Community Fund Initiatives Make a Difference

By Jimmy Bailey, Vice President – Community Services, Daniel Island Property Owners Assocation

When you’re in the community management business, conflict resolution is often part of your daily routine. Admittedly, this type of work can be trying. That’s why working with the Daniel Island Community Fund (DICF) is one of the more rewarding aspects of my job. There are legitimate differences on many of the issues that cross my desk, but feeding the hungry, supporting our local public safety personnel, and improving the quality of life on Daniel Island by providing social and cultural programming are all initiatives that have near universal support. Consider these recent initiatives that have made a difference in our community:

Last year, the DICF made a $100,000 pledge to the Lowcountry Food Bank. These funds are being allocated to our geographic service area (Daniel Island and the Cainhoy Peninsula). Within three years, the food bank hopes to eliminate “chronic hunger” in our neighboring community.

Another exciting DICF effort has been our “52 Weeks of Thanks” initiative. Individuals, businesses, clubs and a number of other groups have “adopted” the Daniel Island Fire Station for a week. Beginning in June of 2008, 52 straight weeks were filled by volunteers hoping to express in their own way the appreciation they share for our emergency service providers.

DICF funding has also made it possible to provide a variety of social and cultural events that make the quality of life on Daniel Island second to none. An example is the free Charleston Symphony Orchestra concert in Smythe Park each Spring. Not only does our community come together for a spectacular night of community spirit and beautiful music; we provide much needed support to an arts organization within our greater community.

These are just some of the initiatives that make DICF involvement a fulfilling part of my job and an integral part of the community. In the last four years, the DICF has provided more than $2 Million for the betterment of our community, and has become a quiet leader in the Charleston nonprofit arena.