
Mary Butler and Mel Flaming accept the SunTrust Foundation Lighting the Way Award on behalf of SCORE Charleston
Recognized for its contributions to the small business community in the Charleston region, SCORE Charleston SC was awarded a 2018 Lighting the Way Award and $75,000 grant by the SunTrust Foundation.
The SunTrust Foundation’s Lighting the Way Awards recognizes select nonprofit organizations that strengthen their local communities through programs that help people better their circumstances and gain financial confidence.
"Supporting the unique needs of our communities is central to our mission, and we recognize outstanding local nonprofit organizations that work tirelessly to meet the needs of their communities," said Stan Little, president of the SunTrust Foundation. "The Lighting the Way Awards celebrate their efforts and continue our partnership with these organizations."
Mark Lattanzio, Region President SunTrust Bank, and Matt Giddens, First Vice President, Community Development Manager, SunTrust Bank nominated SCORE Charleston for the award with the intent of supporting the existing Veteran's grant program.
When Mary Butler, Chapter Chairperson, learned of the size of the grant, she recommended that the grant also support a new initiative for 2019, Move Forward, a women's program.
“We really appreciate SunTrust Foundation recognizing our volunteers for all of the work we’ve done with entrepreneurs and small business owners that want to start or grow their business, “ she said. “This will help the woman and veteran-owned businesses in our communities with education, skill building workshops, and grants to launch and build their businesses.”
Established in 2008, the SunTrust Foundation is committed to supporting a wide range of financial well-being efforts through grants and partnerships with local philanthropic organizations. To date, the SunTrust Foundation has awarded more than $140 million in grants to organizations across the United States.
ABOUT SCORE
SCORE synthesizes the American entrepreneurial spirit and volunteerism. Since 1964, SCORE has provided expert volunteer mentoring to more than 11 million entrepreneurs and small business owners. SCORE is committed to helping any person succeed in their small business endeavor through confidential and free mentoring, workshops, and tools.
