Your wedding day. Without a doubt, it's one of the most significant events you will ever experience - when you and the love of your life officially seal the deal and get married. On this day, your friends and family will gather to celebrate the next step in your life. Photographers will be running around snapping photos, catering plates delicious food for guests to enjoy, and the DJ sets the mood for a night of fun and libation. You've worked extra hard to make everything look perfect and run smoothly. You have examined every moving part down to the tiniest detail. At the center of all your effort is your wedding venue in Newberry, SC.
Your event space can mean the difference between an unforgettable event and an average occasion. Capturing your uniqueness as a couple is paramount to a memorable wedding. But, without the right venue location and staff, your unforgettable event can turn into a painfully average occasion. Fortunately, at Abney Hall, you won't ever have to worry about dingy reception spaces and crummy chow halls.
Constructed in Newberry, SC, in 1962, Abney Hall is 15,000 square feet and sits on 500 acres of land, making it a large wedding venue unlike any other. Abney Hall was originally the home of Mrs. Josephine Abney, a Newberry native who was a lifelong philanthropist. Mrs. Abney devoted much of her time and effort towards supporting charities, educational institutions, hospitals, and other noble efforts. Today, Abney Hall stands tall as a symbol of love, both in our community and for the couples who choose to get married here.
Abney Hall is an exclusive event experience unlike any other, surrounded by verdant forests and sparkling ponds. Our venue is a natural fit for several occasions, including:
The beginning of your life starts at Abney Hall. With our team by your side, we can create the fairy tale wedding you have dreamed about since childhood. Whether you have 100 guests or 1,000, our waterfront ceremony locations and French-inspired courtyard are perfect for your big day. Celebrate in luxurious style surrounded by shady magnolia trees, a private forest, large ponds, and the beauty of Mother Nature. While our venue location and aesthetic have been praised far and wide, so too have the practical aspects of Abney Hall. Looking for a relaxing, comfortable spot for your bridal party to get ready in? We offer an entire floor in the Abney Hall residence to get the bridal party ready. Want to make your groomsman feel extra-special too? We've got a private, plush house just feet from a sparkling pond that is a proper hangout spot for the guys in your group.
To make life easier on you, we also offer Abney Hall as your go-to spot for rehearsal dinners. Why book an expensive restaurant or travel to another location when unmatched beauty and convenience are right at your fingertips? Abney Hall is just the place for that very important dinner the night before your big day. We are also happy to host your bridal shower at Abney Hall. Our venue makes for one of Newberry's most unique bridal shower settings, where your family and friends can gather to give gifts and be merry before you walk down the aisle.
With such a large, magnificent house and a vast property, Abney Hall also makes for an unforgettable location for your bridal portraits and other wedding-related photography needs. Don't take our word for it - book a tour and see for yourself why so many new brides and grooms choose Abney Hall as their wedding venue in Newberry.
You've already found the person you want to spend the rest of your life beside. The next step? Finding the perfect wedding venue for your ceremony, reception, and celebration of your lifelong commitment to one another. Remember, the backdrop for photos, dancing, eating, and all other activities will be at your wedding venue. That's why we work so hard to set Abney Hall apart from our competitors - so you and your guests can focus on love and living your new life while we work with your vendors and photographers to make your magic night a reality.
Here are just a few reasons why guests choose Abney Hall as their wedding venue in Newberry, SC, along with some helpful tips from our experienced wedding venue staff:
Choosing the appropriate-sied venue for your desired guest count is a critical decision. A venue's capacity affects the number of people you need to consider having at your ceremony and reception. As you're first starting out, we recommend having a guest count in mind as you're searching for the right venue. Try to stick with that number. You may fall in love with a particular venue, but if its max capacity can't accommodate your guest count, it may be time to cross them off your list.
Keep in mind that this is your big day. You shouldn't feel obligated to invite the college roommate you shared a dorm with for one semester. At the end of the day, your wedding venue should be one that can accommodate those closest to you. Abney Hall is equipped for both small and large weddings, consisting of 500 acres of forest, ponds, and lush natural beauty. Whether you want an intimate wedding with only your best friends or a grand ceremony with hundreds of people, we have the right amount of room to make you comfortable.
