Creating a Gathering Wall

Okay, we admit: a wall is not exactly a universally-accepted icon of connectedness. In fact, it generally evokes quite the opposite. But we also concede that this wasn't the first time our crew at KLH Group saw something concrete through a softer - and more colorful - lens.

The wall was in New Castle, Pennsylvania. It was 50 feet long, one story high. It was unsightly, though not to the point of drawing ire or angst - it simply wasn't noteworthy enough to do either. Honestly, it was just like hundreds of others in any midsize city: strictly functional and starkly unfriendly.

For some serendipitous reason, a team member from Holistic Industries - one of our amazing partner companies - took notice of this sad wall. And once its bleakness was brought to our doorstep, it was just a matter of finding the right path to this edifice's potential. We knew we could achieve it with the engagement of Holistic and the support of the community.

Then serendipity struck again.

We were able to commission an incredibly gifted muralist, Douglas Panzone, to make the wall into his canvas. Douglas is a renowned artist, particularly in the film industry, and has worked on several projects for HBO, including the Charleston-based "Righteous Gemstones." And with our challenge, in short order, he had brilliantly blueprinted 50 feet of graphic street art.

Under a sunlit sky on a crisp midwestern fall day, we gathered with dozens of associates from Holistic Industries to bring the design to life. With a palette of colors nodding to the company's logo, we worked with rollers and brushes to honor and execute the kaleidoscope. The result was nothing short of stunning.

To dedicate the wall, a plaque was installed near the door that enters a popular event space. Both the current mayor and a former mayor of New Castle, as well as a handful of other supportive statesmen, were present for the brief ceremony. And then - to honor the real beneficiaries of the mural - music, beverages, snacks, and bounce castles were unfurled for an outdoor community shindig.

It may seem simple, painting a wall. It may even seem odd, this endeavor. But its transformation has brought visitors into the city - it is a true destination. More importantly, however, it has gifted to locals a greater sense of pride, appreciation and, yes, connectedness.

Love in Multiple Languages

The theme of the day, officially, was "Many hands make light work”.

But on this particular occasion, it was also "Many languages make full hearts."

On Wednesday, January 22, 2020 KLH Group lived out these tandem truisms with our "Day of Caring" partners from Hyundai Capital. That crisp Lowcountry afternoon, we had the delight of shepherding 150 corporate guests from their retreat at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island to the sweetest little work site: Charleston Bilingual Academy in Park Circle. The pre-K-through-elementary school programs Spanish and Mandarin immersion education with an aim to "inspire children to impact lives around them regardless of linguistic and cultural barriers."

On arrival at the school, crews and gear were divvied up. Some painted a mural along the fence. A few more created a butterfly garden. Several stained the playground equipment, while dozens worked on landscaping. Others created art for the interior walls of the school. And another group found smaller hands pitching in as an onlooking cluster of students joined in to paint the basketball hoops and court.

Our cool down after such an industrious day? A game of soccer with a gaggle of tireless grade-schoolers, of course! There was really no better way to cap such a meaningful event than genuinely joyful playtime with the little beneficiaries of all that had been accomplished in just a few hours. As adults caught their collective breath, several of the students took to the mic to share their impressive Spanish and Mandarin skills. Hearing their proud little voices and observing their self-confidence, it was apparent the school is truly nurturing "world changers."

As we presented Hyundai Capital's VP of Sales with a plaque to remain at the site, attesting “Mural created by Hyundai Capital,” he remarked that it was the most organized Day of Caring in which he's participated. We've always believed that every social impact event we share deserves thoughtful planning and attention to detail, and we love how that falls so positively on our partners. But we know it is only one component of a day like this. It's the all-in, rolled-up-sleeved, totally-game and good-humored effort of our guest teams that makes everything come together - and memories that last forever.

We are also no stranger to the awe-inspiring gaze over the end product of a day like the one at Charleston Bilingual Academy. The play structures were stunning, the mural was vibrant, the grounds were charming. But what stopped us in our tracks was the sizeable crew that stayed behind, long after the charter bus had rolled out, to make sure the new cameras were wired and installed to exacting standards. It was dusk before this group finally crawled, exhausted but happy, into the Uber returning them to Kiawah.

This is the impact. It is the energy drawn from teammates, the example set for young recipients, the gratitude that grows out of giving. And no matter the one being spoken, it is the language of love.

Days to (Half) Decades: A Glance in the Rearview

As the dazzling ball dropped and lit up 2020, humans worldwide reflected on the past decade. At KLH, we kind of went halvsies.

It's not that ten years is too much for us to consider. And we're so thankful that '10 through '14 brought us such gems as Bruno Mars, Downton Abbey and, closer to home, Roti Rolls. But it's that second half of the decade that we're staring back on, hands on hips, mouths agape. How is it that KLH Group turned five years old this very week?

