2
July 2016
Kiawah Donors
Contribute
Over $36,000
to Fund Sea
Island Literacy
Programs
Every year, donors to the Kiawah Cares
Foundation (KCF) fund important
Gifts totaling $36,431 were made initiatives on the Sea Islands, such
to KCF during the month of May
as educational trips for students and
much needed items for seniors. This
Funds were distributed among
several Sea Island literacy programs year, KCF launched its first ever
Kiawah Giving Month, with the goal
of raising $48,000 to fully fund summer literacy programs on
the Sea Islands, an on-going focal point for Kiawah Cares.
Story Highlights
The Post and Courier recently reported that Charleston
County School District (CCSD) is cutting funding for
literacy programs by $3.4 million in the upcoming budget.
These cuts come despite the fact that just 16 percent of black
students and 59 percent of white students educated by the
CCSD demonstrate grade-level proficiency on the ACT
Aspire test. It is clear that standard literacy efforts are leaving
many kids behind.
Unsurprisingly, KICA members responded. Gifts totaling
$36,431 were made to KCF during the month of May,
including generous gifts from the Black family and the BFF
Fund. Thanks to the generosity of these donors, KCF reaches
76% of its goal.
KCF has helped fund the participation of the three lower
grades in Angel Oak's summer reading and math program,
meaning all eligible students, regardless of grade level, will
benefit from this ground-breaking effort. This is an important
pilot program which includes measurable, so that subsequent
programs can better target needs.
Digest Contributors
Frances Boyd - Member Volunteer
Virginia Chapel - Member Volunteer
Bill Hindman - Member Volunteer
Shauneen Hutchinson - Member Volunteer
Sue Schaffer - Feature reporter
Deb Stewart - Member Volunteer
Angel Oak principal, Dr. Michael Griggs, expressed the
school’s thanks. "Angel Oak Elementary School would like
to express our sincere appreciation for the generous donation
from Kiawah Cares to the Summer Reading Program for our
children. Because of your contribution, we will be able to stifle
summer reading loss, begin closing the achievement gaps, and
provide opportunities for our students to excel. Thank you for
your support and believing in this endeavor."
The Begin With Books program has been funded for an entire
12-month period for 855 Sea Island children from birth to
age five. KCF's donation will provide books for 300 of these
children. Begin With Books reaches children at the best time
to create a foundation for future literacy.
Combating summer reading loss, where literacy gains are lost
during the three-month school break, was a focus of immediate
importance as well. KCF was also able to fund the distribution
of Reading Partners' summer reading packs for 58 Sea Island
students. These packs are filled with age-appropriate books, a
reading journal, activity sheets and achievement rewards.
“Literacy is one of the most important aspects of childhood
education, one that drastically affects all other aspects of
potential learning,” said KICA’s Community Outreach Director
Tammy McAdory. “We’re so grateful to everyone who made a
gift to support these important programs and to improve the
lives of the young participants. When you make literacy your
legacy, everyone wins.”
For more information on the KCF, or to learn how you can
support our Sea Island neighbors, visit kiawah cares.org.
Staff Production Team
Doug Reynolds - Communications/Editor
Tammy McAdory - Executive Director
accurately and effectively communicate information to the
membership in a balanced and constructive manner.
Statement of Editorial Policy
KICA will endeavor to report significant island news as well
as informational topics, programs and events of interest to its
members. KICA may from time to time publish editorials in support
Digest Mission Statement
Kiawah Island Digest is an official communications tool of of its strategic objectives. Member suggestions on content should
be submitted by email to [email protected]
the Kiawah Island Community Association. Its mission is to