Bill Stevens has long believed in the power and importance of giving back to the community. When he moved to Daniel Island from Cincinnati in 2003, that belief helped guide him as he and his wife Ann integrated into their new hometown.

“Giving back allows you to learn so much more about your community than you would if you didn’t reach out beyond your personal circle of friends,” Bill says. “And it ultimately instills a culture of service that results in better individuals and better communities.”

You’ll find Bill’s name associated with a growing number of initiatives on Daniel Island that are doing great things for some of Charleston’s most important charitable organizations.

The Charleston Duck Race - One of Daniel Island's biggest charitable events.

As a board member of the Rotary Club of Daniel Island, Bill has been instrumental in growing the Club’s signature event, the Charleston Duck Race, into one of the area’s most successful fundraising events. The premise is simple: Rubber ducks are made available for “adoption” at a suggested donation of $10 a piece. On the day of the race, 30,000 ducks are dropped off a bridge high above the Wando River, where they “race” to the finish line at Daniel Island’s community pier and Waterfront Park. The owners of the first 30 ducks to cross the finish line win cash and other prizes. But the real winners are the charities that benefit from the proceeds of this unique event. Last year, more than $70,000 was raised for five local non-profit organizations, and the event was recently recognized as the best rotary project worldwide by Rotary International.

“The race is really a fun, family-focused event that offers an opportunity for folks to enjoy food and entertainment on the banks of the Wando River while cheering on their adopted ducks and contributing to a variety of great causes,” says Bill. One hundred percent of proceeds from this year’s event will benefit 12 local non-profits.

Bill also serves on the board of the Daniel Island Community Fund, a 501(c)4 organization that is funded by a “community enhancement fee” on island real estate transactions to provide resources for civic and cultural programs on Daniel Island and in neighboring communities that are in need. In this role, he serves on the resident-led grants committee, which reviews all funding requests. Since 2003, more than $2 million in grants have been awarded to organizations like the local chapter of the American Red Cross, the Lowcountry Food Bank, Junior Achievement and many others. It also funds an annual scholarship program that sends gifted students from both Daniel Island and the neighborhing Cainhoy community to Daniel Island’s esteemed Bishop England High School.

One of the first recipients of the Daniel Isalnd Community Fund's Bishop England High School Scholarship.

“Bill Stevens is not just an asset to Daniel Island, but to the entire Charleston area,” says Jimmy Bailey, Vice President of Community Services at Daniel Island’s Property Owners Association. “His dedication is matched by tremendous wisdom and intellect.  Not only has he become a community leader, but I personally look to him as a mentor.”

When he’s not helping make the community a better place, Bill enjoys traveling to spend time with his wife, four children and six (and counting) grandchildren. And, of course, spending time enjoying golf and the many benefits of living on Daniel Island.

“We like that Daniel Island is primarily home to full-time residents who are active members of the community,” says Bill. “Truly, the best part about living here has been getting to know the unique group of folks who have made this community their home.”

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.