What is Midlands Gives?

Why participate?

• 21,179 individual donations made
• 11,598 unique donors
• 24.51% of donors who donated to a new nonprofit organization

How you can show your support

• Midlands Gives’ online giving platform makes it easy to give. Simply search for nonprofits, or browse by county or category (think: Education or Health), then enter the amount you’d like to donate.
• Feeling generous? With a minimum donation of $10, you can support as many organizations as you’d like through a streamlined checkout process.
• Got a cause that’s near and dear to your heart? Create a fundraiser page to rally even more support.
• Celebrate giving at the Midlands Gives Block Party, happening today at Segra Park, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Play giant outdoor games and win prizes while supporting local nonprofits. Hot dogs, popcorn, and soft drinks will be available while supplies last.

• Midlands Gives Block Party | Tuesday, May 7 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Segra Park, 1640 Freed St., Columbia | Free | Attendees who provide proof of donation will be entered into a drawing for a Columbia Fireflies fan experience.
• Sip and Plant Workshop: Terrariums | Tuesday, May 7 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost, 1211 Franklin St., Columbia | $45 | Get your hands in the soil as you create your own terrarium to bring home with the guidance of the Gardener’s Outpost team.
• Columbia Fireflies vs. Salem Red Sox | Tuesday, May 7 | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park, 1640 Freed St., Columbia | $6-$18 | It’s Pink Night: Wear pink as a symbol of solidarity with those affected by cancer, and enjoy $2 Miller Lites, hot dogs, popcorn, and fountain sodas.*

• Evening for Educators | Wednesday, May 8 | 4:30-6:30 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St., Columbia | Free | The CMA in celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week with an evening of art, wine, and bites that includes a private look at closing featured exhibitions.

• 2024 Bassmaster Elite Series at Lake Murray | Thursday, May 9-Sunday, May 12 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Dreher Island State Park, 3677 State Park Rd., Prosperity | Free, parking is $3 per person | The public is allowed to observe boat launches in the mornings and weigh-ins in the afternoons.
• Gamecock Baseball vs. Georgia Bulldogs | Thursday, May 9-Saturday, May 11 | Times vary | Founders Park, 431 Williams St., Columbia | $15-$20 | Root for the Gamecocks as they take on the Bulldogs in Founders Park.

• Midlands Coin Club Spring Coin Show | Friday, May 10-Saturday, May 11 | Times vary | Embassy Suites Hotel by Hilton, 200 Stoneridge Dr., Columbia | Free | Buy and sell types of currency, tokens, metals, gold, and silver.

• Sample hors d’oeuvres, prepared by Ganaway, featuring fresh takes on South Carolina culinary traditions (think: Lowcountry shrimp toast with Lillie’s of Charleston hot sauce, Upstate peach + pea salad, and more)
• Sip on a specialty cocktail created by COLA native Will Green
• Enjoy discussion with Natalie Daise
• Hear a poem reading by Jennifer Bartell Boykin
• And more

• Cirque du Soleil’s “OVO” returns to Columbia at the Colonial Life Arena from Thursday, Sept. 26 through Sunday, Sept. 29. The revamped production features soaring acrobatics and explores the beauty of biodiversity. Tickets go on sale Monday, May 13.

• Lexington Medical Center is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its doula program, which has assisted in more than 12,100 births since its inception in 1994. The program offers professional support to expecting parents.

• Tramont Miles, a first-generation student from Bennettsville, SC, revealed himself as USC’s mascot “Cocky” at graduation. From welcoming incoming students to dancing with Dawn Staley, Miles joins a club of former Cocky’s who got to walk across the graduation stage with the signature yellow feet.

• The Crimson Screen Horror Film Festival returns for its 11th year, showcasing an array of horror films from SC and beyond. Running from Friday, May 10 through Sunday, May 12 at Spotlight Cinemas Capital 8, the festival highlights local talent with screenings like “Homegrown Horror.” (The Free Times)

• Help shape the future of Columbia’s parks and recreation facilities by participating in an online survey. Your feedback will help guide the development of the department’s new master plan, improving public spaces for all.

• MiLaysia Fulwiley’s new attitude could have a positive impact on SC women’s basketball team. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Gamecocks with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.

• A Midlands man’s list of projects to do around the house just got a lot smaller thanks to a $200,000 lottery win. “It’s unbelievable,” the winner told South Carolina Education Lottery officials. “I’m going to be wise and help my family and fix up my house.” Here’s what game he won.*

• Two-level balcony with seating for over 1,500
• Top-notch lighting and sound systems
• Performances, statewide conferences, professional development sessions, and community events.