SPOTLIGHT: Bishop Gadsden

Name of organization: Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community

Year established locally: 1850

Top local executive: 
Sarah Tipton, President/CEO

Contact information
Address:
1 Bishop Gadsden Way
Charleston, SC 29412

Phone: 800.373.2384

Website: bishopgadsden.org

Corporate giving contacts:
Kimberly Borts, Director of Charitable Giving and Communications
Address:
1 Bishop Gadsden Way
Charleston, SC 29412

The heart and soul of our philanthropic ministry at Bishop Gadsden is our Charitable Fund. This fund assists our residents in need of financial assistance, as well as supports our resident selected outreach efforts to the greater Charleston community.

Residents choose the charitable organizations that Bishop Gadsden, as a Community, will support through the Charitable Fund and other fundraisers.

An annual appeal for the Charitable Fund is sent each spring to the residents, family members, future residents and board members. Additionally, team members support the Charitable Fund through the Employee Shining Star program. Those participating wear stars on their name badges.

2019/2020 Top achievements:

The Charitable Giving and Communications Office, along with the resident-led Charitable Mission Committee and the Bishop Gadsden Board of Trustees, work to share and raise awareness of Bishop Gadsden’s Charitable Mission – ensuring support of our internal and external charitable needs.

Beginning in 2019: 

• Distributed $430,000 to residents requiring financial assistance.
• In January 2020, we donated $286,111 raised during 2019 to outside charitable organizations, including Barrier Island Free Medical Clinic, One80 Place, Ronald McDonald House, Sea Island Habitat for Humanity, Friends of Fisher House, and Sea Island Water Wellness, through Generous Spirit Bingo and our Charitable Fund Grant. 
• Awarded more than 40 Strongheart Employee Education Scholarships to team members for future/current education efforts and past student debt.
• Received a RECORD $361,681 for the Annual Employee Appreciation Appeal.
• 156 employees contributed to the Charitable, Employee Assistance, and Strongheart Scholarship Funds, through our Shining Star Program.
• An estimated 10,000 volunteer hours from employees and residents was contributed in 2019, equating to a $240,100 investment.
• Donated 34,492 lbs. of food to One80 Place, equaling a gift of $234,545 and 51,738 meals.
• $342,301 in In-Kind Items to Ansonborough House, Tri County Ministries, Pet Helpers, and The Charleston County Public Library.
• Throughout 2020, we have been actively working to raise more than $625,000 for residents facing financial difficulties and various local organizations.     

2020/First Quarter 2021 Goals:

• Distribute over $600,000 to residents requiring financial assistance.
• Award $100,000 in Strongheart Employee Education Scholarships.
• Donate more $200,000 to Charleston Charitable Organizations.
• Support the building of Bishop Gadsden’s new Health and Rehab Center through a capital campaign set to exceed $5,000,000.  

Corporate giving opportunities:

Please see Kimberly M. Borts for information on how Bishop Gadsden can work with corporations in supporting the Bishop Gadsden Community, as well as the greater Charleston Community.

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