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It seems impossible. They say time flies when you're having fun, but it must move at warp speed when you're doing good. And when we consider what we've achieved since our humble but ambitious beginnings, it brings five calendar turns into clearer focus.

Above all, perhaps, is one figure: 230,000. That's the number of kids we've positively impacted in the past half-decade. For some, it was a fresh supply of beloved toys to play with during inpatient cancer care. For others, it was the welcomed daily sight of a colorful mural along the corridor of a hospital. And for others, it was the dream of a safe space to play come to bear in the delivery of a charming handcrafted clubhouse. Partnering with our clients to give sick and underserved youth in our community the tangible gifts and intangible experiences so easily taken for granted has been the recurring zenith of our work.

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Zooming in on more recent wins, we consider the addition of Victoria Hill to our team among the most wonderful. As our new Events Manager, Victoria brings experience from both the non- and for-profit sectors, with a spirit of professionalism, undeniable branding-savvy, and compassionate tenacity baked into everything she touches.

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And as much as we can hardly wrap our heads around our fifth birthday, we are gobsmacked by, and giddy about, the volume of press our operation has received in just the past 12 months. Who knew there was so much stirring content to share about our history, mission, and accomplishments? (Well, we did, but we're not without a smidge of bias.) In case you missed it, here's where we popped up in national print:

CONVENE MAGAZINE FEATURE

Convene Magazine, the leading publication in the business events industry, featured KLH Group in an article in its November 2019 issue. “Conference Attendees Mentor Budding Entrepreneurs” captured our unique ability to put our multinational CSR clients in close proximity to their benefactors - in this case, at-risk youth with entrepreneurial aspirations.

Mount Pleasant Magazine Feature

In its September/October 2019 issue, Mount Pleasant Magazine ran an article titled, “Clubhouses for Children with Cancer: Building a Place to Dream, Imagine, and Play,” introducing the aim of our clubhouse builds to our home community and chronicling two local events that yielded sweet safe havens for two incredibly brave young cancer fighters.

Exhibitor Magazine Feature

Exhibitor Magazine, which follows best practices in trade shows and events, shared a June 2019 article, "KLH Group Adds Social Impact to Luxury Corporate Events." The story takes a look back at our origins, and how they shaped our mission of not just matching the CSR goals of large organizations with existing templates, but thoughtfully designing authentically impactful events tailored to the company culture, employee spirit, and global aim of the client.

Meetings & Events Magazine Feature

Meetings + Events Magazine headlined an April 2019 article “ALHI Unites Industry with Fourth Annual ‘Leaders Meeting Leaders’ Program.” This story highlighted our experience treating a global organization steeped in luxury travel to some true Southern splendor, then sharing an afternoon with them for an outdoor clubhouse build helping underserved children craft their own deluxe digs.

The Ruby Hour Feature

And amid all the print bliss, we ended the year with some audio delight, engaging in a wise and witty podcast with local marketing outlet Ruby Riot Creatives. Hope's December conversation on The Ruby Hour ran the gamut of attracting top talent and operating fearlessly to setting boundaries with clients and, yes, fertility. "Bringing Your Soul Values Back Into the Workplace" is worth a listen - the first time, to inform and inspire; then again, just to put you in a better mood.

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Every day is precious. And every New Year is exciting. But we're going to celebrate this special marker - now that we've fully comprehended it - with a few more "high fives." Then we're going to get back to doing more of what makes us so happy to be 1,825 days into a gig so great.

Painting with Purpose, Paintings with Power

Pablo Picasso once suggested, “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life."

His observation is certainly a broad stroke, considering each one of us abides our own unique version of an everyday life.

And yet, art does seem to be a universal salve, both for those creating it and those exposed to it. Colors can be soothing or uplifting. Textures can be surprisingly fascinating, even positively transfixing. And, of course, images can transport the imagination and provide a distraction from discomfort. So it's no wonder art in healing spaces dates back as far as medieval times, when hospitals often doubled as repositories for some of the era's most beloved and notable artwork.

This is a notion embraced by our most recent social impact partner, The Foundation for Hospital Art, and they know just how to harness the power of artistic expression and observation. On Thursday, October 3, 130 guests gathered at The Cloister at Sea Island for a multi-day retreat. The renowned resort is always a welcoming host for KLH Group gatherings, encouraging respite and camaraderie while also accommodating our impact activities. And this one was truly special: the creation of five beautiful murals to be installed at various regional health facilities.

The day of impact was a warm afternoon spent strolling at leisure from a lush al fresco reception on the balcony to a colorful pop-up art studio on the patio below. Participants were able to mingle and dine, then choose among 30 different canvases to which they could lend an artful hand. No experience was needed - just a willingness to contribute a soothing sweep of a brush here, some compassionate color there. Some guests chose to put their touch on every canvas; others focused on those that most spoke to their own spirit. To watch the huge configuration of tables transform from blank canvasses to finished works of art in a matter of hours was remarkable. And to see the finished murals on display two nights later, at the final evening dinner, was truly soul-stirring.

