Medicinal Whiskey Charity Raises $150,000 For Sick Kids

Medicinal Whiskey Charity , founded by local bourbon enthusiasts to help fight childhood illness, raised $150,000 at its recent Kentucky Derby Party.

The party raised money for Clement’s Kindness Fund for the Children and Prisma Health Children’s Hospital Bi-Lo Charities Children’s Cancer Center.

The event was presented by Foster Victor Wealth Advisors and Bardstown Bourbon Co.

Since its founding in 2021, Medicinal Whiskey Charity has donated more than $1 million to organizations that support patients and their families in South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky and Virginia.

Clement’s Kindness Fund for the Children and Prisma Health Children’s Hospital, Bi-Lo Charities Children’s Cancer Center , help meet the medical, psychological, social, emotional, and financial needs of Upstate families impacted by pediatric cancer and other blood disorders.

Cliffs At Mountain Park Hires GM, Head Golf Pro

A General Manager, Dale Moeller, and a Head Golf Professional, Stephanie Reeves, have joined the leadership team at The Cliffs at Mountain Park.

The Greenville-area community has also released Cherokee Rose properties; will debut a sports pavilion this summer; and has acquired The Village at Mountain Park in Travelers Rest.

“We are thrilled to welcome such experienced and accomplished people as Dale and Stephanie to the Mountain Park team,” said Rob Duckett, President of The Cliffs.

“With all of the new projects scheduled for completion this year, Dale and Stephanie’s guidance and expertise will be vital in helping the staff and membership navigate the new offerings that continue to define and elevate the Mountain Park experience,” he said.

Moeller joins The Cliffs at Mountain Park from the Quail West Golf and Country Club in Naples, Florida. He is known for facilitating training, providing mentorship, and affording career development opportunities to management and staff, according to a press release.

His experience includes strategic planning, financial reporting, budgeting, capital projects, resolving problems, and enhancing the member and guest experience. He is a Certified Club Manager and Certified Association Manager.

An accomplished PGA Professional, Reeves became a Certified PGA Member in 2013, specializing in Golf Operations. In 2017, she became a PGA Master Professional, the highest level of education in the PGA of America. At the time, she was one of five women in the country who earned the status.

Reeves played golf at Siena College and then moved to Florida and built a 22-year career as a golf professional. Most recently, she was Director of Golf at Countryside Golf and Country Club in Naples, Florida.

***

Last year, The Cliffs at Mountain Park debuted Cherokee Rose, 12 homesites in the Mountain Park community. The properties are 25 miles from Greenville.

The sports pavilion will augment the social and recreational programming and amenities at Mountain Park. The complex will have two tennis courts, four pickleball courts, two padel courts, and a resort-style pool.

The Village at Mountain Park in Travelers Rest was purchased from Blackstone Development. The 15-acre property includes a mixed-use village of commercial and residential buildings and lots.

The parcel connects homes and homesites in Mountain Park Estates to the main portion of The Cliffs at Mountain Park. There are no immediate plans to develop the property.

The Cliffs is a collection of seven private, luxury residential mountain and lake club communities in the Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains, in proximity to Greenville, Asheville and Clemson.

restaurant and event venues, and over 2,000 year-round programs and social activities.

Mauldin To Honor Memorial Day May 26

The City of Mauldin will honor fallen service members at a Memorial Day ceremony at 11 a.m. Monday, May 26, at the Mauldin Veterans Memorial on East Butler Road. The ceremony is open to the public.

The program will include Mayor Terry Merritt and City Administrator Seth Duncan, opening and closing prayers by Pastor Brad Baugham of Emmanuel Bible Church, and posting of colors by American Legion Post 271. The keynote speaker is Lt. Col. Mike Ware, a retired U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and an author.

"Memorial Day is a powerful reminder of the cost of our freedom,” said Merritt, an Air Force veteran. “By holding this ceremony, we honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service. And we reaffirm our commitment as a community to never forget their sacrifices."