On your big day, you're likely to have friends and family traveling in from other parts of the state or country. These folks will need a place to stay during and even after your wedding. Accessibility and ease are important factors when it comes to choosing your wedding venue for both you and your guests.
Located in Newberry, SC, Abney Hall is situated in a memorable, natural setting, giving your wedding a private vibe in the midst of Mother Nature. While we pride ourselves on having a secluded wedding event space, our venue is within an easy driving distance of hotels and vacation rentals.
When you contact us for a tour, make sure to speak with our experienced venue manager about nearby hotels and shuttle service options. We understand that your guest's comfort and convenience are important, and we're happy to work with you to figure out the best way to get your guests to Abney Hall.
At Abney Hall, our staff has earned its reputation as one of the industry's most friendly, accessible teams. We will provide you with a purpose-minded point of contact that can help answer questions relating to timelines, preferred vendors, and every aspect of your wedding. When you tour our wedding venue in Newberry, SC, for the first time, we want you to feel like you have all the information you need to make an informed purchasing decision.
At Abney Hall, our goal is to be your first resource when it comes to setting up and coordinating the details of your wedding day.
When it comes to your wedding's decor, you probably already have a few ideas in mind. We love it when our brides and grooms have a vision in mind because one of our greatest joys is turning that vision into a reality. At Abney Hall, our team is available to help you and your decorator fit, accent, and accommodate your fairy-tale wedding - whatever that may be.
Are you looking to dress up your wedding with decorations galore? Just want to add a few accents that tie into your preferred color palette? Abney Hall is versatile and ready to help however we are able.
If you're thinking about bringing in your own greenery, lighting, floral pieces, and more, we recommend discussing your vision with us on your initial tour of our event space. That way, we can get a head start on making your big day exactly how you envision it.
10 years from now, when you and your spouse are celebrating your anniversary, you will pull out photographs from your wedding and will reminisce about the unforgettable time you spent at Abney Hall. Your wedding photos will be with you forever, and as such, we work closely with you and your photographer to suggest extra-special photo op spots that you can only find on Abney Hall grounds.
From the grand staircase and French-inspired courtyard to our manicured gardens and lovely pond, there is no shortage of photo-op locations for your photographer to choose from. As one of the most popular wedding venues in Newberry, SC, we have worked with dozens of photographers over the years.
Our experience has allowed us to cultivate a list of preferred photographers - all of whom have the talent to take your pictures to the next level in a setting they're familiar with. We encourage you to check out our gallery to get a sense of the scope of our wedding venue and gain inspiration from other happy couples.
The gallery on our website is extensive but be sure to check out our Facebook and Instagram pages as well. We keep our social pages updated with recent wedding photographs, giving you an incredible resource that you can use for your own photography purposes.
Abney Hall is known across the United States for our stunning weddings, but we also play host to some of the largest corporate events in South Carolina. Why choose a bland, lifeless meeting space when you can enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature coupled with a professional atmosphere? If you have an important team-building event or corporate conference that you have to coordinate, look no further than Abney Hall.
The epitome of class and style, our corporate event space is large, lavish, and chock-full of onsite amenities for you and your co-workers to enjoy. If your team needs a morale boost, don't bring them to the local Olive Garden for a cheap lunch. Treat them to a refreshing experience in our main dining room, where we can work with you to incorporate your catering options with the goals of your event.
When the hard work is done, and your team needs a breather, what better way to relax than with a quick dip in our pool? To burn off a little steam, head over to our brand-new tennis court - the perfect place to get some exercise in an ultra-private setting while you enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. Don't forget to bring your fishing poles for a couple of hours of fishing. There's even an opportunity to go hunting if you wish.
