.oldstandrews.org.