Also participating are Miranda Harrison, who will sing the national anthem; Mauldin Police Officer Vincent Macrina, Gunners Mate Petty Officer 3rd Class, who will lead the Pledge of Allegiance; representatives of Disabled American Veterans, who will place wreaths; and taps will be sounded by Stephen Goshorn.

The Veterans Memorial is in front of the Mauldin Cultural Center, 101 E. Butler Road.

Greenville Women Giving Grants $500,000 To Nonprofits

Greenville Women Giving has awarded $508,250 in grants to seven nonprofit organizations in Greenville County.

Since its inception in 2006, Greenville Women Giving has awarded 159 grants to 92 organizations for a total of more than $9 million.

“As population soars in Greenville County, so do the needs of our community and nonprofits,” said Beverly Ward, Co-Chair of Greenville Women Giving . “Thanks to our members and their commitment to contribute to the quality of life for all, we were able to consistently fund organizations addressing critical needs.”

Grants are awarded in five focus areas: arts, education, environment, health, and human services .

Seven organizations were selected to receive grants by a vote of GWG members. Grants are made from applications submitted by nonprofits and funded through contributions by individual members of GWG.

Greenville Theatre Arts category, $50,000

Founded in 1926, Greenville Theatre is the oldest and largest professional theater in the region. The 571-seat theater has been Downtown on Heritage Green since 1967. The grant will be used to replace the stage flooring. The floor is a safety issue for the 200 actors, musicians, technicians, students and volunteers who use the theater. Work will be completed by August, in time for the theater's 100th anniversary season.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Upstate Education category, $66,250

An affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the local nonprofit provides one-to-one mentoring in some Greenville County schools. The program is designed to prevent or mitigate the impact of potential abuse, neglect and dysfunction among children in low-income households. The grant will help Big Brothers Big Sisters introduce a new approach to childhood trauma intervention, with the goal of adding 70 mentors to teach 250 children to prioritize their mental health; break generational patterns of trauma; and create healthier home environments. The program also is intended to alleviate strain on social services, law enforcement and emergency health care.

Conestee Foundation Environment category, $100,000

Conestee Nature Park is a 640-acre wildlife sanctuary six miles from downtown Greenville. Hurricane Helene devastated the park and a boardwalk known as Woodie Walk, a connector of the Green Loop trail. Annually, 200,000 students and others visit the preserve. The GWG grant will help build a stormproof solution to reconnect the Green Loop.

New Morning Health category, $90,000

The GWG grant will support New Morning’s six partner clinics in Greenville County. The clinics provide contraceptive services to low-income, uninsured and underinsured women. The clinics are projected to provide 7,000 women this year with free or low-cost contraceptives. The grant will also save as much as $13 million in maternal and birth-related costs in the county, according to Guttmacher Data Center.

Project Host Human services category, $52,000

Project Host soup kitchen and outreach program has been part of Greenville for 44 years. Its mission is to provide food to the hungry and to train unemployed individuals to become self-sufficient through a culinary training program. Last year, Project Host served over 75,000 meals. Population growth is projected to increase needs. The GWG grant will be used to serve an additional 5,250 meals.

Rebuild Upstate Human services, $100,000

Founded in 2007, Rebuild Upstate approaches the affordable housing crisis by focusing on rehabilitation and preservation of existing homes. The GWG grant will help complete home repairs over two years for 40 low-income homeowners.

Triune Mercy Center Human services, $50,000

Established in 1989, Triune Mercy Center provides opportunities that meet the needs of disadvantaged, homeless and vulnerable individuals and leverages resources to empower them toward self-sufficiency and healing. Last year, Triune Mercy Center served 16,200 people. The GWG grant will cover the cost of security cameras to mitigate illegal or harmful situations in an entryway at Triune. The issue has begun to discourage people who need services and creates a safety risk for clients, staff and volunteers.

