Plus, new professional soccer Alliance.
 
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How $20 million could help address some of the Midlands’ largest challenges

A group of three people posing for a picture wearing Live United t-shirts
United Way of the Midlands has dozens of ongoing volunteer opportunities within the community. | Photo provided by United Way of the Midlands
When United Way of the Midlands learned it was selected to receive a $10 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, one feeling resonated most with the team: A once-in-a-generation gift requires a once-in-a-generation investment back into the community.

After conducting research and gathering feedback from friends, family, donors, volunteers, and the community, United Way is ready to share how it will use the historic donation — and how it plans to raise another $10 million.

Meet Campaign for Good

Campaign for Good is a strategic blueprint designed to address large-scale challenges in areas that will create generational change throughout the Midlands.

United Way plans to implement solutions in the following six categories:
  • Education: Build upon existing literacy programs like the Midlands Reading Consortium, while adding opportunities for STEM and social-emotional learning programs to increase graduation rates and help close the educational achievement gap
  • Workforce: Develop a strong workforce to replace retiring and aging workers within the community by creating pathways to economic opportunity for youth, including programs like Young Men United
  • Economy: Improve housing and income stability through workforce skill development to help families permanently exit cycles of poverty
  • Affordable housing: Increase local capacity and develop new, innovative housing initiatives that address the needs of constituencies like teachers, seniors, and low-income or first-time buyers
  • Community: Provide opportunities for greater connection and caring across the Midlands by increasing volunteer opportunities and expanding 211, United Way’s free 24/7 hotline and online database for community resources
  • Healthcare: Continue to provide and expand access to free dental and eye care to uninsured patients through WellPartners
Through Campaign for Good, United Way is looking to the community to help match Scott’s donation by raising an additional $10 million to invest into these projects.

Bonus: Donate your time by participating in one of United Way’s many volunteer opportunities.
 
Asked
 

Which Campaign for Good issue is most important to you?

A. Affordable housing
B. Childhood literacy
C. Workforce development
D. Access to healthcare services for uninsured patients
E. Increased volunteer opportunities
F. Ending the cycle of poverty
 
 
Events
 
Tuesday, Aug. 27
  • Art in Focus with Dr. Abbe Schriber | Tuesday, Aug. 27 | 11-11:30 a.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | Free with admission | Dr. Abbe Schriber leads a talk on “Liberation of Aunt Jemima” and “Uncle Ben (1998)” by Renée Cox.
  • Music Bingo | Tuesday, Aug. 27 | 8:30 p.m. | Village Idiot Pizza - Five Points | Free | Join Village Idiot for music bingo, pizza, and great vibes every Tuesday.
Wednesday, Aug. 28
  • Comedy + Beer | Wednesday, Aug. 28 | 6:30-9 p.m. | Old Mill Brewpub | $15 | Laugh along with SC comedians and get there early to order pre-show food.
Thursday, Aug. 29
Friday, Aug. 30
  • The Night Shift at Re•Find | Friday, Aug. 30 | 6-9 p.m. | Re•Find | Free | Browse this monthly night market in the Rosewood neighborhood featuring local goods, antiques, food, and music.
Saturday, Aug. 31
Click here to have your event featured.
 
 
News Notes
 
Ranked
  • No. 4 — that’s where City Limits Q in West Columbia ranked on Southern Living’s list of the Best New Barbecue Joints in the South. The list highlights innovative pitmasters reshaping Southern barbecue with new flavors and techniques.
Civic
  • An $86 million expansion of the Lake Murray Water Treatment Plant is underway and is expected to complete by mid-2027. Led by West Columbia, the upgrade will increase capacity and introduce ozone systems to improve water quality in Lexington County. (The State)
Sports
  • Three Gamecocks are representing Team USA at the U20 World Championships in Lima, Peru. Cynteria James will compete in the 100m and 4x100m relay, Zaya Akins in the 400m and 4x400m relay, and newcomer Cheyla Scott in the high jump. (Gamecocks Online)
Closed
  • The Red Lobster in Cayce on Knox Abbott Drive has closed. Lovers of Cheddar Bay Biscuits + endless shrimp can find them at the restaurant’s location on Two Notch Road in northeast Columbia. (CNN)
Concert
  • The Sept., 5 edition of First Thursday will feature SC bands 2 Slices and Flower Shopping, an outdoor artists’ market, food trucks, and street karaoke. The event takes place from 6-9 p.m. along Columbia’s Main Street.
Edu
  • Saint Joseph Catholic School on Devine Street will be the first private school in SC to receive the Purple Star School designation, recognizing its support for military-connected students. The school is located less than three miles from Fort Jackson.
Listen
  • Is it time to panic over the Gamecock’s wide receiver room? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the South Carolina Gamecocks with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
    Older Adults
    • During retirement, hobbies do more than pass the time. Embracing an active aging lifestyle helps people maintain their physical and mental health, and hobbies provide structure, purpose, and social interaction. Get inspired.*
    Eat
    Biz
    • Small business owners, financial hurdles should never stand in the way of your success. Visit BusinessLoans.com to compare personalized financing offers + unlock funding to fuel your goals.*
     
    Town Theatre
     
    Sports
     

    ⚽️ Pro soccer is the goal
    Soda City FC.jpg
    Soda City FC players boost the national championship trophy. | Photo via Soda City FC
    Soccer is having a moment in the Midlands, with the recent Rivals in Red game drawing thousands of fans to Columbia. Now, the stage is set for continued growth with the formation of the Columbia SC Professional Soccer Alliance (Alliance).

    Soda City FC, Columbia’s semi-professional soccer team and recent UPSL National Champions, has established the Alliance. Led by soccer executive Mark Washo, the Alliance looks to grow soccer culture in the Midlands by improving local facilities, expanding opportunities for players, and bringing professional soccer to the area.

    The Alliance signed a letter of intent to introduce a Women’s Premier Soccer League team in Spring 2026. It also plans to explore men’s professional soccer and support youth development programs, making the sport more accessible in the community.
     
    The Buy
     
    Your favorite pair of Levi’s jeans for 60-70% off, thanks to Amazon’s Labor Day sale. Browse women’s high rise skinny jeans, women’s shaping jeans, and men’s relaxed fit jeans.
     
     
    The Wrap
     
    David Stringer wearing a dark button-down shirt

    Today’s edition by:
    David
    From the editor
    “Rucker said the band members don’t plan to be professional musicians, but in the meantime, they are willing to play music for people who like to have a good time.” That’s the closing paragraph to Hootie and the Blowfish’s first article published in The Daily Gamecock in September of 1986. 38 years later, and half that quote is correct, when they perform at Colonial Life Arena on Thursday night, they’re still playing music for people who like to have a good time.
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