Local fair nets hefty sum for charities, scholarships

If you were one of the hundreds of thousands of people who attended last year's Coastal Carolina Fair, pat yourself on the back.

More than a half-million dollars was raised from the fair, hosted annually by the Exchange Club of Charleston, and the proceeds went to local charities and scholarship funds.

"The money spent at our fair goes right back to the local community," Rick Lowndes, president of the local club, said Thursday when the club presented 65 checks to area charities at a luncheon held at The Citadel Alumni Complex.

The American Lung Association's Camp Puff 'n Stuff received money to provide dormitory space and meals for campers at the College of Charleston. The overnight summer camp is held annually in late June for children with asthma.

"This is a big help," said Rebecca Downs, development/program coordinator of the association.

Communities in Schools of Charleston plans to use its grant money to furnish its new mentoring and parenting conference room at the group's offices on East Bay street.

"The Exchange Club has always been so gracious to the community," Communities in Schools executive director Jane Riley said.

The club does not disclose the amount of any individual grant.

Other organizations receiving funding included: the American Cancer Society, to build a garden at its Hope Lodge for cancer patients and their families; Hospice of Charleston, to replace 14 outdated laptop computers that patients use at their bedsides; and Metanoia Freedom School, to purchase computers, software and a printer for a computer lab used by middle school students in the Youth Entrepreneurship Program.

Reach Tenisha Waldo at 937-5744 or twaldo@postand courier.com.