Regional Mayors Forum Urges Public to Donate to S.C. Flood Relief Fund at Central Carolina Community Foundation to Address Long-Term Needs

MEDIA ADVISORY

Regional Mayors Forum Urges Public to Donate to S.C. Flood Relief Fund at Central Carolina Community Foundation to Address Long-Term Needs

100% of donations go directly to local, non-profit organizations providing flood relief in Midlands

WHAT: The Regional Mayors Forum – a collaborative of all mayors in Richland and Lexington Counties, as well as mayors from Sumter and Camden, S.C. – will urge the public to donate to the S.C. Flood Relief Fund at Central Carolina Community Foundation, where 100% of donations go directly to local, non-profit organizations providing flood relief in Midlands. To make a donation, visit www.yourfoundation.org/SCFloodRelief.              

NEW: Mayor Steve Benjamin will announce news regarding the fund in his closing remarks.  

WHEN:  Thursday, October 29, 2015, 3:00 p.m.

WHERE: Coble Plaza at Riverfront Park, under the gazebo by the canal breach. 211 Gervais St., Columbia, S.C. 29201. Free parking in S.C. State Museum parking lot or garage.

WHY: Many communities and individuals in the Midlands are still in severe crisis due to the massive, 1,000-year flood of early October 2015. Based on knowledge shared by leaders in Nashville (2010 flood) and Bismarck, ND (2011 flood), it may be years before the region recovers. For over 30 years- the Central Carolina Community Foundation has been the trusted vehicle for philanthropy in the Midlands, connecting donors with areas of need every day. With the S.C. Flood Relief Fund, the Foundation is using its expertise to be the conduit for donations to help flood victims over the long term. Central Carolina Community Foundation’s partnership with the Regional Mayors Forum will increase the Foundation’s understanding of community needs, since the mayors will be able to provide critical information from constituents and help the Foundation deploy funds for long-term rebuilding.  

WHO: Speakers: Steve Benjamin, Mayor of the City of Columbia; Elise Partin, Mayor of the City of Cayce; and JoAnn Turnquist, President & CEO of Central Carolina Community Foundation and Curtis Rye, Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Forest Acres. Also in attendance: Michael Bishop, Mayor of the Town of Springdale; David Busby, Mayor of the Town of Pine Ridge; Johnny Jeffcoat, Chairman of Lexington County Council; Joe Owens, Mayor of the City of West Columbia; Michael Ross, Mayor of the Town of Blythewood; other members of the Regional Mayors Forum; and regional dignitaries. The Regional Mayors Forum is a collaborative of all mayors in Richland and Lexington Counties, as well as mayors from Sumter and Camden, S.C. Started six years ago by the Mayor of the City of Columbia, the Forum has focused on relationship building and communication. Understanding that we are one region, the Mayors have now taken the group to a more formal level by working with EngenuitySC to focus on collaborative actions that enhance each of our cities and lead to a stronger, more competitive and prosperous Midlands.

Media Contact: Tracie Broom, Flock and Rally, 415.235.5718, [email protected]

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