Following the event at The Cloister, The Foundation for Hospital Art shepherded the murals to their new homes. "Dragon Flys" and "Bird Feeders" went to Brunswick, Georgia's Coastal Community Health Services, which embraces the community by seeking to meet the healthcare needs of the medically underserved residents and taking pride in helping that community become healthy. "Tropical Fish" and "Sailboat" landed at St. Simons by the Sea, a behavioral health facility for adults and adolescents struggling with mental health issues and addiction. Finally, "Bears" was installed at Pediatric Associates of Brunswick.

We are grateful to have been shown, and able to share, just how healing art can be. And we are also glad that a picture is worth a thousand words, because we couldn't possibly find all the ones needed to fully express our appreciation for our partners and participants in this wonderful event. Thank you!

We are not our story

Social Impact Events allow us to get to know the families we serve intimately & throughout these events we are welcomed into their stories and lives. What is always so amazing to me is how resilient these little kids are and how they do not let their stories hold them back.

Over the past year I’ve pondered this and have taken a hard look at how I have identified with my story for so long and how freeing it is to finally leave the past in the past and begin living for the present. This takes practice not perfection, one day at a time.

My favorite poet writes:

“Our ability to find something to love, and to love again for the first time, depends greatly on how we resolve and integrate where we’ve been before. A great model for us exists in the chambered nautilus, and exquisite shell creature that lives along the ocean floor. The Nautilus is a deep sea form of life that inches like a soft man and a hardshell finding his prayers along the bottom. Over time it builds a spiral shell, but always lives in the newest chamber.

The other chambers, they say, contain a gas or liquid that helps the Nautilus control is buoyancy. Even here, a new lesson in how to use the past: live in the most recent chamber and use the others to stay afloat.

Can we, in this way, build strong chambers for our traumas: not living there, but breaking our past down till it is fluid enough to lose most of its weight? Can we internalize where we’ve been enough to know that we are no longer living there? When we can, life will seem lighter."

It is not by accident that the Nautilus turns it slow digestion of the bottom into a body that can float. It tells us that only time can put the past in perspective, and only when the past is behind us, and not before us, we can be open enough and empty enough to truly feel what is about to happen. Only by living in the fresh chamber of the heart can we love again and again for the first time. “

Recently I had the pleasure of meeting with Matt Hampton, a local writer who is an incredible soul. He and I took a walk. We talked a lot about not being our story and not being our past but moving forward with the truth that the past has happened but we no longer need to be defined by our stories. Hope you enjoy the read. Thanks Matt!

Big Southern Hospitality... Scaled Down for Size

They already know how to roll out the welcome mat. They’re some of the best in the biz. But at the end of June, some leaders in Lowcountry hospitality observed how business best is a standard undeniably chummy with benevolent best.

With a little help from an eager KLH Group crew, 21 employees of the conference services team at The Cloister at Sea Island participated in one of our most memorable social impact events to date. Over a packed two-day in-service, the famed resort’s staff attended morning workshops headlined “Humanizing the Event Industry,” driving home the notion of how team-based corporate social responsibility opportunities engage teams worldwide, attract talent in a highly competitive market, and differentiate their brand for consumers.

But it was in the afternoon sessions across the two days that these concepts were put into action. With materials, tools, and muscle situated over the Sea Island Dunes, The Cloister crew constructed two brand new clubhouses for a pair of special kids. Three year-old Elia Ikonomidis and five year-old Emma Grant share the same joys of uninhibited pretend play and special spaces to live out such imagination. But Elia and Emma also share the same battle against cancer that precludes them from playing with other children on a whim. Under treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, both girls have compromised immune systems and must limit their exposure to germs.

KLH Group has long recognized the universal need for safe and special play spaces for children with health or other challenges, and mobilizing our partner teams to fulfill it has been a principle aim. So on those two spirited afternoons with the employee volunteers from The Cloister, two precious playhouses were lovingly constructed. At the end of day two, Elia and Emma each participated in the ribbon-cutting on a miniature home-of-their-own - a sweet space where they can do what children do best: imagine and play with abandon.

Even when the welcome mats invite smaller feet, they require the same passion and care to be rolled out to the highest standards. No surprise, The Cloister team gets it right in the business of hospitality and humanity.

Hot off the Press (Release): Supporting our friends at Doors to Dream

We are so thrilled for our cool comrades at Doors to Dream, and honored to have had a hand in helping them plan their first “after school” project. We can’t wait to see how they grow this program, endowing Charleston and beyond with a fresh, eager crop of humanitarians. But first, a look back on what they achieved at kick-off:

Doors to Dream Builds Next Gen Philanthropic Spirit at Local High School  

Charleston, SC (May 23, 2019) – Providing the vehicle that transports the will to serve into substantive action, Doors to Dream is mobilizing some of the youngest philanthropists in the Holy City. Too often stuck between a reputation of blind self-interest and an absence of resources to effect real change, today’s youth wish to address the former with “I want to help,” but the latter leaves them with “I don’t know how.” Doors to Dream aims to free them from the stereotype, and fortify them for life-changing service.

