The Fifth Annual West Columbia Beautification Foundation’s Tribute for Trees Gala is Tuesday, Sept. 10. It’s in the New Brookland Room of the West Columbia City Hall, 200 N. 12th St.

“We’re really looking forward to the Tribute for Trees Gala,” said Melissa Sprouse-Browne, chairwoman of the West Columbia Beautification Foundation. “We grow every year and we anticipate a very exciting evening this year.”

The event will include Heavy Hors d’oeuvres provided by Primal Gourmet Kitchen and Market. There will also be wine and beer. Entertainment will be provided by Bob the Sax Man, and Joe Pinner will be the emcee for the evening.

A $200 donation gives you access to this excellent evening with members of the Foundation, elected officials and like-minded folks interested in helping West Columbia become the best version of itself. Call 803-791-1880 ext. 623 for tickets or more information.

Sprouse-Browne also said there will be a “big announcement” at the Trees Gala this year, and a very special recognition. Both pertain to beautification efforts.

Sprouse-Browne said to date, the WCBF has raised thousands for projects to enhance the appearance of West Columbia and that makes the Trees Gala a very important event.

“It’s how we operate,” she said of the fundraiser. Sprouse-Browne said the work of the WCBF has made a difference, from the row of magnolia trees on Sunset Boulevard to the landscaping along the US 1 corridor, the WCBF is doing good work.

Sprouse-Browne said the work is done with the help of the Friends of the Foundation. The Friends of the Foundation are: Soda City Friends; Jim Hudson Automotive Group; Nephron Pharmaceuticals; and Mooneyhan’s Auto Service.

A supporter of the WCBF is Houuse of Raeford. Chuck Underhill, of House of Raeford, said he is looking forward to the gala and the work of the WCBF.
“It’s encouraging to see so many individuals and companies partnering to beautify our city,” he said. Underhill also said the event is an investment in the enhancement of West Columbia as a whole. It’s a great place and the work of the Beautification Foundation just makes it better.”

Bill Mooneyhan, a member of the WCBF Board, said he is looking forward to the big announcement that will be made at the gala.

“It’s going to be big news, very good for West Columbia and the beautification foundation,” said Mooneyhan. “This is very positive news.” It comes at a good time. Sprouse-Browne said the momentum of the WCBF is meshing well with other projects going on in West Columbia.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday (Sept. 4) for West Columbia’s Interactive Art Park and Alleyway on State Mural. It’s at 10 a.m. at 425 Meeting St.

The one-of-a-kind park will feature musical events, art displays, artists booths and a farmer’s market. It also offers parking space for patrons of the area’s restaurants and users of Riverwalk. The park provides intrinsic environmental, aesthetic, and recreation benefits to West Columbia.

The WCBF is also selling commemorative bricks. The bricks will be placed in the West Columbia All-Inclusive, or Enabling, Park.

Bricks will be engraved with your custom message and mini-bricks with the same message make a great gift. To order your engraved brick go to: Buy an Enabling Park Brick

There is a lot to be proud of in West Columbia. The gala is just one more opportunity to get in on all the good stuff that is happening in our city,” said Sprouse-Brown. “We think it will be a great time, and it’s for a wonderful reason.”