On March 23, 2024, we recognized the first Community Hero of the Match, our very own Amanda Gorman!

Amanda first joined the Battery’s front office in 2015 and has been a staple to the club ever since. Her positive attitude, friendliness and willingness to go the extra mile has been integral to the success of the Battery and the team’s relationships within the community. Additionally, Amanda single-handedly championed bringing the club’s ticketing operations into the digital age with the implementation of SeatGeek’s user-friendly platform.

Thanks for all you do and congratulations, Amanda!

On April 9, 2024, we were thrilled to recognize Charleston Miracle as the Community Hero of the Match!

Charleston Miracle is the largest student-run, non-profit organization on the College of Charleston’s campus. Their dedicated team is devoted to raising funds and spreading awareness for patients at MUSC Children’s Health Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital.

Thank you for all that you do for the Charleston community!

On April 27, 2024, we recognized the South Carolina chapter of the American Red Cross as the Community Hero of the Match!

The Red Cross empowers ordinary people to perform extraordinary acts in emergency situations through training, mobilization, and connecting donors and volunteers to those in urgent need of assistance. In 2023, the South Carolina Red Cross team responded to 1,700 disasters, assisting nearly 5,000 people.

Thank you for your contributions to the Charleston community and the state of South Carolina

On May 4, 2024, we honored Mistina Chambers, the owner of Hurricane Coffee Company, as our Community Hero of the Match, pres. by The Ideal Life!

Chambers is someone who does everything from the heart and thinks of others before herself. Her coffee shop also has a clothing and food pantry that is welcome to everyone and all communities that are in need, from veterans, victims of domestic abuse, the homeless, and anyone affected by human trafficking.

Thank you, Mistina, for all that you do for the Charleston community!

On May 24, 2024, we honored Shaneak Brown as the Community Hero of the Match, pres. by The Ideal Life!

Shaneak is the VP of Palmetto Military Support Group. Her day job has been with Comcast and NBC Universal for the past 18 years where she’s a military community account representative with them. In 2023, PMSG donated over $43,000 to military families along with hundreds of hours of volunteer work.

Thank you Shaneak and PMSG for all you do for the Lowcountry community!

On June 8, 2024, we recognized Charleston Pride Festival, Inc. as the Community Hero of the Match, pres. by The Ideal Life!

They are a 501(c)(3) public charity highlighting the uniqueness and diversity of our community through various events each year. Charleston Pride’s mission is to promise the visibility of the LGBTQIA+ community, honoring their heritage, and advocating for and celebrating the diversity of the Lowcountry. They held their 15th annual parade to kick off Pride Month this month.

Thank you, Charleston Pride, for all you do for the Lowcountry community!

On June 28, 2024, we recognized Lutheran Services Carolinas as the Community Hero of the Match, pres. by The Ideal Life!

They are a health and human services organization helping serve children, families, veterans and senior refugees for a better life in the Carolinas. LSC does this work with the help of volunteers, donors, partners and more.

Thank you, LSC, for all you do in the Lowcountry community!

On March 11, 2023, we were excited to honor Tanner Clay as the first Community Hero of the Match!

Outside of the outstanding service and support he provides to the fans of the Battery, Tanner is a leader in the community, serving on the Philanthropy Committee for the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Chair of the East Steering Committee for the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce.

In his free time, Tanner extends his passion and knowledge for soccer by coaching a youth team through Charleston United Soccer Club. He is also a Mentor to Lowcountry youths through the Be a Mentor Program, among many more community involvement initiatives.

Thank you for all you do, Tanner!

On March 25, 2023, we were thrilled to honor Merridith Crowe as the Community Hero of the Match.

Merridith has worked with higher education and human services nonprofits for the past two decades. Currently, she leads the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry, which she founded in 2019 – believing in the great promise and potential residing within all children.

Thank you for your contributions to the lives of the children on our community, Merridith!

On April 8, 2023, we were excited to honor LaVanda Brown as the Community Hero of the Match.

