On March 18th, our guest speaker was Ms. Ashley Nelson, a dedicated leader who has worked for the Bunnelle Foundation for 11 years. Throughout her time with the organization, she has played a vital role in mentoring and guiding students, particularly through her leadership of the Bunnelle Youth Board. This group is made up of driven and compassionate high school juniors and seniors who share a common goal, which is to give back to their community and create meaningful change within Georgetown County. Through service projects and collaboration, these students learn the value of philanthropy and the impact they can have, even at a young age. As of December, Ms. Ashley’s commitment and leadership were recognized when she was promoted to Executive Director, a role that allows her to continue expanding opportunities for both students and the community.

During the Open Forum, we had the opportunity to engage with Ms. Ashley and gain insight on what it truly means to be a philanthropist. She emphasized that philanthropy is not limited to large donations or grand gestures, but instead it begins with everyday acts of kindness. “If you are doing things for others, you are a philanthropist,” she said. “The little things you do for others really add up.” This perspective makes philanthropy feel more accessible and personal, showing us that anyone can make a difference regardless of their resources.

Ms. Ashley asked us to imagine what we would do with a thousand dollars. Each of us came up with different ideas, reflecting our individual passions and priorities. She then asked us what we would do if two of us combined our money. This simple exercise demonstrates how collaboration can expand our possibilities and create an even greater impact. By bringing ideas and resources together, we can achieve more than we can do alone. The members of the Bunnelle Youth Board show this when they work as a team to support their community.

Overall, Ms. Ashley’s visit was both inspiring and encouraging. She showed us that philanthropy is not about how much you give, but about the intention behind it and the willingness to help others. Her message to us was to think beyond ourselves and recognize the power of small actions, teamwork, and shared vision. It was a meaningful reminder that positive change often begins with just a simple idea and can grow stronger when people come together.

By Eleanor