City

• 570+: Record-breaking number of local nonprofits that Midlands Gives supports this year
• 10: Midlands Gives is celebrating 10 years of giving in 2023
• 18: Number of hours the giving challenge lasts
• 19,500+: Number of individual donations made in 2022 (last year had a record-breaking $3,734,986 raised for local nonprofits!)
• $19.7 million: How much has been raised since Midlands Gives’ inception

• Midlands Gives’ online giving platform makes it easy to give. Search for specific organizations or browse through informational profiles of participating nonprofits in specific categories (like ‘animals’ or ‘youth development’), then donate with a few clicks.
• In the mood to spread the love? You can add multiple organizations to your “shopping cart” with donations of $10 or more.
• The platform also features a leaderboard + prize tracker that gives live updates on donations per nonprofit and the total dollars raised.
• Why give today? Because your donation can go a long way. Midlands Gives amplifies individuals’ donations through sponsored prize incentives. A contribution of just $10 can support a nonprofit in receiving matching funds and prizes from sponsors.

• Columbia Fireflies vs. Myrtle Beach Pelicans | Tuesday, May 2 | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park, 1640 Freed St., Columbia | $5-$7 | Miller Lite $2 Tuesday ($2 Hot dogs, popcorn, fountain sodas & 12oz Miller Lites) // Game presented by Aflac.*

• Chamber Crawl 5K at Saluda Shoals Park | Thursday, May 4 | 4 p.m. | Saluda Shoals Park, Cattail Shelter 5605 Bush River Rd., Columbia | $15-$30 | After your walk, relax with food, beverages, and a Chamber Crawl concert by SC Phil musicians.
• STAR WARS RAVE | Thursday, May 4 | 7 p.m. | New Brookland Tavern, 122 State St., West Columbia | $10 | May the force be with you as you rave with Star Wars fans on May 4.

• Art on State | Friday, May 5 | 5-10 p.m. | State Street, West Columbia | Free | Enjoy the view of the city’s skyline, dine, stroll, and immerse yourself in local art + vendors.
• Cinco De Mayo Harvest Dinner at City Roots Farm | Friday, May 5 | 6:30 p.m. | City Roots Farm, 1005 Airport Blvd., Columbia | $85 | Be prepared for a family-style, four-course farm-to-table dinner by Chef/Owner Kristian Niemi of Bourbon, Black Rooster, F2T Productions, and Honey River Catering.
• Full Moon Hike at Sesquicentennial State Park | Friday, May 5 | 8:30-10 p.m. | $5 | Sesquicentennial State Park, 9564 Two Notch Rd., Columbia | Take this guided two-mile hike to see and listen to the forest at night.

• Rosewood Crawfish Festival | Saturday, May 6 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | SC State Fair Grounds, 1200 Rosewood Dr., Columbia | $10-$15 | Enjoy live music, family fun, Rosewood artisans, and 10,000 pounds of fresh Louisiana crawfish at this annual festival.

• Hotworx Fitness Studio is coming soon to West Columbia and will be located next to Terra on State Street. The 24-hour infrared fitness studio will feature six saunas, different workout programs, and open in a few weeks.

• Blue Flour Bakery is closing. After being in business for 17 years, the bakery will be open Thursdays + Fridays for the next two weeks from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. If you want Blue Flour cookies, you can still order items for Mother’s Day while supplies last.

• The Gamecocks announced the hire of Travian Robertson as the new defensive line coach for football. Travian previously played for Coach Spurrier in 2007 and competed in the NFL for several years. (Gamecock Central)

• The Richland County Sherrif’s Department will be featured in a new documentary series called, “Missing: Dead or Alive” on Netflix, premiering on Wednesday, May 10. The show follows the department’s journey to find missing individuals. Watch the trailer. (Cola Daily)

• The Aldi grocery store, located on Garners Ferry Road, will be closed until further notice due to an unexpected fire. There were no reported injuries, but if you still want to shop at Aldi, find a store close to you. (The Post and Courier)

• Shop Local Week runs through Sunday, May 7 this year. We challenge you to buy something local every day this week. We’ll make it easy — skip the Starbucks line today and order from Indah Coffee, Piecewise Coffee Co., Oliver Gospel Roastery, or Clutch Coffee.

• Upcountry Fiber’s charity concert, Southern Fried Circuit, is happening on Friday, July 28 at the Anderson Civic Center in Anderson and features headliner Darius Rucker + opening act Lindsay Ell. Profits go to the Upcountry Fiber Foundation to support local charities in Anderson, Greenville, Oconee, Pickens, and Spartanburg counties. Bonus: Sponsorships are available.*

• Are you staying hydrated, COLA? Electrolyte drinks can be used to boost hydration, especially after a workout or athletic event. MUSC Health’s Athletic Trainer Kendric Wherry, ATC lets us know what’s best to quench your thirst.*

• How to win Mother’s Day? Send the mother figure in your life iconic meals and desserts from across the country with Goldbelly. Think: Ina Garten’s coconut cake, a New York bagel brunch kit, and a chef’s steak dinner for four. Yup, it’s all on Goldbelly.

Cam Smith

• Draft round: Second
• Pick number: 51
• NFL team: Miami Dolphins
• Buy Dolphins merch.

Zacch Pickens

• Draft round: Third
• Pick number: 64
• NFL team: Chicago Bears
• Buy Bears merch.

Darius Rush

• Draft round: Five
• Pick number: 138
• NFL team: Indianapolis Colts
• Buy Colts merch.

Jovaughn Gwyn

• Draft round: Seven
• Pick number: 225
• NFL team: Atlanta Falcons
• Buy Falcons merch.

Jalen Brooks

• Draft round: Seven
• Pick number: 244
• NFL team: Dallas Cowboys
• Buy Cowboys merch.