Often I am asked, "How do you continually come up with editorial ideas for the magazine?" The answer is simple. We live in a city that is constantly growing – it's a place where people want to stay once they get here. Those of us who were born here rarely leave, and those who come here from other places eventually settle in and call Columbia home. The residents of Columbia are diverse and full of new ideas, and fortunately for me they make my job easy with their willingness to share stories about the special citizens of this city. In this issue, we share several of these stories and introduce you to quite a few philanthropic members of our community. I am truly touched by the dedication of these altruistic souls and by what they have given to others in the Midlands.
Ray Tanner is not only an outstanding baseball coach for the University of South Carolina, but he is also a mentor to his players. He teaches his team about the game on and off the field. He says, "Coaching is all about relationships and about building lives of young people. It's having a passion for not only the game, but also for life." His lessons are valuable to his team, and his wisdom makes a strong impact on his players. Coach Tanner's innate ability to influence others is a large part of why the Ray Tanner Foundation, which he and his wife Karen began, is so successful. The foundation has been providing support for adoptive families, those who care for seriously ill children, the homeless and other charitable causes since its inception in 2005.
Lee Fogle, Tim Brown and Denny Gibbons are Midlands men who are giving their time and sharing their faith with people who society often scorns or neglects – people who are spending time behind bars. These men feel compelled to minister and spread God's word, and writer Sam Morton talks with them and several other prison ministers about their faith, their motivations and the people they are called to serve. Thanks to these men, many local inmates are finding a better way of life.
The board members of Carolina Sunshine for Children are dedicated to granting wishes for children who have been diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses. Since 1984, the organization has granted more than 600 wishes to children in South Carolina. This "working board," consisting of 24 members, personally takes on the challenge of granting wishes for each child that comes to them. The board pays for all administrative and overhead costs that may come up so that 100 percent of the money that is raised can go to the children. This dedicated group of people not only gives these children hope, but they also show them that dreams really can come true.
I'd like to thank all of the people of our city who are giving whole-heartedly to so many worthy causes. And I'd also like to thank those of you who take the time to share these wonderful stories with me.
Enjoy the issue.
Emily S. Tinch
Editor
About The Cover:
Patrick Hutchison, a sophomore at Hammond School, founded his own business called Pat's Candies this past year.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF AMBERG
This Issue