On March 18, the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry (CFL) hosted its fourth Annual Community Meeting at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. With the theme “New Chapter, Forward Momentum,” the event was filled with inspiration, purpose, and generosity. It lived up to its promise, bringing together donors, nonprofit leaders, civic partners, and supporters from across Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper counties for a celebration of philanthropy.
From the moment guests arrived, it was clear this would be more than a typical annual meeting.
The evening opened on a high note with a live musical performance by Emma Berry and Spencer Alexander, courtesy of the Junior Jazz Foundation. Their smooth, expressive sound welcomed attendees into the theater and set an uplifting tone for the night. James Berry, Junior Jazz Foundation board member and co-founder of the Hilton Head Jazz Camp, followed with an illuminating speech about all that Junior Jazz Foundation supports, including the Hilton Head Jazz Camp, and the impact it has on young local musicians.
The Junior Jazz Foundation, whose charitable fund is administered by CFL, has long been dedicated to preserving jazz through education and performance, ensuring that young artists have access to instruments, lessons, and opportunities to perform. Their participation in the event underscored CFL’s commitment to supporting arts and culture. Since its inception, CFL has granted more than $10 million to arts and cultural organizations.
An opening performance by Emma Berry and Spencer Alexander
James Berry speaks about the importance of the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry in regards to The Junior Jazz Foundation.
A Warm Welcome and a Look Back
Returning for his fourth year as emcee, WSAV-TV news anchor Andrew Davis guided the evening with his typical ease, humor, and professionalism.
CFL Board Chair Lynn Jennings Taylor provided an informative overview of CFL’s important work over the past year. Taylor highlighted CFL’s broad impact across the four-county region – from competitive grants and scholarships to impactful charitable funds and community initiatives like affordable workforce housing. Taylor also thanked the sponsors of the event, which was presented free of charge to attendees, including Reception Sponsor Dividend Assets Capital and Gold Sponsors Palmetto Electric Cooperative and The Sea Pines Resort.
Taylor’s presentation painted a clear picture: CFL, led by a dedicated team of staff and board members, plays a crucial role in the region by connecting donors to organizations, causes, and students. It is the strength of these community partnerships that has helped CFL continue to expand over the past 30 years.
CFL Board Chair Lynn Jennings Taylor
Introducing a New Leader
A highlight of the event was the introduction of CFL’s new President and CEO Aaron Falk, who officially stepped into the role in January 2026. Falk previously served as president and CEO of Kern Community Foundation in Bakersfield, California.
Falk’s keynote address was both personal and forward-looking. Drawing on his background in public service, DC politics, and nonprofit leadership, Falk spoke about the importance of listening, collaboration, and strategic investment in local solutions.
His message resonated with the audience: This is an exciting time of growth in the Lowcountry and full of opportunity for CFL. With strong leadership and a committed community, CFL is poised to build on its legacy while exploring new ways to create impact.
Following his remarks, Falk joined Davis for a lively Q&A session that blended insight with humor, offering attendees a chance to connect with CFL’s new leader on a more personal level.
Andrew Davis interviews new Community Foundation of the Lowcountry President and CEO, Aaron Falk.
Stories That Inspire
One of the most powerful aspects of the evening was hearing directly from a local resident whose life has been positively influenced by CFL’s commitment to local students.
Zach Waters, a Bible teacher and mentor at Hilton Head Christian Academy and a local representative for Fellowship of Christian Athletes, took the stage to share his personal journey.
A graduate of Hilton Head Island High School, Waters benefited from multiple scholarships administered by CFL, helping him pursue both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Now, Waters is paying it forward by guiding young people and investing in their growth, just as others once invested in him.
His story was a moving reminder that philanthropy is not just about dollars, but about belief, opportunity, and ripple effects that extend far beyond a single individual.
Zach Waters, a Bible teacher and mentor at Hilton Head Christian Academy.
Honoring Local Impact
The emotional centerpiece of the evening was the presentation of the Joan and Wade Webster Community Impact Award, an honor established in 2022 by generous CFL donors to recognize individuals currently making a significant positive difference through volunteering in the region.
This year’s recipient, Craig Ostergard, was recognized for his work with Operation Patriots Forward Operating Base (OPFOB), an organization dedicated to preventing veteran and first-responder suicide by providing an outdoor retreat for veterans, first responders, active military members, and their families to connect with and support each other.
The presentation, which included a moving video and remarks by Ostergard, had many in the audience wiping away tears. It was a moment that captured the essence of CFL’s Annual Community Meeting: gratitude, recognition, and a shared commitment to serving others.
As part of the award, Ostergard received a $10,000 grant to bestow upon a charitable organization (or organizations) of his choosing. Reinforcing his deep commitment to OPFOB and the important work it does, Ostergard selected OPFOB to receive the grant.
Craig Ostergard was the winner of the Joan and Wade Webster Community Impact Award for his work with Operation Patriots Forward Operating Base (OPFOB), an organization dedicated to preventing veteran and first-responder suicide.
Looking Ahead
As the program concluded, guests were invited to a networking reception, where conversations reconnected old friends and new connections were made. It was a fitting close to an evening centered on collaboration and shared purpose.
The positive feedback immediately following the event reflected just how meaningful the 2026 version of the CFL Annual Community Meeting had been. Attendees described it as “the best Annual Community Meeting yet” and “an event that always leaves me feeling incredibly positive.”
Community Foundation of the Lowcountry has long been a cornerstone of regional philanthropy, helping individuals, families, and organizations turn generosity into tangible impact. In a time when communities across the region face complex challenges, CFL and its partners offer a powerful example of what can be achieved when people come together with purpose.
With new leadership and a deeply engaged community, CFL is entering its next chapter with confidence.