If you're ready to learn more about Abney Hall as your wedding venue, don't hesitate to reach out. We would love to hear more about your plans, your vision, and your needs. We know that planning a wedding isn't easy. It takes time, attention to detail, and a whole lot of patience. Our goal is to help provide you with all the info you need to learn more about our venue. Once you decide on a date, we'll work closely with you and your vendors to craft a wedding experience that you will treasure for the rest of your life.
Our available dates for your big day are going quick, especially during peak seasons like spring and fall. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Contact us today for a FREE initial consultationCHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Wednesday marks National Signing Day around the country with high school athletes signing their National Letters of Intent to play their sports at the next level.The Charleston County School District recognized 45 student-athletes set to take part in National Signing Day. Those students represent six district schools and a total of 10 sports.Steve LaPrad, who was j...
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Wednesday marks National Signing Day around the country with high school athletes signing their National Letters of Intent to play their sports at the next level.
The Charleston County School District recognized 45 student-athletes set to take part in National Signing Day. Those students represent six district schools and a total of 10 sports.
Steve LaPrad, who was just reinstated as head football coach at Fort Dorchester High School after an abrupt resignation earlier this month, walked onto the stage at the school’s signing event to big applause.
Check back here throughout the day for the latest updates, pictures, video and more from around the Lowcountry.
Academic Magnet High School
Turner Orvin, Soccer - Johns Hopkins University
Ashley Hall
Ailish Ward, Cross Country - Tufts University
Ellerbe Mendez, Lacrosse - Swarthmore
Mary Ella Prendergast, Tennis - Connecticut College
Ashley Ridge
Christian Garland, Football - Old Dominion
TJ Wilson, Football - Limestone
Reagan Hardy, Soccer - Lander
Finn McLaughlin, Baseball - USC Lancaster
Carson Molinaroli, Baseball - Anderson University
Berkeley
Miller McGuire, Baseball - Newberry
Jackson Proctor, Baseball - Clemson
Gavin Driggers, Baseball - Florence Darlington
Abby Prince, Softball - Charleston Southern
Emma Roberson, Softball - Winthrop
Karmen King, Softball - Carolina University
Madison Curtis, Softball - Belmont Abbey
Lacey Hennessy, Softball - Coker
Ansley Morrell, Soccer - Lander
Bishop England
Adelaide Coyle, Softball - Erskine
Asher Western, Baseball - USC Beaufort
Charlie Ranney, Football - Bates College
Lindsay Burbage, Swimming - University of Massachusetts
Maggie Long, Track - Anderson University
Matthew Picard, Swimming - VMI
Sophia Savage, Rowing - Fairfield University
Tommy DiLiegro, Football - Wofford College
William Poole, Football - Gardner Webb
Cane Bay
Andre Mitchell, Football - North Carolina Central
Kameron Durant, Football - East Carolina
Lawson Thorn, Football - Wingate University
Jair Harris, Football - Newberry College
Cameron Avery , Football - Mercer University
Alaina Nettles, Basketball - Charleston Southern
Marley Rourk, Cheerleading - Newberry
Emma Rothschild, Cheerleading - Newberry College
Aniya Caldwell, Softball - Fayetteville State
Charleston County School of the Arts
Maile Merklein, Soccer – USC-Lancaster
Cross
Amonte McCray, Football - Newberry
Santory Jones, Football - Newberry
First Baptist
James Pisano, Football - Charleston Southern
Jaiden Morrison, Football - Newberry
Mac Powers, Football - Sewanee
Curtis Magwood, Football - Carson Newman
Ft. Dorchester
Chris Brabham, Football - Savannah State
Dez Mathis, Football - Newberry
Nick McGill, Football - The Citadel
