GOOD NEWS: Giving Day set for May 5

Dozens of charities around town are looking forward to Lowcountry Giving Day on May 5, a day in which nonprofits in local communities join to try to raise as much money as possible in 24 hours as part of a national challenge across the country.

Last year, 7,166 people gave more than $4 million to 93 participating nonprofits in a 24-hour period, according to the Coastal Community Foundation, which coordinates and host the event. This year, more than 180 nonprofit organizations are participating.

Coastal Community Foundation will channel gifts through www.lowcountrygivingday.org.

You can search for any participating organization on the home page and click on names to make your gift on May 5.  You can also visit the leaderboard to see which groups are participating and easily track how much our community gives. Finally, you can read the foundation’s blog to learn about other ways you can support your favorite organizations.   Officials rules are here.

Also in Good News:

Water parks open in May. The official opening of Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission’s three area water parks — Splash Zone on James Island, Splash Island in Mount Pleasant and Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Park in North Charleston– is May 2, but for weekend operations only. The parks open daily at the end of the month at different times. Learn more here: www.charlestoncountyparks.com.

Local group to perform “Cinderella.” Charleston resident Jill Eathorne Bahr’s ballet choreography of “Cinderella” will take the stage for two full-length performances at the Charleston Music Hall. Set to the score by Sergei Prokofiev, the production will be performed by Coastal Ballet USA and the Charleston Ballet Theatre Center for Dance Education.

Tickets are $29 to 39 for a 7 p.m. show on May 16 and a 3 p.m. matinee on May 17. The artistic team of Don a Patricia Cantwell and Jill Eathorne Bahr of the CBT Center for Dance Education announce the creation of a new regional dance training program “Coastal Ballet USA ,” which will continue to offer educational programs and professional performances, according to a press release. Learn more at CharlestonBallet.com