Growing up, my family always celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday at Nana’s house, where there was one tradition along with “Katie’s corn” and bowls of olives, freshly made cranberry sauce, and my great-aunt’s orange slice cookies. Before filling our plates from a grandiose buffet, my family would circle up in the living room, and each member individually vocalized what they were grateful for that year.
Looking back, it’s funny how we habitually expressed our gratitude. Like clockwork, we almost always expressed thanks for the same things: food on the table, the presence and support of friends and family, a roof over our heads, our jobs, education, opportunities, and time shared together. So often, we are shortsighted in our gratitude to ourselves and our privileges, rarely noting the blessings bestowed upon our communities.
Each year, the Charitable Giving Awards, presented in partnership with the Community Foundation of Greenville and TOWN Magazine, makes a point to publicly recognize and express gratitude to organizations and individuals who bestow blessings upon Upstate communities. Along with the annual awards ceremony, we honor the seven award recipients in the feature of this issue.
The award recipients’ profiles and service work are a reminder that many lack access to health and family, shelter and security, wealth, and livelihood. Sometimes it takes the work of an individual, community, or organization to uplift others into healthy, prosperous, and fulfilling lives. And that here in the Upstate, we are blessed with individuals and organizations who make it their mission to develop healthy and thriving communities.
In recognizing the work of the Charitable Giving Awards recipients, we also highlight givers throughout the Upstate and region, such as Regis and Kahran Bethencourt, who empower Black youth through stunning photographic art. Also giving the gift of recognition, the new International African American Museum in Charleston curates a passage bearing witness to histories that, in many ways, resonates still today.
Throughout these pages you’ll read inspiring stories of people recognizing and uplifting others, but there’s also fun to be had. Our fashion editor, Ashley Brister, has picked fabulous outfits for men to sport this holiday season. Our travel writer, Stephanie Burnette, has curated an adventurous pup-friendly day trip to Flat Rock, North Carolina. And let’s not forget that this month is Open Studios—writer Sarah Bonnette highlights some of the artists opening their studios, and provides tips for attending the annual event.
As we count our blessings within our personal lives this season, we’re extending our recognition to the philanthropists, organizations, and individuals who make the Upstate a vibrant, dynamic, and thriving community. Although the size of TOWN magazine may be a but smaller, its content will remain the same, brimming with the beautiful bounty of this region.