Zolten Osborne, Football - Charleston Southern
Jenna Pilkenton, Volleyball - NC Wesleyan
Tess Studley, Cross Country - USC Aiken
Goose Creek
Henry Winstead, Swimming - Converse College
Andrew Moore, Football - Mercer
Jaiden Roper, Football - Butler Community College
Troy Reid, Football - Newberry
Le’Varai Brown, Football - Benedict
Curtis Smiley, Football - Benedict
Jordan Turner, Football - Anderson
Hanahan
Taylor Atkinson, X-Country/Track - USC Beaufort
Mason Brady, Baseball - Spartanburg Methodist College
Braylon Mitchell, Baseball - College of Charleston
Nicholas Cappello, Baseball - Florence Darlington Tech College
Brooke Jones, Softball - Texas A&M Corpus Christi
Gavin Qualls, Wrestling - King University
Soloman Townes, Football - Wingate
Malik Horry, Football - Charleston Southern
James Island Charter High School
Jonah Haller, Tennis - Columbia
Monic Green, Track & field - Wofford
Gemoi Brown, Football - Wingate
Marcus Adams, Football - Limestone
Walker Woodall, Football - Limestone
Lucy Beckham High School
Allison Kammer, Track & Field - USC-Upstate
A.J. Kut, Football - The Citadel
Tierell Milligan, Football - St. Andrews University
Sam Siefert,Track & Field - The Citadel
Jack Weil, Football - The Citadel
Philip Simmons
Claire Esse, Girls Soccer - UNC Greensboro
Jac’Que Greene, Football - North Greenville
Grayson Mitchell, Baseball - William Peace University
Madison Jent, Track & Field - College of Charleston
Timberland
Cayden Chance, X-country/Track - Erskine College
Emily Dawson, Softball - North Greenville University
Gavin Edwards, Football - North Greenville University
Amiyah Ferguson, Basketball - California State University
Omari Jenkins, Football - Charleston Southern
Nolan Harold, Cross Country - Erskine College
Peyton Waddey, Softball - USC Sumter
KeShawn Brown, Football - Newberry College
Stratford
Brenden Carter, Football - Dodge City Community College
Tory Gethers, Football - Dodge City Community College
Sage Losee, Girls Soccer - USC Lancaster
Lizzy Shaw, Girls Soccer - USC Lancaster
Summerville High School
Joseph Knight, Baseball - Keiser University
Gavin Mitchell, Baseball - USC Sumter
Edward Naval, Tennis - Converse University
Jacob Russ, Soccer - Newberry College
Connor Tuttle, Soccer - Lander University
LJ Price, Cross Country - Erskine College
Campbell McCurry, Football and Baseball - Newberry College
Michael Jenkins, Football - East Tennessee State
Keith Elmore, Jr, Football - Presbyterian College
Marquez Spells, Football - Limestone College
Josh Matusik, Football - Anerson University
Steve Simpkins, Jr., Football - Dartmouth College
Wando High School
Kelsey Bennett, Lacrosse - Florida Southern University
Alyssa Boris, Softball - Brevard College
Samantha Bumgarner, Softball - Lander University
Johnathan Coleman, Soccer - Anderson University
Ava Crawford, Softball - Southern Wesleyan University
Julia Galbally, Track & Field - Clemson University
Woodland High School
Clarence Simmons, Football - Newberry
James Mosely, Football - Newberry
Javeon Neals, Football - Louisberg College
Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.
The illustrious guitarist, Tab Benoit announced his Winter/Spring 2023 Tour at the Hangar Theatre in Ithaca. Enjoy songwriter, producer and guitarist, JD Simo open for Benoit on February 19th.The Chicago born Benoit has produced with artists such as Jack White, Tommy Emmanuel, Luther Dickinson, Dave Cobb and Blackberry Smoke. Additionally, Simo’s latest album, Mind Control...
The illustrious guitarist, Tab Benoit announced his Winter/Spring 2023 Tour at the Hangar Theatre in Ithaca. Enjoy songwriter, producer and guitarist, JD Simo open for Benoit on February 19th.
The Chicago born Benoit has produced with artists such as Jack White, Tommy Emmanuel, Luther Dickinson, Dave Cobb and Blackberry Smoke. Additionally, Simo’s latest album, Mind Control was released in 2021.