At an inaugural event toward that mission, the non-profit recently partnered with Charleston County’s Burke High School to galvanize a group of 10th graders for a compassionate cause: replenishing the supply of toys for the patients of MUSC Children’s Hospital. In the weeks leading up to the event, Burke faculty identified six student leaders for the project, and from there planning for a toy drive, fundraiser car wash, and class-wide assembly was under way. With their sponsoring teachers and the Doors to Dream executive team available for consult, the sophomore team took charge of every aspect of the initiative, from obtaining MUSC’s Child Life management’s “wish list” of toys, to staffing and marketing the car wash, to conceptualizing and coordinating the culminating rally.

That final event took place on May 8 in the auditorium of Burke High, and incorporated the school’s entire 10th grade class. Following brief presentations from the student leadership team and Doors to Dream Executive Director Carey Dunn, the class was divided into eight color-coded teams and armed with competition guidelines. In a relay race-style format, each team was to organize their share of the $2,000 worth of donated puzzles, Legos, crafts supplies, magna tiles, and other toys into bins prepared for delivery to the children’s hospital. Every single student was engaged with a conspicuous and critical role, from caller to runner to quality control, and at the sound of the gong they were off. Team Silver ultimately took the bragging rights, but every teen walked away with the sweet swagger of having furthered a meaningful cause. And as they watched their student leaders load the school bus with the bins of goodies and drive off toward a most deserving point of delivery, they were all moved with an authentic spirit of compassion and confidence in their undeniable impact. Such a profound outcome would not have resulted without commitment, trust, and teamwork.

“We believe authentic relationships serve as the foundation to all meaningful and positive growth, and therefore understood the value and importance of building relationships with teachers, staff, and students at Burke before inserting ourselves into this community,” remarked Dunn. “Watching our student leaders, and the pursuit of excellence they projected, inspired their fellow classmates to take pride in the competition and leave feeling connected to a meaningful community outreach project.”

This was evident in the happiness and hustle shown by each student participant, and summed up beautifully by one: “This project has activated something inside me that was already there, but now it is awake. I feel empowered to do more for the community.”

This was just the beginning. The Doors to Dream after school program officially launches Fall 2019. Please visit doorstodream.org to find out more information and learn about ways to support us. Inquiries about our programming are welcomed at admin@doorstodream.org.

About Doors to Dream

Doors to Dream is a non-profit organization based in Charleston, SC. We invest directly in Charleston’s underserved youth to empower and equip them to pursue their dreams with determination and faith. We are committed to developing programs for these students that dismantle the detrimental effects of the opportunity gaps they face. Doors to Dream will use after school hours to engage students in authentic mentorship relationships and support the creation and completion of student-designed social impact projects. Unlocking for each student a greater awareness of who they are and what they are capable of will transform their confidence and set them on a path towards lifelong success.  

The Importance of a Table. Yes, a Table.

These days, the good people at The New Primal are putting even more emphasis on how folks eat than what they eat. As purveyors of healthy, tasty, convenient food, this might appear to run counter to a solid business model. But for an outfit that is fast earning a reputation for having the best-tasting and cleanest jerky and cooking sauces (with, incidentally, the most adorable packaging), it does not. They already know you'll be happy you threw that packet of BBQ Meat Thins into your backpack and emptied that bottle of Noble Made Citrus Herb marinade over your crockpot chicken - and that you'll remember to enjoy their products again and again. But now, they want you to enjoy them more, well, communally.

The New Primal's "Return to the Table" campaign is a call to its customers - loyalists and newbies - to make mealtime more intentionally connecting again. Sure, they recognize that life gets busy, paths get crossed and, frankly, something's gotta give. They just don't want that something to always be dinner. Or lunch. Or breakfast/brunch. And The New Primal is suggesting that, perhaps with the help of its easy and versatile sauces, the time to gather around the table can - and should - be reinstituted.

But that notion takes for granted one basic element: the table. And it was recently brought to the attention of these good people that this simple furnishing is often missing from the completion of another company's mission. Local nonprofit One80 Place has saved over 9,000 Charlestonians from homelessness in the 35 years they've been serving the City's underserved. But when its clients move into their new homes, they are often without the most basic pieces of furniture. As much as they would love to "return to the table," they find themselves without a table to which they can return.

So, with our help, The New Primal mobilized to start resolving this dilemma. Under a beautiful late April Lowcountry sky, a dozen colleagues from the company brought lumber, tools, and the swagger of temporary carpenters to Wragg Square. There they met representatives from One80 Place and Homeless to Hope, the outfit that partners with One80 Place to collect furniture donations and deliver them to post-program residences of the nonprofit's beneficiaries.

