The secret to living is giving.
Close friends Pam Hartley (Momentum Founder) and Michelle Scarafile began The Charleston Basket Brigade (A non-profit 501-3C) in 2008 with a commitment to bring the community together to provide Thanksgiving meals for families in need in Charleston, SC. “When we found out that there were children going to bed hungry right here in Charleston, we knew we had to do something about it,” said Hartley.
The Basket Brigade concept was inspired by Anthony Robbins, whose foundation feeds more than two million each year. In the first year, the duo fed 75 families. In 2009, they recruited more volunteers and the effort raised over $12,900 to feed 430 families. In 2010, the effort more than tripled raising $48,840 and feeding 1628 families at Thanksgiving. In 2011, $75,000 was raised and 2,506 families were fed, exceeding the non-profit’s goal. 2012 was monumental, with 3350 families receiving a meal from the organization. In 2013, the group fed over 3050 families and in 2014 fed over 3350 families. Overall, with the help of thousands of volunteers and donors, the group has raised $438,000 and fed over 87,000 people in the Lowcountry.
Hartley and Scarafile met in 2006 during a leadership seminar held by Robbins and became fast friends. In 2008, Scarafile brought the idea to create a basket brigade to Hartley and they both quickly got into action. “I knew that Pam and I could really make a difference here in Charleston. When the recession hit, we knew that so many were impacted here locally,” Scarafile said.
This fundraiser would not be possible without the commitment of Carolina One Real Estate, Communities In Schools, BI-LO, Momentum Marketing and many caring friends, families and community members. “It only takes $30 to feed a family of 6-8 at Thanksgiving and we get donations from many sources, including friends and family members that live out of state,” Scarafile said. “$30 goes a long way.”
The $30 meal includes a 10-12 lb. turkey, stuffing, potatoes, gravy, corn, green beans, sweet potatoes with marshmallows, cranberry sauce, a pumpkin pie, fresh rolls and butter. Each family receives an anonymous letter inside the basket that only states “This comes to you from someone who cares about you. All we ask is that you take care of yourself well enough to be able to do this for someone else one day.”
Since 2011, The Charleston Area Convention Center has donated 25,000 sq. ft. of space for meal assembly for the group. In 2013 and 2014, new grocery store partner BI-LO donated food discounts and the shipping of semi-trucks full of groceries to Charleston for assembly day. “Thanks to The Convention Center, many local area businesses, generous friends and family members, we’re able to exceed our goals every year”, said Hartley.
Hartley, Scarafile, and more than 800 Carolina One staffers, agents and event volunteers raise money, assemble the meals at The Charleston Area Convention Center the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Communities In Schools, a non-profit organization with 41 counselors in 30 schools throughout Charleston and Berkeley County, locates the families that will receive donations based on need and helps map out directions for delivery. BI-LO provides discounts on food and coordinates delivery of the food to the staging area at the North Charleston Area Convention Center. Momentum Marketing (Hartley’s company) provides fundraising, public relations, event planning and coordination.
Each year, the CBB receives overwhelming fundraising and volunteer support from the local community. Corporate sponsors include Gwynn’s of Mount Pleasant and The Wrenn Group. Several local businesses have made monetary donations and volunteered including The Coastal Cupboard, Taylor Agency, Crews Chevrolet, Crews Subaru, Lowcountry Business Network, Indigo Road Restaurant Group, Daniel Island News, Daniel Island Real Estate, The Bridge 105.5, 98 Rock, Queology, Durham School Services, Charleston Trident United Way Women’s Leadership Council, Boeing, Charleston County School of the Arts, Dunston Primary School, Center for Women, Aloca, The Carolina Chargers football team and many more.
“From a football team, an elementary school class and Center For Women to The Trident United Way Women’s Leadership Council, Boeing and more, we have volunteers participate from every walk of life,” said Hartley. It is glorious and proves that when a community comes together, magic really does happen. It is mind blowing to see how much support we get every year and we thank each and every person that makes it all happen in such a big way.”
The response from families that receive a basket from the group are overwhelmingly appreciative and oftentimes tear-filled. One parent said emphatically, “Oh thank you, thank you so much, prayers really do get answered.”
To visit the official Charleston Basket Brigade website, click here.