Wade Hampton Golf Club honored several nonprofits in the Cashiers area at a reception for their Donor Advised Fund, Thursday evening, Aug. 29.
The golf club gave $350,000 in grants to the 26 local nonprofits and groups this past year. It was their largest to date, according to Stacy McIntosh, community administrator with the country club.
McIntosh said the Wade Hampton has given more than $2.5 million total to nonprofits in the 13 years they’ve run the Donor Advised Fund.
Furthermore, she said the event – which saw dozens of local nonprofit representatives and community members crowding around the massive clubhouse banquet area – was simply a good time for people.
“It’s been wonderful,” she said after the close of the ceremony. “It’s part of why we love hosting this event. We love to recognize organizations, and it gives the organizations a chance to interact with each other. They all have a philanthropic mission on the Plateau. This gives them an opportunity to catch up with one another.”
In particular, David Stroud of the Highlands-Cashiers Humane Society was awarded the annual “Community Leadership Award,” which McIntosh said goes to “one outstanding individual.” She said the Humane Society got an additional $500,000 awarded because of that.
Stroud said he was proud to have gotten the award.
“Being in the room at Wade Hampton with 25 other nonprofits is always one of the most humbling evenings of the year for me,” he said. “I am in awe of the amazing services each one of those very worthy causes provides on the plateau. To be recognized as the recipient of the 2024 Wade Hampton Golf Club Community Leadership Award is even more humbling. I am honored and grateful for the support from Wade Hampton that helps make it possible for us to continue our lifesaving mission for the animals in our community.”
Catherine Maddock, president of the Friends of the Library, said the money awarded to that group will go toward purchasing eBooks for the library.
“We are surprised and absolutely delighted by the Wade Hampton caring for us,” she said.
Julie Schott, Development Director with the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, which was also among the beneficiaries of the Wade Hampton’s charity, said the golf club was “incredibly generous.”
“We could not do everything we do without their generosity and support,” she said, adding that they helped many businesses in the area.