By Melissa Nelson / Images by MKMC Photography
With 90% of funding coming from private donations and corporate partnerships and 10% from the City of Charleston, the Conservancy relies on events like Party for the Parks to keep parks sustainable, beautiful and thriving.
The Charleston Parks Conservancy hosted its most successful Party for the Parks fundraiser on Nov. 2, raising $280,000 to support its work in 25 of Charleston’s public parks. Held at Colonial Lake, the event drew a record number of attendees under the theme “Palm Royale: 60s Glamour Meets Charleston Charm,” blending a vintage Palm Beach vibe with Charleston’s community spirit. Funds raised during the event will support the organization’s mission to maintain and enhance 25 public parks and green spaces across Charleston.
With 90% of funding coming from private donations and corporate partnerships and 10% from the City of Charleston, the Conservancy relies on events like Party for the Parks to keep parks sustainable, beautiful and thriving. These funds also enable the Conservancy to provide free community educational events and programming while supporting initiatives like Mulberry Park Food Forest, Charleston Trees and Art in the Parks. The Conservancy is also committed to eco-friendly maintenance practices, including minimizing the need for pesticides and other chemicals and hand-weeding invasive plants—a more time-consuming and costly approach but one that ultimately benefits both the community and the environment by preserving biodiversity and promoting healthier ecosystems.
"Party for the Parks is more than a celebration; it’s a critical fundraiser for our work,” said Darlene Heater, CEO and executive director of the Charleston Parks Conservancy. “These funds allow us to continue vital projects like the revitalization of Colonial Lake, which began in September. This support not only sustains and enhances Charleston’s parks but also enables us to expand free community programming, providing educational and recreational opportunities that make our parks welcoming and accessible to everyone.”
The event’s raffle, sponsored by Carolina Rides and The Cassina Group, brought in $56,000, with a 2025 Moke America eMoke as the top prize. The auction, sponsored by Coastal Cruising Carts, raised an additional $65,000 with packages like a Galápagos Adventure with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, LSV Golf Cart Evolution D3 from Coastal Cruising Carts, a New York City package with The Stephen Colbert Show tickets and hotel accommodations, Kiawah Island Getaway including golf and high demand dinner reservations, private dinners, shopping experiences, jewelry, art and more.
These funds also enable the Conservancy to provide free community educational events and programming while supporting initiatives like Mulberry Park Food Forest, Charleston Trees and Art in the Parks.
"As a neighbor of Colonial Lake and a parent of young children, I know firsthand how vital these parks are to our lives and our community,” said Kathryn Becker, Party for the Parks committee co-chair. “The Conservancy’s work to preserve and enhance these spaces is truly invaluable, and I’m deeply grateful for the supporters, vendors and community members who made this year our most successful—and fun—celebration yet.”
The Conservancy thanks all sponsors, including Moore Farms Botanical Garden, ArtFields, Beemok Hospitality Collection, Rockwell Construction, Vincent & Bullwinkel Orthodontist, US Foods, Maison Real Estate and Fleet Landing, Diagio, as well as the incredible food vendors, committee and volunteers and staff who contributed to the success of this year’s Party for the Parks.
To support Charleston Parks Conservancy parks and get involved, visitcharlestonparksconservancy.orgto learn more about volunteering and donation opportunities.
The Charleston Parks Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring the people of Charleston to connect with their parks and create stunning public places and a strong community. For more than 15 years, the Conservancy has had a hand in renovating and beautifying 25 parks in partnership with the City of Charleston. Notable projects include the renovation of Colonial Lake, the Rose Pavilion at Hampton Park, Moultrie Playground, St. Julian Devine Community Center and Park, Magnolia Park and Community Garden, Medway Park, and Community Garden and Corrine Jones Community Garden.charlestonparksconservancy.org
Copyright © 2015 Dez Inc. dba GulfStream Communications
