Charity Connection 
Along with registration, the Bridge Run offers participants the opportunity to help raise money for 15 charities. It can be scary choosing a charity to donate to. In this economy, every dollar counts. You want to be sure your hard earned donations are going to the cause described, and not squandered. The bridge run has done the research for you. We've found, among many, 15 well deserving charities. Along with the larger, more reputable non-profits, we've found other smaller less exposed ones, that also, need and deserve your help. Just one dollar can make a difference!
Ways to Give
- Now, you can leverage your run to raise money via crowdrise. It's super easy to join and all the money you raise will contribute the charity.
- Choose your donation amount with regular registration. Register online or via paper registration, and donate any amount from $1 up. You may also donate separate amounts to multiple charities. For example, you may choose to donate $1 to charity x, and $20 to charity y.
- Register through a specific charity, for $150, set fee. When donating $150 or more to the Charity of your choice you will not only get the delight of making an impact, but you will also receive a specialized Cooper River Bridge Run Charity Bib, free entry into the Race, and free packet mailing before 1/15/14.
You have a choice of the following Charities;
The American Lung Association is the leading organization working toward the mission to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through Education, Advocacy and Research. With the generous support of the public, we are "Fighting for Air." We're America's oldest voluntary health organization, founded in 1904 as the National Association for the Study and Prevention of Tuberculosis- dedicated to combating tuberculosis (TB), the most dreaded disease of the time. Over the years, we expanded our fight, targeting other threats to lung health, and took the new name of the American Lung Association.
Additionally, for over a quarter century the American Lung Association's Camp Breathe Easy in Charleston, SC has provided asthmatic children an opportunity to experience camping activities they may otherwise be denied due to their condition. Through educational activities, campers learn to understand and manage their illness while improving their self-esteem.
Whether it's advocacy efforts for clean indoor and outdoor air, tobacco prevention and cessation programs, education and life management programs, education and life management programs for children with asthma, research to promote lung health and prevent lung disease, and lung disease support groups, the work of the American Lung Association helps save lives every day.
Pet Helpers, founded in 1978, is missioned to ending the euthanasia of all adoptable pets in the lowcountry through low cost spay and neuter and providing high quality shelter and full medical care of each pet, until forever homes are found. All pets are kept until adoption and over 25,000 have been saved to date. Pet Helpers pursues animal cruelty and neglect, and is proactive in working with children through education and humane programs, working to teach at risk kids character build up, anti bullying, and humane compassion with a new program, Healing Species.
The Ronald McDonald House is a 25-bedroom home where families traveling from out of town stay while their children undergo specialized or extensive medical treatment at area hospitals.
Here, parents and children lead a life as normal as possible during their traumatic times without the financial burden of costly hotel and travel expenses.
The Ronald McDonald Family Room at MUSC provides a sanctuary within the walls of the hospital where family members can rest, read, shower or have a cup of coffee while still being only minutes away from their seriously ill child.
Diabetes is a silent killer that has no cure. It affects children and adults of all ages. Diabetes can manifest life-threatening complications that can result in blindness, heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, amputation, severe nerve damage and premature death.
Our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.
We lead the fight against the deadly consequences of diabetes and fight for those affected—by diabetes.
- We fund research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes.
- We deliver services to hundreds of communities.
- We provide objective and credible information.
- We give voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes.
Your American Diabetes Association is the only organization supporting all people with diabetes: people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, children and adults. We help those who are for people with diabetes: parents, family, friends, employers. We are the only organization that also supports health care professionals who deliver the care and the scientist who search for the cure needed by people with diabetes.
Semper Fi Fund
The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit set up to provide immediate financial support for injured and critically ill members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. We direct urgently needed resources to post 9-11 Marines and Sailors, as well as members of the Army, Air Force or Coast Guard who serve in support of Marine forces. The Semper Fi Fund (SFF) provides relief for financial needs that arise during hospitalization and recovery as well as assistance for those with perpetuating needs. Our program provides support in a variety of ways including: Service Member and Family Support, Specialized & Adaptive Equipment, Adaptive Housing, Adaptive Transportation, Education and Career Transition Assistance, Therapeutic Arts and Team Semper Fi. www.semperfifund.org
Water Missions International
Water Missions International is an engineering relief and development Christian nonprofit headquartered in Charleston, SC. Its engineers, staff and volunteers design and provide sustainable, safe water solutions to disaster victims worldwide and people in 49 developing countries. Since 2001, Water Missions International has responded to the world's largest natural disasters and daily tackles the world’s single biggest cause of illness - lack of safe water and adequate sanitation (U.N. Report, 2005) by providing safe water to more than two million people.
