MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (Feb. 19, 2016) – In keeping with the festival’s tradition of supporting local nonprofits, Carolina Children’s Charity (CCC) and Camp Rise Above (CRA) have been selected as the beneficiaries of the 29th Annual Town of Mount Pleasant Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival presented by East Cooper Medical Center and Harris Teeter.
Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Mount Pleasant residents are selected to receive the festival’s net proceeds, which are largely dependent upon event-day merchandise sales. Selected beneficiaries partner with the town in volunteer recruitment and management, playing a key role in the festival’s success.
“We are proud to support both of these wonderful nonprofits in their efforts to help children and families dealing with the difficult circumstances that accompany being diagnosed with life-changing illnesses,” said Special Events Planner Nicole Harvey.
Volunteers and local firefighters started CCC in 1987 to assist Lowcountry children with diagnosed birth defects and/or childhood diseases. It is their mission to ensure that special needs children in our community have access to items or services that are deemed medically beneficial or necessary by their doctor.
“Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful community event. We are appreciative and blessed,” said CCC Executive Director Sonya Beale. “All money raised here stays here and EVERY dollar will make a difference in the life of a Lowcountry child! Carolina Children’s Charity is proud of our presence in the community and thankful we can continue to be a resource for so many children.”
Founded in Mount Pleasant, CRA provides life-changing camp experiences to children with serious illnesses, disabilities, and challenges. Through hospital camp programs, summer camps, and more, CRA serves children by creating customized programs that teach campers to overcome obstacles and grow in their confidence and capabilities. CRA believes that all children deserve to experience the magic of camp regardless of medical status.
“We are absolutely thrilled and honored to be a beneficiary of this amazing event,” said CRA Executive Director Erin Marie Ulmer. “Our deep connection to the town of Mount Pleasant makes this support all the more special to us, and the support will make a huge difference for the hundreds of children we serve in the Lowcountry and from around the state.”
The Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival aims to promote local fishermen and honor Mount Pleasant’s seafood heritage, educate the public on the importance of supporting our local fishermen and buying wild-caught and local seafood (#justask), and to give back to our community by donating proceeds to nonprofits that support our residents.
On the last Sunday every April, local ministers bless the local fleet for a safe and bountiful season ahead. Each registered Shem Creek shrimping or fishing boat owner who participates in the blessing boat parade receives $500.
For more information, visit ComeOnOverMP.com, CarolinaChildren.org and CampRiseAbove.org.