SUNSET – The Cliffs Resident Outreach of The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards raised $43,000 for Pickens County Schools at its Amazing Race & Party in the Outback fundraiser.

The monies raised will enable CRO-Vineyards to support Holly Springs Elementary School’s educational programs for the 2015-16 school year, provide emergency nutritional, medical and dental assistance to area families in need, and provide a new Parents as Learners (PALs) program, which encourages Pickens County parents to promote their child’s education.

CRO-Vineyard’s mission of serving underprivileged children and families at nearby Holly Springs Elementary has assumed a new role since the last fundraiser in 2011.

For the last several years CRO-Vineyards has assisted Holly Springs in reaching its 1:1 technology goal by purchasing classroom tablets. Thanks to Vineyards residents, Holly Springs will be the first school in the School District of Pickens County to reach this 1:1 technology goal.

Dr. Danny Merck, superintendent of SDPC, validated that the work of CRO-Vineyards was making a difference in both student performance and in community relations.

“We are extremely fortunate to have CRO-Vineyards as a partner. Their support for the students at Holly Springs Elementary has been tremendous,” Merck said. “The entire community has been a blessing to our school district and Holly Springs Elementary. We sincerely appreciate the financial support as well as the many hours of volunteer service. Adults who work with students make our county a better place to live.”

The Amazing Race & Party in the Outback brought the local community together within the gates of The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards. Attendees included the Vineyards Fire Department, teachers and principal from Holly Springs and educators from nearby Tamassee Salem DAR School, Cliffs Management and Cliffs Real Estate.

“Involving Holly Springs Elementary, Tamassee DAR School, the Vineyards Fire Department, and Pickens community volunteers was a lofty, fun and rewarding experience for all participants,” said Char Burgner, auction chair and Vineyards resident. “This year’s event fulfilled more goals than just the mission. It brought more of the local community into our gates than ever before allowing us to come together as one team with one goal: support the children of Holly Springs Elementary and their families in Pickens County.”

The Cliffs’ six communities located in South Carolina continue to make a significant impact on the surrounding area schools and local communities through Cliffs Resident Outreach (CRO), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Each year, The Cliffs’ individual communities host separate events to support their mission and school district by providing resources to regional children that promote opportunities for lifelong success.

More information about Cliffs Resident Outreach is available online at crocommunities.com.

Staff Report