Our Primary Purpose
"RoundTowners" is a volunteer, service, and social organization dedicated to serving Greenville and the upstate South Carolina community by providing volunteer staffing for events such as Rhythm on the River, Beach Ball, Blarney Bash, The Reedy River Run, Art in the Park, BellSouth Red White and Blue, and The Nutcracker Tour of Homes. We're not all work and no play, however, as the members of the Roundtowners also hold frequent social events and are often invited to partake in special celebrations recognizing those who have helped plan and execute these large scale community events. In addition to this, the group also donates funds to worthy causes that fill special needs within the community. The photograph above shows RT Charities Director Gail Pang presenting a check for $500.00 from the Roundtowners to Pendleton Place in August of 2010.
Frequently asked Questions
What is a Roundtowner? “RoundTowners” is an independent non-political, non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to the active participation in, and support of projects that help to maintain and enhance the vitality and viability of Metropolitan Greenville, South Carolina. The “mission statement” of the “RoundTowners” is to provide leadership and professional volunteerism.
How long has the group been active? “RoundTowners” was conceived in 1986 by Gary Ault and Joyce Smart, and had its first meeting in October of that year. It was patterned after a group in Cincinnati, Ohio, called the “Up-Downtowners”. “RoundTowners” was initially created to provide volunteers from the local community to lend an air of professionalism and consistency in volunteering at little or no cost to Greenville Events.
What do they do? For 20 years, the “RoundTowners” have provided a core group of volunteers for several events and activities in the Greenville area. These events and activities include: the St. Francis Festival of Trees, Blarney Bash, Adopt-A-Highway, Artisphere, Habitat for Humanity, Main Street Jazz, Downtown Alive, Camp Greenville Work Day, Art in the Park, Beach Ball, Red Party, Snow Ball, the Reedy River Run, and the Tour of Homes.
What other functions do they perform? The RoundTowners are, by their nature, constantly seeking to help and give back to the community. Thus, the group has made numerous monetary donations to local charitable organizations chosen yearly by the group’s membership. These donations have been generated from tips received at Rhythm on the River, Downtown Alive and Main Street Jazz, and numerous other events. More than $15,000.00 has been awarded by the “RoundTowners” to over 18 local non-profits in the past five years, a list of which is available on the Charities page of the website. RoundTowners actively participate in civic and leadership involvement with the City of Greenville and the Chamber of Commerce thru “Opportunity Greenville”. Many social activities are offered as well.
