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Inaugural Lighthouse Ball Shines Light on the Needs of Hurting Children and Families

Thornwell, a nonprofit organization committed to the most innovative and effective solutions to help children and families in need across Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, is honored to be the beneficiary of the inaugural Lighthouse Ball held on November 1st at the Port Royal Beach House in Hilton Head Island. This evening of inspiration was aimed at shining a light on ways to support children and families in need across Thornwell’s service region of South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia. The fundraiser featured Thornwell alumni, Thornwell’s Vice-Chair of the Board, Maury Purcell, and Thornwell President, Rev. Myron Wilkins.

“We live in a world where it simply isn’t enough to love children from hard places anymore. They need – and they deserve – much more from us and they need the help, NOW,” said Purcell. “We were inspired by Hilton Head Island’s own famous lighthouse in that these children need a beacon of light that can guide them to a place of safety, security, and healing. That’s what Thornwell offers.”

In South Carolina, there are more than 2000 children and teens in foster care who don’t have a place to call home, according to the Department of Social Services. Last year, nearly 10,000 children suffered physical abuse and neglect, more than 300 children endured sexual abuse, and 65 children were sex trafficked. Thornwell is committed to the prevention of child abuse and neglect, building and reuniting families, and supporting healthy communities in the name of Jesus Christ. Thornwell recognizes every child or family’s story is unique and seeks to come alongside them as an empowering partner in their care.

“It shouldn’t hurt to be a child and, yet, every day in our communities, too many children are suffering. Too many families are being driven to their breaking point because they don’t know where to turn,” said Rev. Myron Wilkins, President of Thornwell. “Thornwell wants to be that beacon in the darkness for them and we can be through the incredible generosity of our donors.”

Thornwell was founded in 1875 by a young Presbyterian minister, Dr. William Plumer Jacobs, as a home for children orphaned by the civil war. Over its nearly 150 years in existence, Thornwell has expanded from its campus in Clinton, South Carolina to support children and families across Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina through 10+ programs in three service areas – Family Services, Care Services, and Academic Services.

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