Children’s Charities of the Midlands awards $140,000 to local children’s programs

Children’s Charities of the Midlands, in conjunction with the ChippenWhales Plunge Team and partners, has presented $140,000 to local organizations helping children. The funds are the result of their 2025 fundraising efforts, demonstrating their commitment to supporting the community and aiding local children in need.

Funds are raised throughout the year during several events: the Lake Carolina Polar Plunge in January, community 5ks in each season, a corn hole tournament in the Spring, a golf tournament in the fall, and the Lake Carolina Oyster Roast and Wine Tasting events. A bowling tournament in July will be a new addition for the 2026 fundraising year.

“We are thrilled to have continued to increase our total amount of funds raised each year,” said Gary Matthews, founding member of the ChippenWhales and charity volunteer CEO. “The beneficiaries are all dedicated to helping children right here in the midlands, and we love knowing the impact our donations make.” This year, three new beneficiaries will be added to the list, making it 21 nonprofit beneficiary programs in total.

The donations were presented April 7 at the South Carolina State House with Lt. Governor Pamela Evette providing words of encouragement to all the people that dedicate their lives in working these programs to help children in need.

This year’s recipients include: Prisma Health Midlands Foundation (Children’s Hospital Champion Society Program); Family Connection of SC; Unumb Center for Neurodevelopment; Epworth Home; Limitless Purpose; JDRF; Ram Foundation; Family Promise; Victoria’s Place; Game Changers at Rivers Edge Retreat; Beta Chi Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma (Social Action & Scholarship Program); Camp Discovery; Hydrocephalus Association of SC; SC Youth Advocate Program; Homeless No More; Dickerson Children’s Advocacy Center; Screaming Eagles Special Needs Athletics; Camp Cole; Therapy Place; Communities in School; and Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas.

Children’s Charities of the Midlands

Children’s Charities of the Midlands is a nonprofit organization founded in Lake Carolina (Northeast Columbia) in 2000 that focuses on bettering the health, education, inclusiveness, and general welfare of children in need. All proceeds fundraised at Children’s Charities of the Midlands events benefit selected causes with no portion being withheld to fund administrative costs of the organization. They are a 100% volunteer charitable organization.

For more information, visit www.CCMidlands.com or contact Gary Matthews at [email protected].