Commissioner of Agriculture to give thanks to those who “Cultivate their Passion”

Hugh Weathers, Commissioner of Agriculture, will be the featured speaker at the Community Health Charities of South Carolina Appreciation Luncheon at noon on Wednesday, January 21 at Embassy Suites in Columbia. The event is being held by Community Health Charities to say “Thank You!” to each of the state, federal, and local agencies that participated in the 2008 Employees Campaign.

The Community Health Charities of SC is a federation of 23 respected national health agencies providing research, public and professional education, patient, family and community services across the nation and in our state. The Community Health Charities partnership with the member health charities in the workplace provides a cost effective effort that enhances the ability to deliver more of every dollar donated into the hands of those who desperately need it. In fact, 90% of the organization’s funding goes directly to the member health charities in the community.

“Community Health Charities of SC and all its member organizations have a passion for helping in the fight against disease and disability. They strive to cultivate that passion – that commitment – in others through programs like workplace giving,” Commissioner Weathers said.

“I can’t think of a more appropriate tie to agriculture than supporting the health and well-being of our people,” Commissioner Weathers added. “Local is the key word. At the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, we encourage people to eat local through our Certified SC Grown campaign. Equally important to a healthy state is giving to local charities.” The mission of Community Health Charities of South Carolina is to enhance the operations, programs and services of its member health-related charitable agencies involved in medial research, patient services, and health education.

Employees designate the charity or charities where they want their donations to go, and Community Health Charities does the rest. Community Health Charities is able to keep donations local through a nationwide system of local offices like Community Health Charities of SC. Employees can choose payroll deduction or outright contributions. Employees enjoy working for companies that are involved with charitable and volunteer activities.

For more information about the 2009 Workplace Employees Campaign or the Appreciation Luncheon, contact Dan Hanfland, Community Health Charities of South Carolina Executive Director, 803-731-5134, dhanfland@healthcharities.org.