Water Missions International designs sustainable, safe water solutions that are low-maintenance and cost-effective. The design of the innovative Living Water™ Treatment System works like a "mini- municipal water treatment plant” (The Washington Post, 2010) and can purify more than 10,000 gallons of water per day—enough for 3,000 to 5,000 people.Water Missions International also trains local people to operate and maintain the water systems, which can provide safe water for 20 years or more. Basic health and hygiene principles are taught to educate the communities, and the systems are monitored and evaluated for their sustainability. Water Missions International has received Charity Navigator's top rating five years in a row.
The life-saving work of Water Missions International is only possible with the faithful support of donors, volunteers, and partners, particularly in the Charleston-area. Thank you for joining with us as we seek to come along side the thousands of communities needing safe water. For more information, please visitWaterMissions.org
MUSC Childrens Hospital Fund
MUSC Children's Hospital is the premier Children's Hospital in the southeast. We are the only Children's Hospital in the State of South Carolina providing bone marrow transplants, heart surgery, burn center, and a pediatric emergency room that is open 24-7. No child is ever turned away that is in need of care regardless of their ability to pay. Every day at MUSC Children's Hospital, we meet brave children and their families who are in need of hope, answers-and, above all, care. For us, meeting the needs of these children and families serves as the driving force behind every one of our missions-from critical care and laboratory research to medical education and children's health advocacy.
Alzheimer's Association 
The Alzheimer's Association is the nation's largest voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all effected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
80,000 South Carolinians are currently living with Alzheimer's or related dementia. We are here to help those individuals and their families navigate the difficult decisions and uncertainties at every stage of the disease. Please support the Alzheimer's Association in our efforts to raise awareness, advance research and advocate for those affected. To learn more or join the cause: alz.org/sc or 800-860-1444
Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Lowcountry
The Lowcountry Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the local partner for the world's largest and most progressive grassroots network fighting breast cancer. Through annual events like the Komen Lowcountry Race for the Cure and the Survivors Celebration, the Komen Lowcountry Affiliate has invested more than $5 million in local breast health and breast cancer awareness projects in 17 counties. Seventy-five percent of net proceeds generated by the Affiliate stay in the 13-county service area, which provides grants to non-profit groups who can provide education, mammograms and some follow up to those uninsured or underinsured, while the remaining income goes to the national Komen for the Cure Award and Research Grant Programs - supporting research, awards and educational and scientific programs around the world. The Komen Lowcountry Race for the Cure continues to be a remarkable event that grows by leaps and bounds. The 2012 race hosted more than 9,500 participants on Daniel Island. For more information, visit www.komenlowcountry.org
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LOUIE'S KIDS
Founded in 2001, Louie's Kids, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in Charleston, SC, has worked diligently to identify the challenges which result in children becoming clinically obese, and then defining solutions to this potentially life-threatening problem. For example, in just two short years, its Fit Club program has helped 100 children lose more than 600 pounds while developing healthier lifestyles and enjoying a significant increase in self-esteem. This success inspired a complimentary program which will run concurrently with Fit Club-Run Buddies. This exciting new offering pairs adult mentors with kids who are at risk of obesity, or simply want to get moving. Like Fit Club, Run Buddies works toward achieving the Louie's Kids mission:
Fighting obesity one child at a time.
We have been fulfilling this mission since inception by providing support and solutions for clinically obese children, and those at serious risk of obesity, in desperate need of behavioral, nutritional or individualized one-on-one intervention. While any child is welcome to participate in Louie's Kids programs, support is specifically targeted to families who are financially unable to pay for this support.
The Charleston Miracle League (CML) 
The Charleston Miracle League (CML) makes memories by providing a life-changing experience for children and adults with mental and physical challenges through a community supported baseball league. Our program helps fill a recreational void in the lives of disabled children and adults by helping them get the exercise they need as well as providing an outlet for the development of social skills and increased self-esteem through participation in an organized baseball league. Simply put, we believe that EVERYONE deserves a chance to play baseball!
