Flood Fund-Tara Hall Home for Boys

Tara Hall Home for Boys which is located on the banks of the Black Mingo Creek in Georgetown, SC has been hit hard by the tremendous SC flooding. The waterfront location typically provides a wonderful place to swim, play and learn, but was drastically transformed after nearly 24" of rain fell in 4 days. Then, in the days since, the water continued to rise by several feet as water from inland SC tried to make its way to the ocean.

Damage cannot be fully assessed as the flood waters have not yet completely receded at this location. Parts of the campus have been covered in water since October 3, 2015 (campaign posted on Oct 13, 2015).

At this point, the estimate has already climbed to over $100,000 in damages. This preliminary figure includes damage to: 
  - 4 heat pumps and other major mechanical systems
  - electrical service and wiring to several buildings
  - kitchen equipment
  - the kitchen building and butcher shop
  - staff house 
  - decking, docks, walkways and gazebo
  - loss of stored food due to power having to be cut
  - riverbank and erosion control

Photo: Volunteers remove tables from flood water outside Tara Hall's recreation building.

Fortunately, the boys at Tara Hall were all safe and well cared for throughout the flooding. At times, they were completely cut off from the surrounding areas by flood water over connecting roads. Nevertheless, the tireless and dedicated staff made sure everyone was safe, dry and well fed (even if that meant a lot of peanut butter sandwiches).

Not familiar with Tara Hall Home for Boys?
Tara Hall is a 45-year old residential home and school for neglected, abused or troubled boys. Our strategy is to help boys change the vision for their own lives through a four part approach. We provide
1. basic care (food, shelter, medical, dental care) in a safe environment;
2. a system of discipline and self-achievement;
3. an accredited on-campus school; and
4. a family services outreach program which improves each boy's support system at home in preparation for him to return and succeed.

Who comes to Tara Hall?
Neglected, abused or troubled boys growing up in South Carolina without a supportive or safe home environment and who have no other options to help them develop into contributing citizens. Boys arrive from the ages of 6-13 and can stay through age 18. It is preferable for a boy to live at Tara Hall for a minimum of 2 years. Typically, there are 18-20 boys living at Tara Hall at a time. Although families can contribute financially, no boy is ever turned away for inability to pay.

Tara Hall receives less than a half of a percent of its annual funding from the government, and therefore relies on the generosity of individuals, churches, civic groups and private foundations.

To learn more about Tara Hall Home for Boys, please visit www.tarahall.org .




Since opening, Tara Hall Home for Boys has had more than 600 boys come through its doors.

Our Mission
Tara Hall, which accepts neglected, troubled and abused boys, is an effective, Christ-centered, long-term residential school that develops moral, social, educational and life skills, thus building responsible contributing adults, while providing services to their families.

Note about campaign author: I am a marketing and communications consultant for Tara Hall, typically helping with brochures and materials that tell Tara Hall's story. I am setting up this campaign for them, during a time when the staff is too busy dealing with flood issues and maintaining quality care for the daily needs of the boys who live and go to school there. The money raised in this campaign goes directly to Tara Hall (they have the only access to the withdrawal of funds). Tara Hall will use the funds to pay for clean-up, repairs and replacements as they need.