Contributor: Molly Talbot-Metz, President & CEO Mary Black Foundation
One Community Dinner
Thursday, October 5
6:00-8:30pm
Clevedale Historic Inn & Gardens
The Mary Black Foundation is able to advance our mission of health and wellbeing for all people in Spartanburg County, in part, due to the leadership of our board of trustees. During their board service, which can be up to eight years, they voluntarily give of their time and talent. At the end of their service, the Foundation recognizes the commitment of retiring trustees by allowing them to designate a grant to a nonprofit organization in their name.
Our most recently retired trustee, Hope Blackley, wanted to use her grant funds in a slightly different way. Rather than granting the funds to an organization, she has used the funds to leverage others in the community to create the One Community Dinner. Inspired by High on the Hog and an understanding that breaking bread with a diverse group of people can lead to greater connections and unity, Hope set out with a vision for an evening of oneness.
We are excited to support her vision and recognize her leadership – not just as a former trustee of the Mary Black Foundation but as a leader in Spartanburg.
Hope Blackley is not afraid to have tough conversations if it will make the community a better place for all people. The One Community Dinner is another way that she is challenging all of us to work together for the common good.
In addition to planning a delicious meal, Hope has invited Elton O. Ndoma-Ogar to join us as a keynote speaker. Elton has a fascinating story that includes a time when he lived in Spartanburg.
I hope you will join us for the One Community Dinner on October 5th at 6:00 pm at the Clevedale Historic Inn and Gardens. A limited number of tickets are available HERE for $75.00.
Any proceeds that are raised beyond the cost of the dinner will support the Institute for Youth Justice, a leadership training program for high school students in Spartanburg County, which Hope founded in partnership with the Spartanburg County Foundation.
