East Cooper Community Outreach raises over $220,000 at Golf & Gala Fundraisers
July 17, 2019
East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO) held its annual fundraising charity golf tournament and “A Night to Shine” gala at the Daniel Island Club in Charleston, South Carolina. Over $220,000 in donations was raised to directly support ECCO’s mission to provide safety-net services to their low-income neighbors, while empowering them to create a better future for themselves, their families, and the community.
Founded in 1989 as an emergency relief effort after the devastation from Hurricane Hugo, ECCO has since grown into a permanent resource for the community in need with three main programs areas: Basic Needs, Health Services, and Empowerment. ECCO assists those in need by providing food, clothing, financial assistance, dental and medical services, prescription assistance, financial literacy training, and other educational programs.
The charity golf tournament was held on April 22nd, 2019 with a shotgun start on both of Daniel Island’s nationally ranked private courses – Beresford Creek and Ralston Creek. Over 150 golfers participated in the event, with over $61,000 in donations being raised.
Event chair Jason Hessberg and a committee of local supporters hosted the traditional Captain’s Choice tournament with opportunities for golfers to win prizes on each course, including hole-in-one prizes from Lexus of Charleston. Guests included supporters such as presenting sponsor NUCOR Steel Berkeley, Demolition Environmental Company (DECO), BB&T, Southern Eagle, Charleston Regional Business Journal and more.
“The ECCO golf outing continues to grow as an outstanding networking opportunity where community-minded business leaders golf for a cause, while enjoying the exquisite courses at the Daniel Island Club,” said ECCO Executive Director, Stephanie Kelley.
The “A Night to Shine” gala was held on May 17th, 2019 with over 270 guests in attendance. Guests included City of Charleston mayor John Tecklenburg and leaders from local supporters such as presenting sponsor Medical University of South Carolina, Mercedes-Benz of Mount Pleasant, Wellmore of Daniel Island, Mount Pleasant Collision, Daniel Island Real Estate, Eventworks and more. Gala leadership included Michael Getz as chair and a committee of 18 local supporters.
This year’s gala celebrated ECCO’s 30th anniversary of serving the East Cooper community. The evening began with cocktails and bidding for silent auction prizes, followed by a program with a missional testimony from a former ECCO client, live auction, and special appeal. The night concluded with special entertainment by Spiritually Yours and a toast to another 30 years of service. Over $190,000 in donations were raised.
“It is an honor to work with people who are so deeply committed to ensuring ECCO continues to be a force for good in our community,” said Kelley.
About ECCO
Founded in 1989 as an emergency relief effort after the devastation from Hurricane Hugo, East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO) strives to eliminate poverty in the East Cooper region by offering programs in three main areas: Basic Needs, Health Services, and Empowerment. More than 4,500 families a year receive emergency assistance for food, clothing, household furnishings and financial aid, and have access to dental care, medical care, prescription assistance, and educational opportunities like financial literacy classes, computer skills training, job readiness workshops, and counseling. These services are all enhanced through personal interaction with staff who provide individualized support for each client, ongoing case management, and emphasize accountability and achievement.
