If you like soulful blues music and wonderful Sea Island Cuisine, the June 20 special benefit at Freshfields Village was the place to be. While much of the other parts of Charleston County saw rain and storms, everyone at the benefit enjoyed a cool and breezy perfect evening out on the Common.

The Lowcountry Dinner and Blues Benefit was hosted by the Rural Mission and Freshfields Village Guest Services. Everyone associated with the Mission would like to express our great appreciation to Elisa Cooper and Trish Pruitt of Freshfields Village for their gracious help in hosting this first time event. It was indeed a special night.

The proceeds raised through the generosity of our guests and donors will allow the Mission to help many more very low income families in need. We hope to return next year with everyone's support.

If you were not able to come, look for this event on the 2009 calendar. Read this website to learn more about the Rural Mission and how the funds raised through this benefit will be used. We encourage you to get involved with the Rural Mission and follow our activities on the website and through the Sea Island Connection.

Our special thanks go to Wanda Johnson and the Shrimp City Slim Band who entertained and inspired young and old with blues that truly set the mood out under the evening sky. Blues music is a perfect way to enjoy fried chicken, fried fish and boiled shrimp. Many came back for seconds of the plentiful and delicious traditional Sea Island cuisine prepared and catered by Mrs. Doris Sease and her team of cooks and servers.

The Rural Mission wished to express its appreciation to all the donors of gifts and items for the successful silent auction that accompanied the dinner and music. From artwork, to theatre tickets, to dining and weekend accommodations, the audience showed it appreciation in bidding for and taking home these great deals.

The success of this event and the enjoyment of our guests would not have been possible without the generous group of businesses and corporations that supported this event and gave to the Mission to assure its success. These donors include:

Freshfields Village Guest Services Kiawah Development Partners, Inc. Blackbaud Corporation Glasspro, Inc. Berkeley Electric Cooperative

Southcoast Community Bank H. M. Northcutt Company BB&T, Inc. Bennett-Hofford Construction Global Building Solutions, Inc.

Look for us next year !