Over the years, Tidelands Hospice has sponsored a spectacular holiday fundraiser. The Festival of Trees brought in thousands of dollars that helped to fund the foundation. But as the years went by, the thrill of oyster roasts and auctioning of gorgeous trees fell under monotony and the festival saw its last hurrah in 2008.
Greeleyville resident Virginia Jonte joined the Tidelands Hospice board of directors this year. Her relationship with the not for profit organization developed through the outreach, support and compassion they offered during her late husband Leonard’s illness. As a long time associate and now a member of the board, Jonte knew the importance of fund raising so when she heard about a Manning fundraiser called “Party on the Porches,” where visitors stop by certain homes within a neighborhood for an evening of drinks, music and food, she was intrigued.
She contacted the event’s coordinator who was Senator John Land’s wife, Marie Land, and Land explained how the fundraiser worked. After a neighborhood was designated for the event several homeowners were contacted and asked to participate. Each homeowner is responsible only for their porch. The rest is taken care of by volunteers. Each porch stop will offer something different.
Jonte presented the idea to the board that embraced the idea whole-heartedly. Five homes on Academy Street were chosen and the homeowners graciously agreed to offer their outdoor spaces for the special event. “The best thing about  party on the porches is people are willing to do this because all they have to do is present a clean yard and porch,” said Jonte. What is more intriguing is that of the five homeowners who volunteered, the Tidelands Hospice Community has personally touched three.
Once the homes were in place, Williamsburg County Tidelands volunteers were called upon. Each volunteer is in charge of organizing food, decorations, and music, whatever has been designated for that particular location. For example, David and Debbie Ipock will host fish and hush puppies so it was only appropriate that a group of hunters and fisherman do the cooking.
Williamsburg Regional Hospital, Coopers Country store and other sponsors went a long way in providing donations but word of mouth helped in the effort as well. “Virginia Ann McIntosh is in charge of the desert porch,” said Jonte. “She called Marie Carter to ask her to donate a cake, and Marie said she knew three others that would donate. That’s how we got most of the food donated.”
Jonte is already looking forward to the party and has even begun to plan for the future. “I think this is something we can do every year,” she said. “We can have one in Salters, or Greeleyville. I’d even love to have a plantation tour.” She said the board consists of members from Horry, Georgetown and Williamsburg counties and the implications of what can be accomplished through tier efforts would hold no boundaries. “Can you imagine what you could do on Front Street in Georgetown?” said Jonte.  “I even had a lady say we could do a “Party on the Docks” in Murrells Inlet. So I feel that if our county can do it, then the other counties hold one, that would be three fundraisers each year and what better way to raise funds for such a wonderful cause.”
The event is planned for Thursday, August 20 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Parking will be at the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church and the First Baptist Church. Restrooms will be open at the Presbyterian church. A golf cart will be available for those in need of special transportation. Sponsorships are still being sought. Tickets are available through Holts, the Williamsburg HomeTown Chamber and at the Tidelands Community Hospice office at 2591 N. Fraser Street, Georgetown. Tidelands’ toll free number is 888-922-3410.