Louisiana Bayou blues guitarist Tab Benoit is renowned for his passionate environmental activism. Benoit is a powerhouse that you won’t want to miss. He is treasured for his distinctive guitar tone and fiery playing. In 2020, Benoit was inducted into the Louisiana Folklife Center Hall of Master Folk Artists. In a recent review of Tab Benoit’s show in Salem, Blues Rock Revue reported, “The final song of the night was “Night Train” from 2005’s Fever on the Bayou which Benoit jammed on for over ten minutes with explosive guitar licks. It was a bring down the house conclusion”
You also might’ve seen him in the documentary Hurricane on the Bayou. The documentary describes the effects of Hurricane Katrina, calls to protect and restore the Wetlands, and produced a CD to help restore the state’s Coastal Wetlands. Benoit has also been featured in the Sony Picture Classics 2022 movie JazzFest: A New Orleans Story.
“From his set opening “Why Are People Like That” to his encore “Medicine”, Benoit had the delighted crowd swinging, singing, and swaying. Benoit’s set was the perfect culmination of three fabulous days of extraordinary music at an extraordinary venue in an idyllic location”
-Rick Witt
Tickets for the tour can be purchased here.
Feb 17 (Fri) – Cleveland OH@House of Blues*
Feb 18 (Sat) – Niagara Falls NY@Private Event*
Feb 19 (Sun) – Ithaca NY@Hangar Theater*
Feb 21 (Tue) – Nashville IN@Brown County Playhouse*
Feb 23 (Thur) – Kalamazoo MI@Kalamazoo State Theatre*
Feb 24 (Fri) – Grayslake IL@James Lumbar Center for Performing Arts*
Feb 25 (Sat) – Skokie IL@North Shore Center for the Performing Arts*
Feb 26 (Sun) – Madison WI@Barrymore Theater*
Feb 27 (Mon) – Mankato MN@Hooligans*
March 1 (Wed) – Milwaukee WI@Turner Ballroom*
March 2 (Thur) – Viroqua WI@Historic Temple Theater of Viroqua*
March 3 (Fri) – Iowa City IA@Englert Theatre*
March 4 (Sat) – Bloomington IL@The Castle Theatre*
March 6 (Mon) – Memphis TN@Lafayettes Music Room*
March 7 (Tue) – Memphis TN@Lafayettes Music Room*
March 8 (Wed) – Memphis TN@Lafayettes Music Room*
March 10 (Fri) – Jackson MS@Martin’s*
March 11 (Sat) – New Orleans LA@Tipitina’s*
March 31 (Fri) – Cedar Park TX@The Haute Spot**
April 1 (Sat) – Houston TX@Heights Theatre**
April 2 (Sun) – Dallas TX@The Kessler**
April 11 (Tue) – Birmingham AL@Saturn
April 12 (Wed) – Murfreesboro TN@Hop Springs Beer Park
April 15 (Sat) – St Petersburg FL@Tampa Bay Blues Festival
April 20 (Thur) – Raleigh NC@Lincoln Theatre
April 22 (Sat) – Newberry SC@Newberry Opera House
May 7 (Sun) – New Orleans LA@New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
June 3 (Sat) – Greeley CO@Greeley Blues Jam
June 30 (Fri) – Kansas City MO@Knuckleheads Saloon
July 6 (Thur) – Dayton OH@Levitt Pavilion
July 8 (Sat) – Johnstown PA@Flood City Music Fest
Sept 7/8/10 (Thur/Fri/Sun) – Las Vegas NV@Big Blues Bender
Nov 7/8/9/10/11 (Tue/Wed/Thur/Fri/Sat) – Ft Lauderdale FL@The Big Easy Cruise
Feb. 13—My name is Orion Griffin, and I am thrilled to begin writing for the Anson Record and the Richmond County Daily Journal. It's hard to say where I am from since I'd say I'm from everywhere. I was born in southeastern California, under the blistering sun of the Mojave Desert, but grew up in the freezing cold and historically rich areas that surrounded Boston, Massachusetts. I attended high school and college in the backwoods of South Carolina, and now I find myself living and working in Anson and Richmond.In December, I gr...