Our specially designed field is located in Forrest Park, in the West Asley area of Charleston, with games occuring 8 weeks in each spring and fall. Each game also provides opportunities for volunteers to assist our players as 'buddies' as they bat and round the bases, serve as coaches, work as announcers for the games or just be great fans in the stands to encourage and cheer! Whether a player, family member or volunteer, everyone has a great time at the Charleston Miracle League.
The American Cancer Society
Together with our more than three million volunteers across the country, the American Cancer Society saves lives and creates more birthdays every day by helping you stay well, get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back. With the combined force of wisdom from our century of experience and our passion to get results in this fight, we are in relentless pursuit of our ultimate victory: a world without cancer.
Stay well: We help you take steps to prevent cancer or detect it at its earliest, most treatable stage.
We develop guidelines for recommended cancer screenings and nutrition and physical activity, so you know what tests you need to find cancer early and how you can help prevent the disease. On our website, you can create a personalized health action plan to discuss with your doctor that will tell you which cancer screening tests are right for you, as well as healthy lifestyle choices to consider.
We provide tips, tools, and online resources to help you set goals and stay motivated to eat healthy and maintain an active lifestyle.
Get well: We're in your corner around the clock to guide you through a cancer experience.
Our phone lines are open every minute of every day and night for people needing answers. Every year, we provide information, help, and support to the nearly one million people who call us at 1-800-227-2345
Through the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge Network, we help more than 30,000 people with cancer and their families save tens of millions of dollars in lodging cost each year by providing a free place to stay while going through treatment far from home.
Fine cures: We're getting results by funding research that helps us understand cancer's causes, determine how best to prevent it, and discover new cures.
We've had a hand in nearly every major cancer breakthrough of the past century, such as confirming the link between obesity and multiple cancers, developing drugs to treat leukemia and advanced breast cancer, and showing that mammography is the most effective way to detect breast cancer.
We're the largest non-governmental funder of cancer research in the United States, having spent more than $3.3 billion on cancer research since 1946.
We have contributed to a 14 percent decrease in the cancer death rate since the early 1990's. That means about 650,000 cancer deaths were avoided and more birthdays were celebrated.
The Lowcountry Center for Prevention of Child Abuse
The Metro Exchange Club of Charleston is a group of business and civic leaders who work together for the prevention of child abuse. We're based out of Charleston, SC and support local charities aligned with our mission. Every year we put on a large fundraiser for Windwood Farm Home for Children, help with civic events such as the Cooper River Bridge Run, and volunteer for patriotic events including the Field of Flags and the Medal of Honor Convention. Thank you for your support. 100% of the money that Bridge Run donors give to the Metro Exchange club will go towards the prevention of child abuse."
Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy 
The Primary mission of the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy is to provide care and counseling for employees and families of law enforcement and emergency service agencies, as well as the general public; assist the Coroner in notifying individuals who have lost a family member in an unexpected manner; assist the Mobile Crisis Unit and SWAT teams in hostage negotiations and other local emergency situations; and to provide follow-up visitation in the home or in the hospital for victims of crimes and their families.
The Chaplaincy is a judeo-Christian organization that works closely with all law enforcement agencies in the Charleston area to provide assistance during emergency situations. These include murders, suicides, shootings, fires, including the fire at the Sofa Super Store on June 18, 2007 where nine Charleston firefighters died, and similar critical events. From its beginning with one Chaplain (Rev. Dewey) the Coastal Crisis Chapliancy has grown to its present strength of two full time Chaplains and twenty volunteer Chaplains that provide pastoral care and counseling 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Camp Happy Days
Camp Happy Days' mission is to offer support and encouragement to children diagnosed with cancer and their families by providing cost free year-round programs, special events and access to crisis resources. Our goal is to improve the physical, emotional and psychological health of the entire family facing pediatric cancer.
At Camp Happy Days, we believe that every child battling cancer in South Carolina should have an opportunity to benefit from a summer camp experience and other life-changing programs regardless of family income or economic status. Every program we offer is free to the families we serve and we are challenged to raise 100% of the funds needed to support them. As we enter our 29th year, please help us help them.
