Denise Gunter Hudson On Community Involvement

This is a part of the series of articles about how TEAM BPS is involved in our communities (SC Midlands, Spartanburg, Jefferson, SC, Atlanta, Philadelphia). In this article Denise Gunter Hudson, Tax Partner, discusses some of the highlights of her community involvement.

We all know that it's common for non-profit entities to seek out accountants/CPAs to serve on their boards and often in the treasurer position. Over the years, my chosen profession has afforded me the opportunity to serve the community in various positions, including as an advisory board member of the Salvation Army of the Midlands, a member of the Junior League of Columbia, and most recently as a board member of the Riverbanks Society. It has also provided me the opportunity to be involved in Leadership Columbia and Leadership Lexington County. Each provided different opportunities, connections and insights into the community BPS calls home.

The Salvation Army does so many good things for the community, from assistance to prevent homelessness to the well-known red kettle campaign and Christmas angels. During my time on the advisory board, the Salvation Army of the Midlands started an afterschool program called Leveraging Literacy for students in first through fifth grade who were reading below grade level. The program was provided every afternoon. The goal of the program was to improve and help the children progress to reading at their grade level. Reading is fundamental to learning and lays the groundwork for success in school.

Each May, there was a program which showcased the successes of the children. To hear them read and see how proud the children and parents were of the progress made was heart-warming. It is also a reminder that, while my daughter takes for granted the ability to get the new Wings of Fire or Diary of a Wimpy Kid book, not everyone is fortunate enough to have the supply of books and support at home.

Serving the community through involvement in charitable organizations provides many opportunities, from networking to providing funding and support to organizations that work to improve the lives of residents in the Midlands.