The North Augusta Chamber of Commerce borrowed a page from matchmaking services to introduce business leaders to local nonprofit organizations.
“Mission in Minutes: Nonprofit Lightning Talks” mimicked speed dating, with more than a dozen South Carolina and Georgia nonprofit organizations given three minutes to pitch their program.
The missions of some of the organizations participating are well known, such as the Salvation Army of Augusta and the North Augusta Rotary Club. However, others, like the Order of Saint Helena and Public Education Partners, had the opportunity to share their message.
Speaking on behalf of Security Federal Bank, sponsor of the event, President and CEO Phillip Wahl said nonprofit organizations play a vital, and sometimes unrecognized role in the health of the community. That, he said, is where a community bank steps in.
“When families gain financial stability, our neighborhoods become stronger, and when nonprofits have the resources to fulfill their issues, more people receive the help they need,” he said. “North Augusta benefits from people who care enough to invest the time, energy, and resources here. We also recognize that a strong community needs more than a strong economy. It needs opportunities to learn, access to care, support during partnership, and places where people can connect. The nonprofit organizations represented here meet those needs every day.”
One of the first presentations came from a nonprofit that is on the frontline of a community’s most basic need, healthcare. Speaking for Christ Community Health Services Augusta, Elizabeth Merritt said they served more than 11,000 patients from Georgia and South Carolina.
“As most of us know, the world of healthcare is difficult to navigate, and a primary care doctor is hard to find, even if you do have good insurance,” she said. “We are now a primary care, pediatric, and dental home for thousands of people in the Augusta area. The goal is to make primary care affordable, and we do that with a sliding scale for those who need it, based on household size and income. Without Christ’s Community, many of our patients would seek care in emergency room settings if they got care at all.”
Part of the motivation for the event was to stimulate interest in the business community to get involved as volunteers.
Adeana Berry, the new executive director of the Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta, said volunteers play multiple roles in the success of the organization, which preserves the history of North Augusta.
“I don’t know how this place runs without volunteers. It honestly does not,” she began. “We’re open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at our front desk and our gift shop. Our volunteers also help us with our receptions, setting up receptions, painting, art, the history, and giving tours. They’re very valuable, and I’m always looking for more. This space is about community, connecting people, and celebrating our groups and creating opportunities for future generations.”
Speakers included Terra Carroll, who viewed the opportunities through two lenses. First, as president of the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce, serving businesses across the region. But also as president of the Augusta Lions Club, working within the community.
“Vision is at the heart of Lion Servants,” she explained. “Our club does vision screenings to help identify potential vision problems and encourage follow-up care for our citizens. We collect used glasses for recycling programs that help people access glasses.”
Carroll added that the club is also at the heart of some popular activities.
“You’ll find North Augusta Lions at North Augusta High School football games. Many of you also know us through the North Augusta Lions Christmas Parade. Our club brings businesses, schools, churches, and community groups together for this holiday tradition. Behind the floats and festive music are volunteers planning, organizing, and doing the parade run. We love giving families a reason to gather and celebrate,” she said.
Attendees were provided with contact information for the nonprofit organizations to help business leaders find a mission to support.
