Getting Involved With Our Community & Nonprofits

Written By Tibby Fielding

At our core, ADVYON’s mission was created to help other nonprofits with technology needs. The name ADVYON was founded from combining the words Advice + Beyond. Today, we have broadened our market and services to support all business models. Rooted in our core mission, we continue to support our partners and community while growing and building a better tomorrow.

This month we are highlighting some of our nonprofit community partners and their upcoming events. We hope you will join us and get involved.

The Dorchester Habitat for Humanity is shining a light on how poverty affects working women with “Little Black Dress Week.” This fundraiser runs from September 12-16th and supports the mission of Dorchester Habitat to provide affordable housing and break women out of poverty. Participants in the fundraiser will utilize Facebook to bring awareness and raise funds for the cause. ADVYON’s employees are participating in this fundraiser to support our community and client’s mission. Each day of the week, Little Black Dress Agents will wear the same black dress to illustrate how many women do not have money for a working wardrobe because most of their savings go towards food, shelter and basic necessities. It’s hard to make the same dress look different every day. But it’s much harder to choose between paying rent or medical bills. No one should have to make that choice.

Poverty can look different for everyone and sometimes it looks like wearing the same professional dress every day. The average hourly wage for renters in SC is $13.52 (SC Housing Needs Assessment 2021). While the hourly wage needed to afford fair market rent is $17.30. We are raising money for women who are working with limited resources. These women must choose between paying rent, paying utilities, buying food or buying a working wardrobe. This is not just a week for wearing a black dress; it’s about harnessing the power of community to make a difference.

On October 3, Dorchester Children’s Center host’s the 2nd Annual Children In Crisis Golf Tournament at the Berkeley Country Club. Children in Crisis provides a coordinated multi-disciplinary response to child abuse that reduces trauma and provides evidence-based treatment for children suffering from abuse and neglect. Dorchester Children’s Advocacy Center invites you to support their mission and register for the golf tournament. Registration starts at 12 PM and the first tee off is at 1PM. Multi-level sponsorships are available as well. For tickets and sponsorships click here. Your participation will directly benefit children in our community.

The Edisto Blackwater Boogie is a festival all about celebrating the Edisto River. Funds raised from the Boogie support the beautiful Givhans Ferry State Park so we can preserve the Edisto for future generations.

The Boogie has plenty of ways to enjoy the Edisto from outdoor activities and performances by local musicians, food and drink trucks, kid-friendly activities, and more! Activities include a songwriter showcase on Friday evening, bonfire jam sessions, guided tours, and musical performances throughout the weekend through Sunday Brunch. Food and drink trucks will be on-site as well as artisan vendors.

The Edisto Blackwater Boogie is a weekend-long event taking place from October 7th to the 9th, 2022. Camping is encouraged! Immerse yourself in the experience by camping out under the stars. Camper sites are available from Givhans Ferry State Park and offsite camping is also available. Get your tickets here!

Dorchester Seniors, Inc. annual fundraiser, BBQ In The ‘Ville, will be on Saturday,  October 15 from 4:00- 7:00 PM hosted by Rob Fowler, NBC News 2 @ The Dorchester Boat Club. Admission is free and proceeds from the fundraiser will support the programs, services and activities provided by Dorchester Seniors. The event will include food, raffles, games, drinks, music, s’mores etc.

Dorchester Seniors empowers people to achieve their highest quality of life and enhance their educational, mental, social and spiritual wellbeing. Some of the activities this fundraiser will support are meal delivery services, arts and crafts, cards, games, education, fitness and wellness and more!

Over 10 years ago, Buddy Sirisky with the Charleston Elks Lodge 242, started the annual golf tournament to support the South Carolina Alzheimer’s Association. Since Buddy’s passing, his family and close friends have continued to sponsor this event. The Charleston Elks Lodge is asking for support in fighting Alzheimer’s Disease. With the help of golfers, friends, and volunteers, they have continued to raise money each year by sponsoring this golf tournament.

The 14th Annual Buddy Sirisky Memorial Alzheimer’s Charity Golf Tournament takes place on October 14th at The Golf Club at Wescott Plantation. Check-in runs from 8:00 AM-9:00 AM. There are a variety of sponsorship levels and ways to get involved throughout the day. If you are interested in this event please visit the website and register by October 7th.

Expanding the Table is a hot kitchen on wheels that provides free meals in the Summerville, SC area on Friday and Saturday evenings. In 2013, Ashley Ridge Church began its mission to feed those in need filling in the gaps from other organizations with the same goal. They purchased and outfitted an old coffee truck and transformed it. Currently, the truck serves approximately 140 meals per week on Fridays and Saturdays with the goal of expanding to more dates and locations to better serve those in need.

The volunteers lovingly serve a free, nutritious, hot meal and look to develop deeper relationships with those in the community. As Expanding the Table gets to know the guests, they learn more about their story, their needs, and work to connect them with numerous other resources within the community.

In partnership with Expanding the Table, ADVYON is working to redesign their website. In the meantime, if you are interested in volunteering with Expanding the Table you can sign up here.

We look forward to sharing more about our nonprofits and events with you!