Tastes Around the World

Dear WOPB Members,

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What a fun year it has been!  Our events started with our gathering and meeting new members at the Wilson Lawn and Raquet Club in late September.  October brought the annual luncheon and announcement of our three charities at Moreland Landing. We had a small volunteer opportunity with Backpack Buddies in November where we helped pilot their new fresh food bag initiative.  We enjoyed various soups and Holiday cheer at a member’s home in Headwaters.  The Artists of the Bluff Studio tour in February was new this year and enjoyed by all who attended.  March brought us a unique book signing event at one of our member’s beautiful homes and we ended our social year with a stunning garden party at another wonderful member’s home in May.  Most importantly, our annual fundraising event at Coles, Tastes Around the World, was well attended and exceeded our expectations with the funds raised.

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We want to extend our gratitude to each one of you that helped us make Tastes Around the World successful.  Whether you volunteered your time, talent, donated money or to our silent or live auctions, or served as a dessert or appetizer Tastes Around the World contestant, all of you helped to make this event a big win for our charities!

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We are so thankful to have raised $200,000 at Tastes Around the World. Checks for $87,500 were presented to BackPack Buddies and the SC Nurse Retention Initiative.  $25,000 was presented to Save the Shutters.

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We would like to share some comments from each organization:

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“On behalf of BackPack Buddies of Greater Bluffton & Hardeeville, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation in support of our mission to impact the well-being of chronically hungry school children. Your continued support has enabled us to enhance our programs and reach additional food insecure families in the Bluffton and Hardeeville schools. With this year’s donation we will be able to continue and expand the newly piloted Produce Bag Program in the coming school year which the WOPB have helped us create and implement. We are excited about the positive changes this project will bring, and we are deeply appreciative of your commitment to our cause.”

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 “SCNRI is honored to receive the largest one-year grant in our history from the WOPB.  The funds will help us add 10-15 registered nurses in the Greater Bluffton area, each committed to a two-year retention period, strengthening healthcare and building lasting community ties.  To gain the support of such a large and caring group of women motivates us to continue our work.”

 

“Your generous support makes a meaningful difference in the lives of families in our local community. Because of you, many can remain in their homes—safe, secure, and with renewed hope. The funds you’ve provided go directly toward purchasing supplies and materials to repair homes that are in disrepair and pose unsafe or unhealthy living conditions. Your contribution is not just fixing houses—it's restoring dignity, comfort, and stability to the lives of those we serve.  Thank you for being a part of this mission.”  Save the Shutters

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 Thank you all for coming together to support the Women of Palmetto Bluff and our local community.

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 We look forward to another fun year of events starting this fall!

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Women of Palmetto Bluff Board of Directors, 

Wendy Peters, Amy Wagner, Stephanie Bell, Marcie Bowen, Leslie Butler, Kristin Campbell, Lorri Gill, Fran Howley, Amy Johnson, Missy McLaughlin and Pat Young