Feb. 13—My name is Orion Griffin, and I am thrilled to begin writing for the Anson Record and the Richmond County Daily Journal. It's hard to say where I am from since I'd say I'm from everywhere. I was born in southeastern California, under the blistering sun of the Mojave Desert, but grew up in the freezing cold and historically rich areas that surrounded Boston, Massachusetts. I attended high school and college in the backwoods of South Carolina, and now I find myself living and working in Anson and Richmond.
In December, I graduated from Presbyterian College, majoring in English with a concentration in creative writing and a minor in history. I have always been passionate about writing; in my free time I write short fiction and send it to publishers in hopes that it's published. Through my internship at the Newberry Observer, I discovered a passion for journalism.
At the Newberry Observer, I covered school board meetings, local events and profile pieces.
I believe with infinite knowledge, as well as the ability to look at what's going on anywhere in the world, at our fingertips, it's easy to get caught up in what's going on worldwide and to forget what's going on locally. With that infinite information also comes disinformation, and even more misinformation; it's hard to know what the truth is sometimes. I hope to be a source of truth and information for readers.
When I'm not writing for the paper or myself, I'll be found hiking, canoeing, or most likely, cooking, which is another, smaller, passion of mine. I regularly cook, my favorite dish being steak fajitas marinated in tequila and various spices with corn tortillas on the side. My sous chef (my super spoiled cat) ensures that any food that hits floor doesn't go to waste.
I look forward to meeting the community and readers, and I'm honored at the opportunity I've been given. If you see me around, don't hesitate to say hey, or share a recipe.
"I look forward to working with our new reporter Orion Griffin," said Editor Matthew Sasser. "In just his first week starting last Monday, we were able to cover twice as many stories as we previously could. He'll be helping out in Richmond for this month, but he will be an everyday face in Anson County starting in March. I can't wait to see what stories he will bring to the community."
NEWBERRY COUNTY — As hurricane Ian approaches the U.S., Severe Weather Liaison Frank Strait, with the State Climate Office in the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, is warning local residents that the storm is “not just a coastal event.”All areas of South Carolina are subject to seeing impacts from Ian, he said.“The combination of Ian and a warm front lifting northward across the state ahead of the storm will cause heavy rainfall across South Carolina,” said Strait. “The Coastal Plain and ...
NEWBERRY COUNTY — As hurricane Ian approaches the U.S., Severe Weather Liaison Frank Strait, with the State Climate Office in the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, is warning local residents that the storm is “not just a coastal event.”
All areas of South Carolina are subject to seeing impacts from Ian, he said.
“The combination of Ian and a warm front lifting northward across the state ahead of the storm will cause heavy rainfall across South Carolina,” said Strait. “The Coastal Plain and the mountains are at the greatest risk for excessive rain and the flooding risk will be greatest in the Lowcountry and western Upstate, where rainfall has been above average over the last month.”
According to Tuesday morning models, persistent onshore flow will result in coastal flooding — primarily at high tide, beginning Wednesday and continuing through Saturday. Major coastal flooding is likely Thursday through Saturday at high tide and heavy rain at high tide would make this even worse, he said.
“Ian will likely spend enough time crossing land in Florida and Georgia before reaching South Carolina to keep us from seeing the hurricane-force wind,” said Strait. “However, there is still a chance for sustained tropical storm-force wind along our coast on Saturday, particularly in the Lowcountry. Saturday may also bring isolated gusts over 40 mph to much of the state.”
While the extent and timing are not yet certain, there will likely be a risk for isolated tornadoes over a large part of the state, especially the Coastal Plain, on Saturday, according to SCDNR.
“It’s still early, things could still change, but there is more confidence in the forecast than yesterday,” he said.
Strait said what is most likely is for the rain to spread over the Coastal Plain Friday morning as Ian’s northward march forces a stationary front to the south to move northward as a warm front. The rain spreads northwestward over the rest of the state through Friday night.