LaVanda joined YWCA Greater Charleston as executive director in February 2016, and her experience, leadership, and passion for serving others spans over 35 years. As a passionate advocate for gender equality, diversity, and racial equity, LaVanda envisions a world where differences are not just tolerated but celebrated.

At YWCA Greater Charleston, LaVanda works tirelessly to empower women and eliminate racism, the organization’s dual mission. She has implemented highly effective programs which equip women entrepreneurs of color. LaVanda’s decades of on-the-ground experience in social services focused on underserved populations have earned her awards and recognition, including the 2021 Trident Literacy Founder’s Award and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Picture Award for outstanding community service.

We are honored to have LaVanda as the Community Hero of the Match, and we thank her for all she does in our community!

On April 22, 2023, we honored Theresa Dennis of the Charles Dennis Foundation as the Community Hero of the Match!

In memory of Charles Dennis, the family-led organization strives to empower young athletes by providing financial assistance through scholarships so they can pursue their passion for sports and achieve their dreams.

Their mission, “connecting kids to dreams,” embodies Charles’ belief in encouraging people of all ages to have big dreams and to believe in themselves. The foundation carries on that legacy by supporting young athletes in the communities of Charleston and Charlotte, providing them with the training and resources they need to succeed.

Join us in celebrating Theresa and The Charles Dennis Foundation and their dedication to connecting kids to their dreams!

On May 13, 2023, we were honored to recognize Cheryl Clark, President and co-founder of Palmetto Military Support Group, on Saturday as the Community Hero of the Match!

The Palmetto Military Support Group’s mission is to bridge the gap between the greater Charleston Community and our military service members through volunteering, fundraising, engagement, and education.

Cheryl’s remarkable achievements include being awarded the Department of the Air Force Commanders Public Service Award, named Honorary Tailhooker on the U.S.S. Harry S. Truman Aircraft Carrier and selected as an Honorary Air Force Chief Master Sergeant on Joint Base Charleston. She has also served as an Honorary Commander for the 437th Airlift Wing on Joint Base Charleston for eight years and an Honorary Commander at Air Mobility Command at Scott Air Force Base for five years.

We thank Cheryl for her selflessness and dedication to our military community!

On May 20, 2023, we were thrilled to honor Layla Luna, Founder and CEO of Just Bee, on Saturday as the Community Hero of the Match!

With Just Bee, she works to connect families with their local community by raising awareness, creating partnerships and providing training resources for sensory-friendly businesses – encouraging positive experiences for those with ASD. Recently and in partnership with Just Bee, Mount Pleasant became the Lowcountry’s first certified Autism Friendly Town.

We thank Layla for everything she does for the Charleston community! 👏👏

On June 2, 2023, we recognized Jonatan Guerrero-Ramirez as the Community Hero of the Match!

Jonatan dedicates his time and energy to We Are Family , a grassroots non-profit organization. There, he helps create safe and affirming spaces for LGBTQI+ and ally youth up to the age of 24 with gender-inclusive social initiatives, the Closet Case Thrift Store and community events, among others.

Born in Celaya, Mexico, and raised in Georgia, Jonatan works alongside fellow community members and influential individuals to promote inclusivity through fashion. He currently serves on the City of Charleston’s Latinx Advisory Council, was recognized on the Honor 41 list and works as an adjunct teacher at YoArt Inc.

Thank you, Jonatan, for your contributions to our community!

On June 30, 2023, we honored Ryan Eleuteri, Executive Director of the Charleston Boxing Foundation, as our The Ideal Life Community Hero of the Match!

After graduating from the College of Charleston, he founded the Charleston Beverage Company and the Charleston Boxing Foundation — a nonprofit organization that raises funds for two invaluable causes: the MUSC Children’s Hospital and the College of Charleston student-athlete scholarship fund. During their recent Battle on the Bricks charity fundraiser, the Charleston Boxing Foundation raised $80,000!

Thank you Ryan for your unwavering dedication to the Charleston community!

On July 22, 2023, we were thrilled to honor Shelley Shrader as the Community Hero of the Match!

