I need my space...

As the art scene in coastal SC is exploding, a need for performance space to accommodate this boom is an issue, as some communities don’t have enough affordable space for all arts groups to host events. But positive things are happening.  In September 2011, Pure Theatre took over the Charleston Ballet Theatre’s space on King Street, and has since continued to rack in great reviews in its 9th season.  Colleton County Arts Council last year settled into their newly rented space from SC Artisans Center in downtown Walterboro, and continues to be a great resource for children and adults to experience the arts in a variety of ways. In Beaufort, ARTworks and USC-B’s Performing Arts Center have great space and popular support.  And Hampton County Arts Council’s Palmetto Theatre is more impressive with every visit.  The Lowcountry is taking strides to tackle this issue and support its ever-growing art scene, but some groups still have to beg and borrow for space.

Donor Bio: Daughtridge Family Endowment honoring John Clarence Daughtridge & Lois Steger Daughtridge

Lois Steger Daughtridge was a truly extraordinary woman, always putting the needs of others above her own. "My mother did everything from church work to volunteering at the Center For the Blind," recalled her daughter Harriet D. Harris, "She was extremely active in the community." Mrs. Daughtridge tragically died of cancer at the age of 40 in 1967.

John Clarence Daugtridge, Jr., a director for Belk Stores and manager at the Charleston, S.C. store for 40 years, took time out of his hectic schedule to be active in the community. He served as director of the Charleston YMCA, commissioner and treasurer for the Charleston Orphan House, Trustee of Ashley Hall School, and member of the MUSC Heart and Vascular Board of Directors. Mr. Daughtridge passed away in 2004 after a long struggle with diabetes and heart disease. 

Although Mr. and Mrs. Daughtridge are no longer with us, their memory lives on thanks to the Daughtridge Family Fund, established in 2004 by their daughter Harriet D. Harris and son John "Belk" Daughtridge. This fund provides grants to benefit the Foundation's service area according to Harriett Harris' recommendations, with a focus on helping those living with cancer or diabetes, heart disease and multiple sclerosis.

Issues of race, religion, gender, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) opened its SC offices in 2008, with Victoria Middleton as Executive Director.  Currently, the organization has three employees who are tasked with assisting in civil rights cases throughout the entire state.  They have taken stands and gotten involved with defense of voter registration drives and women’s reproductive health rights, opposition to mandatory and groundless drug testing, and protecting everyone’s religious freedom by opposing anyone’s mandatory participation in any one belief.  While not every issue the ACLU becomes involved with will be a popular one, it’s important to remember that their legal arguments are always rooted in a literal interpretation of the Constitution and in the law. In a state that prides itself on autonomy and self-determination, the ACLU serves as a strong ally for South Carolinians who want to protect civil liberties.  According to Rock Hill civic leader Melvin Poole, “A membership in the ACLU is akin to purchasing an insurance policy that protects our basic rights from being eroded by people who seek to reshape our society to fit their own agenda.”  Contributions to the ACLU must be privately made; grants to the ACLU Foundation of SC (which supports many of the ACLU’s goals) can be made by Community Foundation donors.  To find out more, visit www.aclusouthcarolina.org.