Sola Salons To Open Downtown Suites For Professionals

Sola Salons will open its newest location in Downtown Greenville’s growing North of Broad District. The project will feature 39 boutique, move-in-ready salon suites for independent beauty professionals – hairstylists, estheticians, nail artists, massage therapists, wellness practitioners and others.

Separated by floor-to-ceiling insulated walls and glass doors that lock, the suites allow professionals to operate individual businesses in private and customized spaces.

Sola Salons will be at 300 E. McBee Ave.

“This is an incredible opportunity for beauty professionals to build their brands in a vibrant, walkable location – while still enjoying the privacy and flexibility of their own studios,” said Margie VanKirk, General Manager of Sola Salons Greenville.

Weekly rent will include utilities, Wi-Fi, a laundry room, a break room, and access to Sola’s technology and marketing platforms. Sola in Greenville will have convenient parking.

“Sola Salons brings a dynamic energy and an entrepreneurial spirit that perfectly aligns with our vision for 300 East McBee,” said Harrison Hughes, Executive Vice President of Hughes Commercial. “Their presence adds to the exciting mix of tenants creating a new center for business, retail and lifestyle.”

Since its inception in 2004, Sola has grown to more than 750 locations with 20,000 independent beauty professionals throughout the United States and Canada.

“We have created a turnkey solution for thousands of beauty professionals to explore life as an entrepreneur,” said Ben Jones, CEO of Radiance Holdings, parent company of Sola Salons.

CEOs Raise Wall For Habitat

The 13th Habitat Greenville CEO Build recently completed its ceremonial wall-raising.

“The people here today believe in the need for affordable homeownership in Greenville,” said LaTonya Phillips, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County .

Each CEO pledged funding and volunteer hours to help build a house on Zora Street in the Nicholtown community, where Habitat Greenville has built 15 homes in recent years.

“This is about more than building a home; this is about building a community,” said Beth Paul, General Manager of Bon Secours Wellness Arena and Co-Chair of 2025 CEO Build.

The CEOs, their teams, volunteers and future Habitat families will work together to build the home for a local family. But more volunteers and business leaders are needed, Phillips said.

“Today is just the start of an amazing process,” said Heath Dillard, President and CEO of VisitGreenvilleSC and Co-Chair of 2025 CEO Build. “We are coming together to help a family for generations to come.”

The CEO Build includes Dan Russian, Sage Automotive Interiors; Chris Heard, Safe Automotive Interiors; Chris Bailey, Greater Greenville Association Realtors; David Lominack, TD Bank; Hank McCullough, Piedmont Natural Gas; Stephen Davis, Davis & Floyd; Dr. Keith Miller, Greenville Technical College; Phil Howard, Ethox Chemicals; John Boyanoski, Complete PR; Randy Hunter, Terminix; Tim Vieira, Greenville Swamp Rabbits; and Heather Meadors, Auro Hotels.

Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County was founded in 1985 to bring families, community partners, and volunteers together to construct affordable, energy-efficient homes to help families build strength, stability and self-reliance. Habitat Greenville has completed more than 420 homes. For information, go to habitatgreenville.org .

Marketing Manager Joins Bubble Paper

Bubble Paper, a sustainable packaging solution, has hired Monica Frazier as Marketing Manager.

Frazier will bring creative and strategic marketing expertise to help elevate the company’s brand presence and customer engagement, according to a press release.

Before joining Bubble Paper, Frazier worked in creative and marketing roles. She led client-focused design projects, managed brand visuals, developed digital assets, and supported operational efficiency.

“Monica brings fresh creative energy and a strong sense of brand storytelling to Bubble Paper,” said Benjamin Moore, founder and CEO of Bubble Paper. “Her ability to connect design with strategy will be key as we grow awareness around our mission and products.”

Bubble Paper is known for its flagship product, Bubble Paper Wrap. The product is designed as a curbside recyclable, paper-based alternative to plastic bubble wrap. Located in Piedmont, the company is committed to reducing environmental impact through eco-friendly products that protect even delicate or temperature-sensitive items.

