For the past several months, Elegant Island Living has partnered with the Davis Love Foundation (DLF) to spotlight local charities they support and other partner organizations. We have dedicated a page in each issue leading up to The RSM Classic tournament as a “Foundation Focus.” We began in April by highlighting the tournament’s Charity Putting Challenge. In May, the subject was the partnership with the Southeast Georgia Health System and its Foundation. In June, the focus was food insecurity and the Firebox Initiative. The role of Rich’s as a founding local partner who continues to support the tournament was July’s subject. Non-profit organization Communities in Schools was the focus in August. For the September issue, we highlighted the Friends of the Foundation car raffle. Last month, we turned to the Boys & Girls Club of Southeast Georgia. This month, we’ll wrap things up with a closer look at Safe Harbor Children’s Center, a non-profit organization that is celebrating 30 years of service to our community’s most vulnerable members.
For the children and youth who come to Safe Harbor, the first pages of their story have been difficult and discouraging. Time and again, they have been discarded and discounted. They've been told they aren't worthy. They are deeply damaged and bruised – the sad result of years of abuse, violence, and trauma. Too many have been rejected (or worse) by those who should love them unconditionally, leaving behind physical and emotional scars that can linger for a lifetime.
But if you ever meet them, you know that's only part of their story. Their goodness, bravery, and resilience are truly inspiring. The first pages of their stories don’t have to be predictive of how it will continue. Safe Harbor represents the start of new pages in their life to bring hope and healing that will alter the trajectory of their lives and profoundly change the content of their stories.
Safe Harbor Childrens Center
Children, families, and individuals who come to Safe Harbor have been abused, abandoned, or neglected, are homeless or have run away from home, or who are otherwise at risk or feel threatened. The Center’s mission is to provide services that promote security and stability for at risk families, children, and individuals. The mission is powered by seven unique programs: Safe Harbor Children’s Shelter, Zach’s Place: Runaway & Homeless Youth Emergency Shelter, STRIVE Transitional Living Program, Street Beat, Safe Harbor Children’s Advocacy Center, the Connie Smith Rape Crisis Center, and Family Preservation. This past year, these programs collectively provided more than 2,898 individuals with vital services. It was the largest one-year growth since Safe Harbor was founded in 1991. And they continue to strive for excellence and to produce outcomes that are impactful for our community.
Safe Harbor 30 year logo
The services of Safe Harbor would not be possible without the support of the Golden Isles community. Among those supporters are the Loves. “When Safe Harbor first opened its doors in 1991, Davis and Robin Love were one of the first families in our community to ask, “How can we help?” said Leslie Hartman, Safe Harbor’s Executive Director. “Since that time, we have regarded Davis and Robin among our greatest blessings. Through their vision and thoughtful leadership in giving, the Love family has been integral to our continued growth and development as a vital nonprofit organization. Without a doubt, their long-term support has helped change the lives of so many children and youth in our community. Some people dream dreams. David and Robin help make dreams become reality.”
Funding from The RSM Classic and the Davis Love Foundation provides the opportunity to do more for those currently served and for those who will seek assistance. “This generous support allows us to implement new innovative services,” said Hartman. “It also allows us to increase staffing in key areas to ensure we meet the growing demand for our services while upholding the level of excellence expected by our clients and community.”
We hope that these articles have demonstrated the incredible impact that The RSM Classic, hosted by Davis Love III, the Davis Love Foundation, and their partners have had on our local community through the more than $22.2 million raised since the tournament’s inception 11 years ago, and the ongoing “Drive to $25 Million.
The 2021 PGA TOUR event is November 15-21 at Sea Island Golf Club and it’s not too late for you to contribute. For partnership information and to be a part of the “Drive for $25M,” regardless of the size of your business, contact John McKenzie, Director of Sales, at jmckenzie@dlovefoundation.com or visit rsmclassic.com.