“The heaviest rain will likely be over the Lowcountry, where flooding is likely, particularly along the coast,” he said. “Persistent onshore flow will push water into the coastal areas, leading to major flooding at high tide and the heavy rain at the same time would make the coastal flooding even worse — Charleston, y’all know this drill.”
The onshore flow can be quite brisk and gust over 40 mph at times. In fact, some inland areas along the Coastal Plain can see gusts to around 40 mph during this time as well, he said.
“On Saturday, slow-moving Ian will be pushing northward through eastern Georgia and likely into South Carolina — this is when we have a chance to see stronger winds along our coast reaching tropical storm force,” said Strait. “A farther west track would mean less risk for strong wind, while a farther east track would increase the wind risk along our Coastal Plain. As Ian moves through the state, more rain will fall, heavy at times, Saturday night. This is when we would have the potential to see isolated tornadoes, with the area east of the track of Ian’s center experiencing that risk.”
The heavy rainfall likely ends Saturday night, but a few showers may linger through Sunday. The wind will turn offshore, which will stop the coastal flooding, he said.
“While some changes to the forecast are likely, I think we have a good general idea about how Ian will impact us,” said Strait. “Stay tuned to your favorite weather outlet for the specifics for your backyard, and have your disaster kits ready before Ian arrives.”
Reach Kasie Strickland at 864-855-0355.
NEWBERRY COUNTY — The Newberry County Rescue and Dive Team (hosted by Prosperity Rescue) has brand new life saving equipment thanks to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.According to Glenn Hamm, captain of the Newberry County Rescue and Dive Team, they received a generous donation from Firehouse Subs for a jet ski, a rescue sled and dive equipment for the purpose of serving Newberry County and surrounding areas through mutual aid agreements and across the state in times of disaster.“Firehouse Subs does a fa...
NEWBERRY COUNTY — The Newberry County Rescue and Dive Team (hosted by Prosperity Rescue) has brand new life saving equipment thanks to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.
According to Glenn Hamm, captain of the Newberry County Rescue and Dive Team, they received a generous donation from Firehouse Subs for a jet ski, a rescue sled and dive equipment for the purpose of serving Newberry County and surrounding areas through mutual aid agreements and across the state in times of disaster.
“Firehouse Subs does a fantastic job of supporting the community and part of that is they make it well known to the first responders community that they give back. Here in South Carolina in 2022, they gave $2.8 million to fire service; knowing that they do give back and we were in need, we submitted a grant and very quickly heard back and got accepted,” he said. “They have been wonderful to work with, very supportive.”
As for the new equipment, Hamm said a couple of the key pieces they received include the jet ski that will give them quick response access when the team is on standby at festivals, boat races, etc. He added that the jet ski will allow them to respond faster to a water related incident. The total for the grant was $28,000.
“Additionally, we have the rapid diver made by Zeagle, this is a piece of equipment you are able to quickly put on and quickly enter the water. You are looking at being able to effectively rescue within the critical time frame, we may be able to make the difference between a rescue and a recovery,” Hamm said.
Karen Wilson, area operations manager for Firehouse Subs, said that they are simple the vessel to make sure they are able to give back to the community.
“Any first responder, whether be fire rescue, police department, school nurse (they are also considered first responders), anyone considered a first responders can put in for a grant that is needed to help save lives,” she said.
Wilson added that the requirement is the equipment must be life saving.
“As far as Firehouse Subs goes, we are tremendously appreciative of the support they give back to the fire and rescue community across the nation, particularly what they’ve done for us here today; it has been absolutely incredible,” Hamm said. “I am humbled by their generosity because it was no small gift. We plan to do big things with the big gift they gave us.”
Wilson added that any first responder can go to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation website (firehousesubsfoundation.org) and fill out a grant application.
“We are more than happy to make sure those grants are done. Everything donated in this region stays in this region,” she said.
Reach Andrew Wigger @ 803-768-3122 or on Twitter @TheNBOnews.