 Over the course of two hours, the modest crew divided into teams, each constructing a small dining table and pair of chairs. When the sawdust settled, there was a total of 4 tables and 8 chairs ready for delivery, to be set for meals and gathered around. And since woodworkers cannot work by wood alone, there was plenty of snacking (jerky, of course) and the musical motivation of a handpicked playlist - from Michael Franti's "I'm Alive" to Technotronic's "Pump Up the Jam."

Time and again, we are reminded that there is no shortage of good companies doing great things in Charleston. And when they meet up to fulfill a symbiotic need, it gives us goosebumps every time. Thanks so much to The New Primal, One80 Place, and Homeless to Hope for getting us all gushy once again.

Hold on to your HEARTS

Our fearless and faithful leader, Hope Caldwell, tried to warn us. But when we saw the photos - and read the bios - of the two young benefactors of our most recent clubhouse build, our tickers were toast.

Both boys have a smile that will incite a concurrent melt and flutter, and learning of their loves - from baseball to best friends - will spur a soar. But it’s the struggle they share in common that will threaten to nearly break any heart: in the fall of 2017, both were diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). To consider the despair and anxiety over such a diagnosis is just the beginning of that heartache. Learning of the very real, daily battle being fought by Milo Sligh and Gaige Hernandez is to understand how they are being robbed of the carefree childhood each so deserves. Infusions, injections, and biopsies. Scheduled clinic visits, unplanned inpatient stays, and emergency room admissions. School absences, playdates missed, and holidays in the hospital. It is more than any of the youngest among us should be asked to bear.

So we are called to try to restore a little bit of the splendor of childhood by constructing clubhouses for kids like Milo and Gaige. And on February 28, we partnered with Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI) to plan and co-sponsor a truly extraordinary build day for these two “clubhouse kids.” Members, clients, and employees of the global sales organization had traveled to Charleston to experience the Lowcountry luxury of their newest member property, Hotel Bennett. They also came to make some real social impact, and on introduction of their scheduled event, we had 60 eager hearts well before we had 60 sets of hands.

For over three decades, ALHI has been linking meeting and incentive marketplace professionals to a portfolio of more than 250 of the most esteemed hotels, resorts, cruise ships, and travel partners on the planet. With a mission to match top industry talent with distinctive independent properties and emerging luxury brands, it is apparent that ALHI’s strategy is a thoughtful one. So it is no surprise that the organization’s associates and members would bring that same level of conspicuous care to a cause and an event like this.

The group enjoyed and celebrated the splendor of Hotel Bennett - from the luxurious guestrooms to the exceptional cuisine and cocktails - and marveled at the surrounding city. Then, under a perfectly cloud-studded late winter sky, the ALHI team gathered for an afternoon in Marion Square. Lowes provided many of the supplies and gear, and Other Brother Entertainment kept the beats just above the sound of drills and saws. In just two energetic hours, a pair of clubhouses were constructed, as precious as they were sturdy. Gaige and Milo were right there to not only bear witness to the build and accept its gifts, but to experience a day dedicated to putting something back into their childhoods.

To meet these tender warriors was a blessing, and to lovingly build and present to each of them a dream clubhouse - a special space of their own - was an honor for us and for our incredible partners at ALHI.

A Profound Winter Turnaround

A full belly.

A sheltered body.

An optimistic soul.

 Needs may be basic, but not always simple. Fulfillment of one may mean comfort for an hour, while achievement of another can last a lifetime. But all have requirements, from the procurement of modest means and resources to the gifts of compassionate service and philanthropy. It is a very special organization that can gather – and galvanize – all that is required for the breadth of human needs. Here in Charleston, that organization is One80 Place.

 For nearly 35 years, the nonprofit that began as a small interfaith ministry has been feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, and bolstering the underserved in the Holy City. In that time, its staff and volunteers have served over 2.5 million meals, set more than 40,000 warm beds, and saved over 9,000 Charlestonians from a lifetime of homelessness. From immediate comfort to a long-term path forward, One80 Place meets critical human needs – and we couldn’t be more honored to provide partners in their effort.

 Our most recent partnership was with Leo Pharmaceutical. The company brought 140 team members to Charleston in early February, and KLH Group organized and facilitated a dynamic service event to benefit One80 Place. The gathering at Charleston Place kicked off with team-building (disguised as balloon popping) and trivia, followed by heartfelt addresses from Charleston mayor John Tecklenburg, Leo Pharmaceutical leadership, and a trio of One80 Place employees. Then it was time to get to work (disguised as play).

 As a way to smooth the transition from temporary shelter to permanent home, One80 Place has a tradition of providing “move-in kits” to those they aid. Essential items from cleaning supplies to kitchen gear are collected, packaged, and presented at each special “homecoming.” On that afternoon two weeks ago, our visiting friends from Leo Pharmaceuticals were charged with assembling 180 move-in kits. The catch? They had to procure every item – with the assistance of ten representatives from One80 Place – by way of a scavenger hunt. It was in this quest that a spirit of teamwork and culture of generosity was further cultivated.