Shelley currently works at the South Carolina Aquarium as the Teen Programs Coordinator, where she empowers and inspires teens to pursue careers in STEM-related fields. She connects students with exciting educational and career development opportunities through various initiatives, such as the Teen Science Café, the High School Intern Program and Job Shadow Program.

Shelley’s dedication and passion have contributed to the success of the teen programs at the Aquarium, providing a safe and fun environment for students to develop confidence and essential skills.

Thank you, Shelley, for your dedication and hard work to the Charleston community!

On August 4, 2023, we were honored to recognize the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston as this weekend’s Community Hero of the Match, pres. by The Ideal Life!

Thanks to the incredible generosity of the Charleston community, RMH Charleston can provide a place for 32 families every night, offering them the comfort and support they need during challenging times.

Guest Services Manager Tirsa Bautista joined us at halftime for an on-field celebration of the Ronald McDonald House of Charleston.

Thank you for everything you and the team do to support the Charleston community!

On August 26, we were pleased to recognize the Lowcountry Food Bank as the Community Hero of the Match, pres. by The Ideal Life!

Since 1983, the Lowcountry Food Bank has been committed to addressing the community health issue of Hunger. This year for their 40th anniversary, and the Charleston Battery partnered with Hendrick Volvo Cars of Charleston to raise money to support their mission. With our Community Hero Donation tonight, we have raised over $3,000 for the Lowcountry Food Bank!

Major Gifts Officer Alexis Barbalace of the Lowcountry Food Bank joined us at halftime for an on-field celebration of the organization.

Thank you for all you do for the community, Lowcountry Food Bank!

On September 9, we recognized Camp Happy Days as the Community Hero of the Match, pres. by The Ideal Life!

With September being Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, we are honored to celebrate a partner who makes such an impact in our Charleston community. Since 1982, Camp Happy Days has been providing children affected with cancer the opportunity to feel normal and participate in activities that they otherwise could not.

The programs are designed to include different ages and cater to the abilities of children battling cancer and their families. The relationships formed through camp and year-round programs provide these children with a priceless experience and support to take with them on the journey ahead.

Staff members and families from Camp Happy Days joined us at halftime for an on-field celebration and presentation of a $1,000 donation from The Ideal Life. Thank you for all you do in our community!

On September 23, we were pleased to recognize  Our Lady Of Mercy Community Outreach Services, Inc. as the Community Hero of the Match, pres. by The Ideal Life!

Our Lady of Mercy works to address the root causes of poverty and create a systemic change by providing basic and emergency resources, education, job assistance, and health services.

Patient Liason Ana Rivera, and Berkeley Electric Cooperative, Inc. Community Champion, was honored on the field at halftime on behalf of Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach.

Thank you for all you do for the community!

On October 7, we recognized the American Cancer Society as the Community Hero of the Match, pres. by The Ideal Life!

With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are honored to partner with the American Cancer Society and participate in their Men Wear Pink campaign. This annual initiative helps to raise awareness and essential funds in support of breast cancer research, services, and education around screenings and risk education.

Every day, the American Cancer Society is saving more lives from breast cancer than ever before by helping people reduce their risk of breast cancer, or to detect it early when it is easier to treat.

Representatives from the American Cancer Society joined us at halftime for an on-field celebration and presentation of a $1,000 donation to the Men Wear Pink campaign.

Thank you for all you do for the Charleston community and around the country!

On October 14, we honored the Mighty Mac Gives Back Foundation as our final Community Hero of the Match of the 2023 season, pres. by The Ideal Life!

The Might Mac Foundation was founded by Hilary and Nathan Mansell, in honor of their son, McCartney, who is a graduate of MUSC Shawn Jenkin’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

The purpose of this foundation is to meet the immediate needs of the NICU at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, to raise awareness for NICU life and to educate friends and family on what “living” in the NICU is like. The long-term goals are to give a yearly scholarship to a graduating high school student who was born prematurely and spent their “firsts” in the NICU, and to offer grants to NICU parents who are unable to work and need to pay bills.

Thank you, Mansell family, for your contributions to MUSC and the Charleston community!