Beaufort lifestyle
It is that time of year when holidays are in full force; celebrations just snowballing one after the other. In all the busyness, the meaning of what the holidays are all about in the first place begins to dissipate. One doesn’t even realize that the disappearing act has begun because the to-do list is a mile long: buy the presents, be sure to make time for family, stick to the traditions, etc. In the moments when the busyness feels all-consuming, this is a sign to take a step back and see what is truly swirling around our brain and heart in that moment. If you’re like me, the meaning of the holidays is often nowhere to be found in either of those regions. It’s long gone and muddled by the consumeristic hustle and bustle.
To be frank, the holidays are a time of gratitude and generosity for all that we have been blessed with. Thus, to count our blessings and then to be a blessing to those who we love. Family and friends alike are the greatest gifts of all. If you’ve lived in Beaufort long enough, you know firsthand that you can’t walk downtown without seeing someone you know. Wonderfully enough, it is what makes this town feel like its own little family. So, how can we bless our extended family of Beaufort this holiday season? Look for opportunities to serve. One place that definitely deserves to be showcased is the Boys and Girls Club of the Lowcountry.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America is a national youth organization that offers a caring and encouraging environment for children apart from home or school. Youth there are given a safe space to go to after the school day, where students learn to become responsible, respectful young adults who edify their own communities. The club programming centers on three tenets: academic/career preparedness, healthy lifestyles, and good citizenship/character. These clubs were initially formed 163 years ago, and research has proven that students who participate in these programs tend to have better grades, self-images, and healthier lifestyles!
The Boys and Girls Club of Northern Beaufort County oversees 10 clubs in Beaufort and Jasper counties with over 1,000+ attending on a daily basis. What success! Additionally, the Northern Beaufort County Boys and Girls Club serves hundreds of children ages 6-18, and is always looking for ways to connect their club work to the community at-large. For example, music is an intrinsic part of communities, and the Lowcountry is no exception. Every year, the organization hosts their fundraising event, benefitting the clubs located in Northern Beaufort County. This is a multi-day musical event in January that is held here in Beaufort. This upcoming festival is especially rooted in our community as it will showcase two genres of music that are part of the rich tapestry of Beaufort.
The first public event is at Shellring Ale Works and features Gullah artist, Gwenn Yvette. Nationally renowned and even a contestant in Fox’s national TV show “The X Factor,” Yvette performs R&B and soul music as an adept singer/songwriter. Tickets for her performance on January 7, 2024, from 1-5 p.m. are $25, and they include a “Notes” signature beer from Shellring. All “Notes” tickets can be purchased from www.notesmusicfest.com.
The second public event is at Tabby Place on Friday, January 12, an exhibit featuring artwork created by members from Northern Beaufort County clubs. Attendees will have the opportunity to create their own “notes” at the make-and-take art table, as well as decorating their own edible art at the “cookie station.” Music will be provided by Walker Dean and his daughter, Annabelle. Admission is free.
The final public event is with country singer Tony Jackson, who will be performing to an intimate audience. Tony was a US Marine, banker, and now a singer. Having sold millions of albums and having played at the Grand Ole Opry, Tony’s clear, emotional, engaging voice captures the hearts of many. Tickets for his performance on January 13, 2024, are $150, which includes scrumptious food, a full bar, and a great evening of country music! You don’t want to miss these fun-filled events!
For information on sponsorships or ways to give contact kimberly.sullivan@bgclowcountry.com. Alternatively, you can serve the clubs by simply donating your time to volunteer and have a direct hand in supporting the next generation of conscientious citizens.
To conclude, a tangible way to combat the drudgery of consumer-driven holidays is to lean into serving your community and truly embody the meaning of the holidays. The Boys and Girls Club of the Lowcountry offers plenty of opportunities for people, young and old alike, to contribute to an organization that is so devoted to bettering the lives of generations who will go on into a future many of us will never see. This sounds like the gift that keeps on giving and what is better than that?