GOOD NEWS: Lowcountry Giving Day is just around the corner

Staff reports  |  It’s only two weeks until Lowcountry Giving Day, the annual day of celebration and chance for people to give to more than 350 area nonprofits.

The community-wide event is scheduled for May 2, but you can already schedule a donation to one or more charities of your choice.  Click here to schedule a donation.

As of April 18, more than $741,000 has been pledged to nonprofits, some of which will get extra money through matching donations.   Last year, millions of dollars were raised to help nonprofit organizations throughout the Lowcountry.  This year, there’s been an increase of participation by nonprofits by more than 75 percent — and more engagement is expected.

• Learn more.

In other good news:

New partnership.  The Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center (VAMC) has partnered with the Medical University of South Carolina to perform outpatient eye surgeries for Veteran patients at MUSC’s Ambulatory Procedure Center in Mount Pleasant.  According to a press release, relocating outpatient eye surgeries to MUSC’s ambulatory procedure center maximizes operating space at both locations. VA physicians are able to perform more surgeries and reduce the number of patients waiting for surgical procedures. Veterans patients having eye surgery at the MUSC location will enjoy easy access to the facility and ample free parking.

Big grant.  The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation last week announced a $2.25 million grant to Charleston County’s Criminal Justice Coordinating Council to implement reforms to reduce the jail population and create a more effective local criminal justice system.  According to a news release, Charleston County is one of 11 jurisdictions in the country chosen to receive significant funding and access to expert technical assistance to implement a plan for reform over the next two years. In total, nearly $25 million was awarded in support of ambitious plans to create fairer, more effective local justice systems across the country.

Art in the Barn.  Celebrating craft and providing a selling platform for artisans is the basis of the first annual “Art in the Barn” event taking place April 30 to May 1 on Wadmalaw Island at Ruby Ranch.  The two-day event will bring together a select group of celebrated local and visiting artisans from around the Southeast. These potters, painters and wood turners, along with accomplished textile, floral and jewelry designers are sure to create an eclectic array of options for all attendees.  More info.