The Bank donates $1 million dollars to the Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park

The venue’s opening day was celebrated with a transformative gift presentation to assist island preservation efforts.

 Moon King Entertainment Group, The Bank, and the Island Legacy Fund announced a $1 million dollar transformative gift committed to Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park on June 6, at 10 a.m. as part of the venue’s ribbon cutting ceremony.

Ahmad Ward, Executive Director of Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park; Brenda Watterson; and Billy Watterson, CEO Watterson Brands and Moon King Entertainment Group.

The Bank, along with Moon King Entertainment Group and the Watterson Family Foundation, has created the Island Legacy Fund at the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry to focus on Hilton Head Island housing, childcare and preservation initiatives. Specifically, a portion of every transaction completed at The Bank will go into the Island Legacy Fund.

“We believe wholeheartedly in giving back to this community, where we live and work. By establishing the Island Legacy Fund at the Community Foundation, patrons of The Bank and the community at large, will have the opportunity to contribute to the fund and continue a meaningful circle of giving to current and future residents, as well as embolden the sustainability of Hilton Head Island,” said Billy Watterson, CEO of Watterson Brands.  

With no other site serving as such a template or illuminating the authentic story of the place where freedom began for America’s Black citizens, Historic Mitchelville is uniquely positioned to broaden the awareness and recognition of its rich story. Current funding is supporting the creation of Ghosted Structures representing the historic homes, a Church reflection area that also highlights a 4000-year-old indigenous imprint and a Classroom / Archaeological Lab building that will support education programs and excavations on site for the foreseeable future.

“This gift from The Bank and the Island Legacy Fund is transformative to the Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park project. The funds will enable us to move ever closer to building the full Park site and sharing the unique story of Mitchelville with people in and outside of the Lowcountry. Heartfelt thanks to Watterson Brands and the Moon King Entertainment group for their generosity,” said Ahmad Ward, executive director of the Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park.

The Bank is a 72,000 square-foot brewery, beer garden and restaurant complex that includes indoor and outdoor seating, Side Hustle Brewing Company craft brews on tap, outdoor activities including a family zone and live entertainment, a merchandise shop, four new dining options: Mo’ Money Tacos, Bank Heist Burgers, All About the Benjamins Seafood, and Dollar Billy’s Ice Cream & Treats food trucks in addition to Pizza Co.’s second location. The Bank is open seven days a week, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

About Island Legacy Fund

As active members of this community, The Bank partners are committed to giving back.

Hyper aware of the challenges our local workforce faces with affordable housing and childcare, The Bank is proud to provide our full-time employees with a monthly stipend to help supplement those costs. In addition to these efforts, a portion of every transaction made at The Bank will be allocated to the newly established Island Legacy Fund. Held at the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, the Island Legacy Fund supports local programs that address affordable housing, childcare, and native land/home preservation on Hilton Head Island. We hope you’ll join us in giving to this fund. Together we can make a difference.

About Moon King Entertainment Group

Moon King Entertainment Group is a diverse collection of thoughtfully curated experiential venues that celebrate local history, culture, cuisine, live entertainment, and a sense of place. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook.