On Thursday, April 24th, Safe Harbor Center welcomed more than 200 supporters from across Coastal Georgia to downtown Brunswick for our third annual Champions for Children Culmination Celebration — and what a night it was.

Set against the backdrop of Queen and Grant, the evening brought together neighbors, advocates, business leaders, and longtime friends of Safe Harbor for an unforgettable celebration of community-driven impact. Under string lights and the glow of purpose, guests gathered to honor 17 local Champions who spent eight weeks rallying support for Safe Harbor’s life-saving programs. Their collective efforts raised a record-breaking $510,000 — more than double last year’s total.

Themed “In the Winner’s Circle,” the evening featured live performances by national headliners The American Bombshells and local favorites Owen Plant and Pace Conner, along with delicious fare from Three Little Birds Café, a curated vendor market, and an open bar flowing with signature cocktails.

But the heart of the evening was the moment each Champion took the stage to be recognized — a lineup of everyday heroes whose creativity, determination, and generosity made this year’s campaign our most successful yet.

From oyster roasts and bake sales to golf tournaments and social media takeovers, every dollar raised helps expand Safe Harbor’s reach—supporting emergency shelter, transitional housing, street outreach, youth advocacy, and The Village, our newly launched maternity group home.

Co-Chairs Bentley Kaufman, Kate Dart, and Elizabeth Piazza closed the night by presenting a $510,000 check and reflecting on what this total means for the hundreds of youth Safe Harbor serves each year.

“Over 1,000 people donated to this campaign — and over half were first-time donors,” said Piazza. “That’s more than a number. That’s momentum. That’s awareness. That’s hope.”

We are deeply grateful to every Champion, donor, sponsor, and guest who made this night possible — and to a community that continues to believe that every child deserves safety, stability, and the chance to thrive.

Recent Press About Culmination 2025!

The top three fundraisers—our 2025 “Winner’s Circle”—included:

  • First Place/Grand Champions: Elizabeth McLauchlin and Daren Johnson (Frederica Golf Club), raising a staggering $145,000
  • Second Place: Lexie Love Whatley (Davis Love Foundation), raising $93,000

  • Third Place: Don Maxey (Uncle Don’s), raising $51,000

Back by popular demand for the third year in a row, the American Bombshells are set to dazzle at the Champions for Children Culmination Event! Their phenomenal performance last year left the audience in awe, and due to overwhelming demand, we couldn’t resist bringing them back for another unforgettable evening.

As seen on The Today Show, CNN, and Fox and Friends, and even gracing the stage at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, their captivating performances will keep you enthralled all night long.

Based on Saint Simons Island, GA, Jamaican-Born, Singer-Songwriter Owen Plant’s style is reminiscent of introspective artists from the ’70s, old-time reggae groups and contemporary acoustic artists. Owen writes folk and reggae influenced songs and does unique covers which he performs all over the country at listening rooms and festivals.

Pace Conner is originally from Texas and is a graduate of the University of Colorado. He moved to the Golden Isles in 1989 after playing guitar in Europe for the international group Up With People. He has been a guitarist/musician at Sea Island for over 35 years playing all sorts of music from ballroom dance music to bluegrass to classic hits of the last 50 years. He is the owner of Tone Productions and books entertainment for multiple venues around the Golden Isles and surrounding areas.