Tomorrow is Midlands Gives!

The SC Campaign is participating in Midlands Gives, a local, 24-hour online giving challenge lead by Central Carolina Community Foundation TOMORROW, May 6! This event is designed to encourage friends and neighbors to support their favorite causes and organizations right here in the Midlands. Click here to donate to the SC Campaign!

Why should you support the SC Campaign's work you ask? Well, here are some reasons...

• South Carolina has the 11th highest teen birth rate in the U.S.

• Teen childbearing costs South Carolina taxpayers $197 million annually.

• 15 teens (age 15-19) give birth every day in South Carolina.

• 57% of South Carolina high school students report they have had sex.

• 5,532 teens (age 15-19) gave birth in 2012 in South Carolina.

We need YOUR help to combat this issue!

Donate $75 or more on May 6 and get a FREE, limited-edition Jonathan Green poster (pictured below) to commemorate the SC Campaign's 20th Anniversary! Posters signed by Jonathan Green will be sold at the 20th Anniversary Celebration on May 7 for $100 and unsigned posters will be $50, so make sure to get yours fast!

Click here to donate to SC Campaign for Midlands Gives.
Click here for more information about the commemorative poster.

by Sara Lamberson, Corporate Communications Specialist, SC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy

Rethink Your Tailgate Checklist

I’m often struck by the hustle and bustle that comes along with a fall Friday in Columbia.  I’m well aware that games are played on Saturday, but going through the pre-game checklist of fandom begins on Friday (if not well before).

First to the grocery store… $100 + on food and libations for the tailgate… check!

Then we get our parking situation in order… $40… check!

Tickets.  What about tickets?  $100 for 2 on Stub Hub (if you’re lucky)… check!

So, let’s call it $250 before we get to the game.  That’s assuming that your unwashed-for-six-weeks, faded, lucky t-shirt doesn’t yet need to be replaced.  That’s also assuming you don’t spend any additional money at the game.

I get it, I really do.  I’m as hardcore a fan as anyone out there – and attending sporting events is what most, if not all, of the “extra” finances are dedicated to.  But, recently I’ve wondered, what if an equivalent financial contribution went to the organizations and charities that I care most about?  Would I be willing to donate an equal amount to that which I spend on entertainment (let’s be honest, that’s what it is) to a nonprofit in our state?

This week, I’m putting my money where my mouth is.  And I wonder if you will join me.

I’m not even saying the contribution has to go to the SC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy (although it would be awesome if that was your choice); rather my challenge to you is more global… pick a nonprofit you care about this week and make an investment in them!!

Then, hurry up and get those tickets for Clemson vs. Carolina… I hear they are going fast!

Want to invest in South Carolina youth? Click here!

by Forrest Alton, CEO, SC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy