Meyer Center’s 25th Annual Holiday Luncheon raises over $473,000 to empower children with disabilities
December 11, 2024
The Meyer Center for Special Children celebrated the 25th anniversary of its Annual Holiday Luncheon & Silent Auction on December 5, 2024, at the Greenville Convention Center. Presented by United Community, the event raised a record-breaking $473,023 to support the organization’s transformative programs for children with special needs and their families.
Nearly 1,000 sponsors, guests, vendors, and volunteers came together, united by their commitment to the Meyer Center’s mission. A significant portion of the funds was raised through generous donations, including proceeds from a silent auction featuring unique items from local artists, private dinners with chefs, and more. These contributions will fund vital education and therapy services for the Meyer Center’s students throughout the 2024-25 school year, including individualized education plans, therapies, and nursing services.
WYFF news anchor Jane Robelot served as the emcee, guiding the audience through emotional stories shared by Meyer Center families. One of the highlights featured Reagin and Paul Foster, who spoke alongside their daughter Brooks, a Meyer Center student, reflecting on their family’s journey and the profound impact of the Center’s programs. United Community Bank’s President and Chief Banking Officer, Rich Bradshaw, hosted a panel with Beth Clements, who shared her youngest daughter’s journey with programs supporting young adults with intellectual disabilities. These stories, along with others, underscored the critical role early programs and support from the Meyer Center play in shaping long-term success.
The program also featured remarks from Executive Director Meta Hendricks, a special performance by Luke Duece, and recognized founding members of the Holiday Luncheon, Paulette Anderson, Janie Bridges, Marsha Elrod, and Kathy Higgins.
For those unable to attend, donations are still being accepted to continue supporting the Meyer Center’s critical programs. Visit the link below to make a contribution.
https://e.givesmart.com/s/:I09RVu2M44p/e/Dpw/d/donate/
The 26th Annual Meyer Center Holiday Luncheon is scheduled for December 2, 2025. If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities for next year’s event, please email [email protected] for more information. To learn more about the Meyer Center’s mission, programs, and events, visit www.meyercenter.org and follow @meyercenter.
About the Meyer Center for Special Children
Seventy years ago, Dr. Leslie Meyer founded the Meyer Center with a belief that every child, regardless of disabilities, could benefit from quality education and therapy services. Dr. Meyer’s vision carries through today, where students receive life-changing treatment through a curriculum focusing on social and emotional learning, daily living skills, music, dance, movement, group exercise and field trips – improving their quality of life, and their families’ quality of life. A South Carolina Public Charter School for students ages three and up, the Meyer Center is the only place in Upstate SC where young children with disabilities can receive all their special education and intensive therapies under one roof, allowing parents the flexibility to work or care for other family members. A place where children often make their first friends, learn to feed themselves and tie their own shoes, the Meyer Center celebrates the impact – both measurable and immeasurable – of 70 years of service to our state’s children with disabilities.