 Truth be told, we sometimes so lose ourselves in the fun experienced during these events that we momentarily forget the real impact of the service. But perhaps that’s how it should be. The effect is still profound, and we’ve helped to fulfill more intangible - but nevertheless basic - needs that connect us all:

A feeling of joy.

A spirit of camaraderie.

A sense of purpose.

Cruising our way into 2019

KLH is gearing up for what we confidently project to be our most successful year yet!  We are thrilled to kick off 2019 and start the ball rolling with creative ideas and exciting events. 

This year is shaping up to be a lot of fun and full of new beginnings; in fact, there are a few new things we are particularly excited about!   

The stunning new Hotel Bennett is one of them.   Just when we thought Charleston couldn’t get any better, Bennett comes in and affirms it’s still the best.  The stunning new hotel is one of our favorite hubs for our signature curated tours and a gorgeous space for some of our 2019 event planning.  We feel pampered (and a bit hungry) just thinking about this jewel at our city’s center. And we can’t wait to share it with our clients and collaborators.

The team at KLH feels like we are both living out a dream… and up to the hype as we accelerate into what we’ve coined as the Year of Social Impact Events. 

You can only imagine our delight as we pulled away from 2018 with our foot on the gas and started planning social impact events for amazing new clients and even better yet some of our favorite repeat clients. 

Both locally and as destination events, KLH events will impact companies from the inside out all while benefiting our communities. 

We can’t wait to see all the good that is yet to come…

 With the transition from old to new, KLH was excited to add a new team member to the mix.  Transition is always a little bit scary, but we are enchanted with our new addition.  Starting off the New Year with new energy beckons us to up our game. 

We couldn’t imagine a better fit unless we crafted her ourselves! With that said, we welcome Amy to the team and look forward to a year full of grace and a whole lot of fun...   

A GIANT THANK YOU FOR THIS YEAR!

What the Heck are Social Impact Events?

This fall we had the opportunity to participate on a panel discussion at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina. The topic was on “Success Through Service”. Hope had the pleasure of working with John Fikany, a 13 year Microsoft Veteran on developing a talk centered around humanizing corporate America.

Take a peak at this quick 2 min video to get a sense of Social ImpactEvent.

That time we took our hearts to Italy: KLH designs a dreamy Tuscan wedding

 It is hard to beat Charleston. It’s why so many folks visit here, move here, and never want to leave here. It’s why she’s no stranger to the “#1 city in the world” moniker, and a downright veteran as the “#1 city in the U.S.”

 Still, it sure is fun to celebrate in other lovely corners of the world - especially when that corner looks like this:

(Photo Credit: Kate Holstein)  

Over the course of seven days, our team had the enviable pleasure of making merry in Italy with an adventuresome couple and their 70 guests. KLH Group coordinated four unforgettable events across a precious pocket of Tuscany, culminating in a breathtaking – and tear-jerking – wedding ceremony.

(Photo Credit: Leo Payne )  

Our destination locale was Pienza, a small town named for the birthplace of Pope Pius II. Pienza is teeming with 15th century Renaissance architecture, and is considered to be the first application of the era’s “humanist” concept of urban design. Surrounding this early adaptation of a harmonious town are the artist-inspiring hills of the Val d’Orcia. And with street names that translate to “Love Street” and “Kiss Street,” where better to exchange vows of lifelong amore?

Breaking bread in an intimate Tuscan villa was our way of making certain that – though some may have arrived as strangers to one another – the rest of the week would put everyone among friends. By the time we visited the famed Ciacci Piccolomini winery, there was little distinction between “sides” of the guest list. In the days that followed, our band of happy revelers was welcomed by gracious locals, fed by brilliant chefs, and warmed by the Tuscan sun.

But the highlight of the holiday, of course, was the wedding. La Bandita properties hosted both the rehearsal dinner and the wedding ceremony – the former at its village-nestled townhouse and the latter at its hilltop-perched country house. Both properties blend rustic with retro in the most charming way. Moment after delightful, stunning, delicious moment, we found ourselves wishing we could stay forever.

(Photo Credit: Leo Payne )  

Except… Charleston.

 In the end, it felt great to be home. And we needn’t have worried about taking a little amore overseas. The Holy City’s sister city, Spoleto, Italy, is a Tuscan neighbor of Pienza. Among family, and in the name of love, Charleston is happy to share. She knows we’ll always come home.

The Best Time for Renewal? (hint - It's not spring)

It’s not that we don’t like spring. She’s lovely, really. It’s just that, here in the Lowcountry, we consider another season to be one of refresh:

FALL

We get how those in colder regions of the country crave the turning of the calendar from March to April (and sympathy-cringe when they get those late-season snowfalls), eager to unwrap the wool from their bodies and throw open the windows that have been sealed since November.

