South Carolina Celebrates the Angels of 2024
On a sunny Wednesday morning, the city of Columbia was buzzing with excitement as Secretary of State Mark Hammond unveiled the much-anticipated Angels of 2024. Hosted at the Edgar Brown Building within the Capitol Complex, this annual ceremony honored ten selected charities that have made a significant positive impact on communities across the state. With abundant sunshine pouring in and a mild breeze accompanying the gathering, it was a perfect day to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of these nonprofit organizations.
A Salute to Charity
As the ceremony commenced, Secretary Hammond expressed his enthusiasm for the event. He shared, “Each year, I look forward to recognizing ‘Angel’ charities that positively impact our Great State.” His warm words resonated with the audience, made up of representatives from the honored charities and community members. “Charitable organizations do so much for our communities, and I always enjoy meeting the nonprofit leaders who work so selflessly to help others,” he added.
The selected Angels exemplify the heartfelt work being done within South Carolina. They were recognized not just for their service, but for their wise management of resources as well. The charities honored during the ceremony, noted for the percentage of their expenditures dedicated to their respective program services, include:
- Cliffs Residents Outreach, Inc., Travelers Rest, SC – 93.2%
- Habitat for Humanity of Horry County, Inc., Myrtle Beach, SC – 83.7%
- Keepin’ It Real Ministries, Columbia, SC – 95.4%
- Laurens County SAFE Home, Laurens, SC – 81.2%
- Mary Sunshine House, Central, SC – 82.6%
- Neighbors Together, Inc., North Charleston, SC – 83.3%
- PlaySafe, Anderson, SC – 82.2%
- PS I Love You Ministries, Spartanburg, SC – 94.3%
- Sea Turtle Patrol Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, SC – 95.9%
- The Mary Ann Morris Animal Society (MAMAS), Bamberg, SC – 99.3%
The Selection Process
These deserving charities went through a thorough selection process based on their annual financial reports submitted to the Secretary of State’s Office and public nominations. To qualify as an Angel, a charity must meet specific criteria, including dedicating at least 80% of its total expenditures to charitable programs and being in existence for three or more years.
Secretary Hammond highlighted the importance of these charities as a reflection of the diverse needs within South Carolina. “The 2024 Angels exemplify the diverse needs and passions of people from all over South Carolina,” he remarked. His hope is that this recognition will inspire others to engage with charities, whether through donations or volunteering.
Resources for Donors
To encourage wise charitable giving, Secretary Hammond’s office introduced tools like the Give Smart SC app. This free resource is available for download via the App Store and Google Play and enables potential donors to verify if a charity is registered to solicit in South Carolina. Users can easily research charities regarding their financial health, including total revenue, program expenses, and fundraising costs.
For those curious about charity operations or who have concerns about organizations, a confidential complaint can be filed through the app or the Secretary of State’s website.
Final Thoughts
As the ceremony came to a close, Secretary Hammond emphasized the value of community support. “I am grateful to have the opportunity to recognize these wonderful organizations today,” he said. “I hope that everyone will see them as models for how we can work together to better our communities. As always, remember to give from the heart, but please give smart.” The celebration mirrored the vibrant spirit of South Carolina, showcasing how a united community can foster significant change and uplift those in need.
