By Rick Abercrombie
Town of Irmo Mayor Bill Danelson spoke September 5 to the Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo. Danielson’s purpose was to introduce a new benevolent cause: The Mayor’s Uplift Initiative.
Recognizing the presence of poverty and hunger in the community, an anonymous donor recently approached Danielson with the offer of $5,000 to serve as seed money to challenge other business owners who also felt the urge to be of assistance.
Danielson reported that within the first six weeks of the project, area businesses pledged $72,000.
Rather than undergo the process of establishing a dedicated 501(c)(3), the implementation will be handled through the Irmo Police Foundation, which has already qualified for that designation. IPD uses its funding for programs such as Shop with a Cop where families receive food assistance, school supplies, and other needed items.
There is no administrative cost for the initiative, so in Danielson’s description, all dollars go “back to the people” who need them. Police and/or social workers will establish the qualification criteria, so all recipients will be vetted.
Because of the early fundraising results, Danileson’s vision is to set a $100,000 annual goal and to establish the initiative as a community tradition.
Pictured with Danielson is Optimist Club President Gary Boyd.