But down here, winter is not terrible. Oh, sure, we get the occasional freeze and accompanying short-lived precip. Generally speaking, however, Charleston winters are marked by lightweight jackets and moderate HVAC bills. In short, it’s the season that makes us the envy of friends to the north.

Now, summer? That’s a different story.

We know what we’re in for, and we have the grit to get through the worst of it. But around the time the kids start heading back to school, we’ve had our fill of sweat dripping down our backs at 7 a.m., the severe thunderstorms that inevitably tie up rush hour traffic, and the humidity that apparently had different plans for our hair. We love the beach and the festivals, but we’ll spend the dog days feverishly cleaning the sand and gunk from our floorboards, seats, and coolers. When we’re done, we’re done… and ready for a new beginning.

And that’s where fall shows up in all her merciful glory. It is at this intersection of our readiness for change and Mother Nature’s timely relief that we have great potential to enjoy more than just cooler temperatures and pumpkin spice everything. With the more indulgent days of summer in the rear view, we are able to re-focus our energies, both personally and professionally.

And this is where another extraordinary intersection can be found. We call it the Social Impact Experience, and it connects corporate outreach strength with individual employee compassion. By partnering with KLH Group, local organizations choose from a curated cadre of “Day of Service” ventures, selecting the philanthropy that best suits their culture and goals. Whether it’s a morning packing meals for hungry neighbors, an afternoon building a playhouse for an underserved child, or an entire day at sea with military veterans, the positive consequences are enduring: team building and bonding, retention of (happier) employees, community pride and accountability, and a wonderfully habitual answer to the call of life-changing social responsibility.

As our climate calendar gives way from oppressive heat to autumn’s cool-down, consider making your own benevolent transition – and let us help from planning to production.

Heaven Gained an Angel and we are Heartbroken

It wasn’t the plan to call him the “Star” that day, but Trenton’s bright, shining light was undeniable. The intention of that day in November was to change the life of one little boy, and yet we learned that the number of lives Trenton touched and continues to impact will know no limit. 

Trenton spent the days before coming to his “clubhouse build” in the hospital continuing to fight the cancer that had taken hold of his body. A cancer that has now taken his physical life but cannot dull the memories of his bright spirit and love of life. Singing “The Sun will come out tomorrow” in the hospital, he wanted to be known, to have his voice heard, he told his audience that day- “put that video on the internet, I want to be famous”! 

It’s Trenton’s other famous video (below) - power tools in hand, smile firmly planted on his face, high fiving his team of builders- that we at KLHgroup will keep alive and playing for many years to come. With his passion for life, courage, hopeful outlook, and willingness to dream, Trenton teaches us to lead with our hearts and his legacy is one to admire and inspire. We will carry a piece of Trenton with us for the rest of our lives, and we feel honored and privileged to have been a part of his life. 

Second Quarter Roundup

Scholars and scientists assert that kindness, social connection, and gratitude are key drivers of happiness.

They could have used KLH group as a case study, because we are goose-bumped with good vibes and grinning ear to ear after the second quarter we just experienced. Here's a recap:

social impact:

How do you package 110,000 meals in 90 minutes? You partner with a fabulous corporate client to host the kind of affair that draws 800 guests. With so many hands making light (and life-changing) work, relief for residents of disaster-stricken areas and schoolchildren in developing countries were fed more expeditiously by way of our first big second quarter event.

The needtobreathe classic 

Later in the spring, another powerhouse collaboration further propelled the effort for worldwide sustainable healthcare. It was with great pleasure  that we partnered with Grammy-nominated NEEDTOBREATHE on the golf classic bearing their name. Benefiting OneWorld Health, the annual tournament and concert event has, to date, raised over $1.2 million to build and operate medical centers in Africa and South America.

something to celebrate!

Capping off such a tremendous season, we were overwhelmed to receive the 2018 Social Impact Entrepreneur Award. Presented by Local Choice, the award recognizes businesses “creating stronger, prosperous communities” – without question, that is our aim.

event production

With no shortage of great places to party and great people to toast in Charleston, it seems the celebrations comes easy around here. Still, it is only with time, creativity, and a bit of muscle that each of our shindigs come together. Spring of 2018 was highlighted first by the production of a high-touch corporate outing at a five-star Lowcountry property. We had our hands in everything from the fine linens and décor to the incredible live music and oyster roast, and we made sure each guest was on the golf roster or the spa schedule. But the gorgeous nightly sunsets? That was all Mother Nature. And she smiled on us again in May as we presented The Harbor Entrepreneur Center’s 2018 Founder’s Ball. Blue skies were the backdrop at Pacific Box & Crate for some semi-fancy fun (craft cocktails meets cornhole), as more than 200 local entrepreneurs were represented. Considering the innovative talent in attendance and the cool urban venue, we figured a champagne-pouring aerialist was only fitting. Indeed, our event production cup overfloweth.

