Lowcountry Forever: McConnell Foundation & Carolina Children’s Charity – Aug. 25, 2024

SEGMENT #1: The McConnell Foundation
GUEST: Josh and Jen McConnell, Founders/Directors
ISSUE: Children’s Health Services
When their son was less than 2 years old, Jen and Josh McConnell were told he has cancer. Treated at the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, Bohdi was treated and cured. It motivated the couple to create the McConnell Foundation as a way of giving back, raising money for Pediatric Cancer Research done at the Children’s Hospital.  Jen and Josh shared their story and discussed “Shining Stars: A Hollywood Gala.” The Sept. 14 event is being held to raise money to continue the cancer research. The McConnell’s shared details on the Gala and spoke of the importance they feel in giving back to the hospital that saved their son’s life.

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SEGMENT #2: Carolina Children’s Charity
GUEST: Sonya Beale, Executive Director
ISSUE: Children’s Health & Human Services
Established in 1987, the Carolina Children’s Charity serves Children under 18 in Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton and Dorchester Counties. Executive Director Sonya Beale explained how the Charity began and the services they provide to Lowcountry families. The Charity has provided $4.7 million dollars in services yet receives no government funding.  The Charity hosts 4 major fundraising events, including Care, Give, Run their annual 5K on Sept. 21. Beale provided information on the event, including the activities that day, how people can register and provided examples of how of the funds raised that day would be used.