Our origins
Forged By Michael Shemtov + Team Butcher & Bee
Starting with the essentials
Pay It Forward Charleston began as a collaboration between farmers, restaurants, and community members who united in an effort to feed food and beverage workers during the COVID-19 crisis.
With every $10 donated, a Charleston community member received a grocery bag filled with goods purchased at a discounted rate from local farms. The donations created income for farmers who were impacted by restaurant closures in the wake of COVID-19 and provided fresh produce to community members who were out of work.
In all, Pay It Forward delivered over 8,000 bags of groceries to the food and beverage community from March - September, working in collaboration with Feed the Need Charleston. Riding a wave of community support, the program was expanded over the summer to serve three area shelters.
Growing toward grants
With the success of our grocery bag program and the outpouring of support from individuals and businesses, we saw an opportunity to grow Pay It Forward Charleston beyond a short term initiative to a sustaining one that can both offer grants to individuals in need and provide the community with an established vehicle to assist in future emergencies.
Beginning November 2020, we began the transition to a new mission and an ongoing effort.
Partners with a Purpose
Check out the incredibly valuable partners who help make Pay It Forward Charleston a reality.
View PartnersBoard Members & Staff
Carrie Larson, Executive Director
Michael Shemtov, Board Chairperson
Flo Languell, Treasurer
Founding Members
Michael Shemtov, Tara Pate, Drisa Lamb, Flo Languell, Beth Walton, Josh Kleiger, Steve Boyer, Todd Anis
Special Thanks
Mickey and Ellen Bakst of Feed the Need, our original 501(c)(3) partner.