Mast Supports Upstate Forever

Mast General Store in Greenville will host Land Trust Day on June 7 to celebrate Upstate Forever . Mast General will donate 20% of the sales that day to Upstate Forever. Staff from Upstate Forever will answer questions about land trusts and stewardship from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Mast General Store, a family- and employee-owned retailer, is also expanding with a store in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The store is anticipated to open in 2027.

Mast Store has locations in the Carolinas, Tennessee and Virginia.

Amp’d Up Fridays Hits Play In Mauldin

The Mauldin Cultural Center has kicked off its summer season with Amp’d Up Fridays, a free outdoor concert series that runs every Friday night from May 23 to July 25.

Concerts will feature beach, pop, rock, country, R&B, and more. Food trucks will be available. Growler Haus will sell beer and wine. All shows run from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Mauldin Cultural Center outdoor amphitheater, 101 E. Butler Road.

Performers this year are May 30, Swingin’ Medallions; June 6, Rhythm City Band; June 13, BR385; June 20, Vinyl Junkies; June 27, The Catalinas; July 4, Jamie Wright Band; July 11, The Entertainers; July 18, James Radford Band; July 25, The Mighty Kicks. A fireworks display will follow the final concert.

The amphitheater will have a new stage cover, replacing the one destroyed during Hurricane Helene.

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs; leashed dogs are allowed. Outside food and beverages, smoking, weapons, tents, bikes, scooters, hoverboards and skateboards are prohibited.

In inclement weather, go to the Mauldin Cultural Center Facebook page. For information, go to mauldinculturalcenter.org and click on Events , then Festival Season .

Community Day Hosted At Flywheel Greenville

A Community Day will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 28 at Flywheel Greenville Coworking, 25 Goldsmith St. The event is free.

Those who attend can work for the day, have lunch and explore the space, which includes coworking space, private offices, high-speed Wi-Fi, and fresh local coffee and beer.

For information and registration, go to flywheelcoworking.com .

***

You’re So Fly, Tell Us Why

On Community Day, May 28, the You're So Fly, Tell Us Why lunch will be from noon to 1 p.m. in the social commons.

The social, for members and Community Day guests, is an opportunity to meet Flywheel members. A light lunch will be provided, and a member will share his or her work and passions.

For information and registration, go to flywheelcoworking.com .

***

Flywheel Café

Flywheel Café at Flywheel Greenville Coworking will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. June 12 at 25 Goldsmith St. The event is free.

Founders, investors and people in the entrepreneurial ecosystem will celebrate their growing community during Flywheel Café. Food, networking and beer will be included, along with presentations from local, successful entrepreneurs who will discuss their journeys and answer questions.

For information and registration, go to flywheelcoworking.com .

***

Pitch Space

Pitch Space will be held virtually from 5 to 6:30 p.m. June 19. Participation is free.

The live event will take place in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The event will feature pitches from startups looking to move to the next level. Pitches are followed by feedback from a panel of investors and ends with questions from the audience and networking.

Pitch-Space.com is offered by Flywheel and sponsored by Dualboot Partners. The event is open to founders, investors and interested community members.

For virtual attendance, go to us06web.zoom.us/my/pitchspacelive . For information and registration, go to flywheelcoworking.com .

Simpsonville Chamber Provides Legislative Update

The Simpsonville Area Chamber of Commerce Lunch & Learn will feature a legislative update from S.C. Rep. David Vaughan from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 27.

Vaughan will explain challenges, successes, ongoing policy priorities, issues of interest to local businesses, and the impact of new legislation. Guests can ask questions and provide feedback.

The event will take place at the chamber, 105 W. Curtis St. For information, go to simpsonvillechamber.com and click on the Calendar .including Amazon, and at BuyBeachMusic.com., off Church Street.