United Way opens new headquarters and community center
September 28, 2016
United Way of the Midlands, along with hundreds of community members and supporters, celebrated its new location and the grand opening of its Community Innovation Center located at 1818 Blanding Street in downtown Columbia at the organization’s ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, September 27.
With 5,500 square feet of new meeting space, the Community Innovation Center will increase United Way’s ability to serve as a hub for organizations throughout the Midlands.
“We are excited to open our new location to the community we have served for more than 90 years,” said Mac Bennett, United Way president and CEO. “Our new home is much more than a new building. It is a community asset and long-term investment in our ability to continue to partner with the Midlands community to create opportunities for a better life for everyone.”
Assistant Vice President of Human Resources and Treasury at BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, David Cote, Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin, and United Way Board Chair and Wells Fargo Senior VP and Midlands Market President, Holt Chetwood, gave remarks.
“I am thrilled to be a part of this new chapter that will enable United Way to become an even greater resource to the Midlands for years to come,” said Chetwood. “We especially want to thank the generous capital campaign donors whose gifts will leave a lasting impact.”
The Community Innovation Center was made possible by a $1 million lead donation by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. Other corporate contributors include AgFirst Farm Credit Bank, BB&T, Colliers International, Colonial Life, Debbie and Steve Hamm, Enterprise Holdings, Lex and Cathy Knox, Lexington Medical Center, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP, Nord Family Foundation, SCANA, Shaw Industries, Southeastern Freight Lines, Palmetto Health, TD Bank, and Wells Fargo.
