Residents of Kiawah and Seabrook Islands recently formed a non-profit foundation, Beyond Our Gates (BOG) for the purpose of supporting the needs of underserved populations on Charleston’s sea islands. One of their first awards was to Edisto Island Youth Recreation.

In presenting the check at EIYR’s monthly meeting last year, Chairman Brian McDonagh said, “Many of the residents of Kiawah and Seabrook don’t live here full-time but ‘pass through’ the islands. One of our goals is to raise awareness of the needs of people who live and work on the islands.”

In its first year the Foundation has identified 16 non-profits as potential recipients. “We are a fund-raising organization whose goal is to support the groups who are doing the work,” McDonagh continued. The Foundation received numerous applications for grants from worthy organizations across its focus area of the five Charleston sea islands and ultimately awarded grants to 16 organizations.

“We are continuing the efforts of Mrs. Linda Gadson of Hollywood who worked tirelessly for decades as Executive Director of Rural Mission, and we’re dedicating these first awards to Mrs. Gadson.” Shaytee Gadson, Mrs. Gadson’s son, accompanied McDonagh in making the presentation.

In his closing remarks to EIYR members, McDonagh commented, “We’re confident that this is the start of a long and meaningful partnership!”

Edisto Island Youth Recreation was formed eight years ago by Jack DiLuna and Geno Middleton for the purpose of providing young people on Edisto and surrounding rural communities the same opportunities to participate in sports as afforded young people throughout the Charleston area. The all-volunteer group relies on donations and grants to provide everything the young people need to participate in a variety of sports. Currently, the group has 145 Greenbelt funded acres on Edisto Island and is actively working to raise funds for a Community Recreation Complex.

Visit their website Beyondourgates.org