A GIANT THANK YOU

We feel it in our hearts more than our heads are able to say.

From the planning meetings with partners to the culminating big event… from the “typical” office days that run like clockwork to the frantic logistical hiccups that somehow find resolution… we look around us and feel gratitude every day, without exception.

To the clients who put their faith in us, the vendors who share their efforts with us, and the partners who take the journey with us: thank you.

We are collectively proud of the road behind us, and positively giddy about the road ahead.

Social Impact Event at Seamark Ranch

“We don’t just dare to dream — we dare to act. This comes from our innate desire to find a better way and succeed...We execute every day, without ever taking our eyes off the possibilities ahead. We know that nothing great can be accomplished without courage. That’s why we roll up our sleeves, test our limits and dare to be bold in all we do.”

— Newell Brands

When given the opportunity to partner with a company like Newell Brands, everyone rolls up their sleeves and the dreams get big and real, quickly. Looking to connect this incredible team of volunteers with a larger and incredibly powerful social impact opportunity, KLHGroup delivered in spades creating a day of service at Sea Mark Ranch.

Seamark Ranch, located on a beautiful 468-acre campus in Northeast Florida, opened in 2007 and has since served over 100 children with its homes, on-campus school, and extensive childcare programs. Through the equestrian program, farm care, and the provision of a safe and loving home, each child is set on a journey towards healing, while developing life skills to support their future independence as adults.

KLHGroup’s exceptional team took care of all the logistics and preparations so that the teams of volunteers from Newell would be able to install shelving units in the pantry, re-furbish and update the physical buildings and the grounds through painting, pruning and planting, as well as have enough time to play kickball and provide a listening supportive ear to the children and staff at Sea Mark. “It was amazing to have everyone out here, we don’t get that very often. The people that came out were amazing people, I really appreciated having them here to talk to.”-SeaMark Ranch Resident

With the fundamental vision of “Dream Big, Dare to Act” driving both Newell and KLHGroup, the success of this event was like watching the grand finale of the fireworks at 4th of July- you leave in awe of what you saw and experienced!

If This is March’s Roar, We Might Actually Prefer the Lion

They say that March ushers the spring season “in like a lion, and out like a lamb.” We’re pretty sure they are referring to the weather, but let’s be honest: the Lowcountry’s version of March 1 is not nearly as menacing as that in other parts of the country. In fact, our exit from February is generally not a stark departure from our entrance to April. It stands, then, that our definition of the famed idiom would be a bit different in Charleston. Rather than a forecaster of extreme temperature and precip activity, our “lion” is a roaring harbinger of extreme social and cultural activity.

Case in point? Of the Travel Channel’s 10 “Can’t-Miss” annual Charleston events, three land in the month of March:

Charleston Wine + Food Festival

During this four-day culinary extravaganza, nationally-recognized chefs, sommeliers, restaurateurs, and food artisans converge with their award-winning peers in the Holy City. Now in its 13th year, the aim of CHSWFF is simple: “to create meaningful experiences that ignite a spark in our culinary + hospitality industry and community as a whole.” Those experiences range from signature dinners at some of Charleston’s most beloved restaurants to hands-on oyster shucking and mixology workshops. At the heart of it all is the Culinary Village, an arrangement of white tents that transforms the historic Marion Square into an eating, drinking, and shopping mecca. Warm wafts of smoky barbecue mingle with cool vapors of distilled spirits, luring locals and visitors into the tasting tents, where they just might find themselves talking boiled peanuts with the Lee Brothers or heirloom seeds with Sean Brock.

Charleston Fashion Week

In case you haven’t heard, Charleston style is so much more than seersucker and printed shifts. Spend some time at Charleston Fashion Week, celebrating its 12th year, and witness for yourself the City’s stunning engagement with all things fashion. Live shows, special events, and catwalks run over five dazzling nights. CFW not only attracts top international designers; it also serves as an incredible showcase for local, up-and-coming talent. The sets, lights, and music that turn Marion Square into its annual alter-ego runway are a sight to behold – just be sure to save some energy for the after-parties.

Charleston Antiques Show

You simply can’t disconnect Charleston from its rich history, and with good fortune (plus a lot of luck), much of that tangible history has been preserved. During the three-day Charleston Antiques Show, championed by the Historic Charleston Foundation, collectors and enthusiasts rub elbows with dealers and designers. Showcases of 17th to mid–century modern English, European, and American period furnishings, decorative and fine art, architectural elements, garden furniture, vintage jewelry, silver and more take over the beautiful Gaillard Center.

Oh, sure, there are enough fabulous events in Charleston to fill your calendar every weekend of every month of the year. And most of the weeks in between. But for some reason – perhaps the full official recovery from the holidays, perhaps the calm before the spring break swell - March gets the lion’s share.