History
The Foundation was founded in honor of the Late Chris Conner, a well-loved and highly-respected musician from Columbia, SC. As the frontman for the Sourwood Honey Band, the Conner Brothers Band and The South Band, Chris was an accomplished musician and songwriter whose music earned him a diverse and loyal fan base. At age 36, at the height of his career, Chris was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer. Chris' courageous 10-month battle with the deadly disease set an example of courage, faith and love for thousands.
Otis Taylor with The State Newspaper said, "Conner's illness has united Columbia's go-your-own-way musical scene. He is facing his cancer much the way he writes songs -- by digging in". Charles Wilkie added, "Chris has always been there for anyone who needed him. Whenever there was a benefit for someone who was sick or needed financial help, he was the first to step up". Ryan Goforth, former Sourwood Honey member said, "Chris has been a beacon for the local music scene for 15 years. He is a real true person with friends in every walk of life." It's overwhelming that one guy can touch so many people" said Chris Carney, the South's manager.
Chris passed away November 21, 2007 leaving a legacy of friendship, love and devotion for others. " The local music community and friends nationwide rallied to support Chris and his family, and the Christopher Conner Foundation was established in order to carry on Chris' work and dreams of helping others.
The Conner Foundation would like to thank all you who have supported our mission. Special thanks to our volunteer board members, Jackie Townsend, Hugh Brannon, Sysco, SC Collaborative, The Henry L. Willett Foundation and all of you who have gone above and beyond. Thank you and God Bless!
Otis Taylor with The State Newspaper said, "Conner's illness has united Columbia's go-your-own-way musical scene. He is facing his cancer much the way he writes songs -- by digging in". Charles Wilkie added, "Chris has always been there for anyone who needed him. Whenever there was a benefit for someone who was sick or needed financial help, he was the first to step up". Ryan Goforth, former Sourwood Honey member said, "Chris has been a beacon for the local music scene for 15 years. He is a real true person with friends in every walk of life." It's overwhelming that one guy can touch so many people" said Chris Carney, the South's manager.
Chris passed away November 21, 2007 leaving a legacy of friendship, love and devotion for others. " The local music community and friends nationwide rallied to support Chris and his family, and the Christopher Conner Foundation was established in order to carry on Chris' work and dreams of helping others.
The Conner Foundation would like to thank all you who have supported our mission. Special thanks to our volunteer board members, Jackie Townsend, Hugh Brannon, Sysco, SC Collaborative, The Henry L. Willett Foundation and all of you who have gone above and beyond. Thank you and God Bless!
BOARD INFORMATION Junior Conner Foundation Representatives
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Mailing Address
Dr. D. Shane Conner, Executive Director Docconnerlex@gmail.com Cal Conner, President Connercalvin683@gmail.com Hugh Brannon, Vice President hughbrannon@gmail.com Sherry Kyanko, Secretary/Treasurer Chair, Golf for Conner skyanko@connerfoundation.org 803-955-2460 Kelly Rodgers, Sr. Advisor Debbie Elledge, Fund Raiser Chair Martie Streit, Media and Communications Board Members:
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Helping Veterans at VA Dorn
Dorn VA Medical Center recognized the Christopher Conner Foundation for providing music instruments for veterans and establishing a music therapy program at the Dorn VA Hospital. Brian Conner took the idea and the instruments donated by the Foundation and created a class where veterans learned some music basics along with songwriting, emphasizing using music as a healthy way of coping and self expression. Music therapy has proven and inarguable positive effects, but unfortunately was not in the budget for the VA.The Foundation is honored and so pleased to be able to bring music into the lives of these veterans. Whether it is concerts at Palmetto Health Children's Hospital or a group of veterans singing blues and gospel, there is absolutely no question that music has a positive influence and makes a difference!
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Supporting the Palmetto Children's Hospital - 10 Years of "Giving Back"
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Foundation helps young amputee patientPalmetto Health Children’s Hospital patient Johnathan Hithe, 18, was presented with a cello by the Christopher Conner Foundation. Johnathan plays piano, guitar, violin, viola, drums and other instruments, but that his dream was to have a cello. Johnathan, who is being treated for cancer, had longed for a cello, but realized that cellos are very expensive. The Conner Foundation helped make Johnathan’s dream come true. “Johnathan says he can’t believe it. It means so much to him and he has been playing it lots since he received it,” said Abbey Anderson, Child Life Specialist.
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2024 The Conner Foundation ic continuing partnerships to support the Dickerson Foundation for children, Salvation Army's Pathway of Hope, Breast Cancer Fund Raise with Tokyo Joe, Camp Kemo and Epworth Children's Home.
2023 The Conner Foundation will host the 16th and final Golf for Conner Benefit Tournament on October 2nd at the Country Club of Lexington. The support for this annual fundraiser has been amazing! The Foundation offers our heartfelt appreciation for your support and generosity throughout the years. Going forward the Foundation will be shifting our focus to music events and healing through music.
2022. The 15th Anniversary of Giving for the Conner Foundation was held October 24th. The Foundation provided assistance to the Children's Hospital, Kemopalooza, Dickerson Foundation for Abused Children, Midlands Technical College Arts Scholarship, Epworth Children's Shelter, and Nancy K. Perry Children's Shelter and supported community healing through music projects. The Foundation hosted the benefit concert "Goin' South on Friday, May 13 at the Lexington Icehouse Amphitheater.
2021. The Foundation is working to rebuild after depleting funds by granting 63 scholarships in 2020. Golf for Conner was a tremendous success thanks to our many sponsors and friends. The Foundation has scholarships available for 2022 and is reaching out to the community to provide assistance. The Foundation completed music therapy program for VA Dorn Hospital veterans suffering from PTSD and assisted local children's shelters.
2020. Due to the COVID pandemic, the Foundation cancelled the annual Golf for Conner Charity Tournament. The music industry suffered along with many businesses and individuals. The Foundation gave 61 Let It Sing COVID relief scholarships to help musicians who were out of work, and granted two college scholarships for musicians. The Foundation continued Music Therapy sessions for veterans suffering from PTSD at Dorn VA Hospital and assisted local children's shelters with Christmas wish lists..
2019: Kelly and Savannah Rodgers spread Christmas cheer and played Santa Claus on December 21st. ! They delivered 13 portable DVD players, 25 sets of Sony headphones, and 15 Bluetooth speakers to Epworth Children’s Home from The Christopher Conner Foundation. Art supplies for their therapy program are still in transit. They also delivered studio lighting for the Child Life Services program at the Prisma Health Children’s Hospital. The kids love to make movies using their green screen. The Foundation was also honored to deliver a full size electronic keyboard, stand, bench and headphones to a child at the hospital as part of their Make a Wish Program. The donations are in addition to the Foundation donating iPad minis and ukuleles to a 6 year old child awaiting a heart transplant at MUSC. This is the stuff we love to do and what Chris Conner would love. All of these kids will have these gifts because of him and because our incredible community continues to support our mission to provide healing through music!! THANK YOU ALL on behalf of the kids, the musicians, the veterans, our board, The Conner Family and everyone this organization has touched over the last 13 years! Merry Christmas!!! The Conner Foundation provided a Here Today Scholarship for musician Clyde Frazier who was seriously injured in an automobile accident. The Foundation is the music sponsor for Kemopalooza to help children with cancer and their siblings attend a week long retreat. The Foundation continues supporting children, young adults and adults with healing through music. The Foundation partnered with Wings & Ale March 9, 2019 Chile Cook and raised funds to help the family of Olivia Mazelle, a 5 year old child with cancer. Her love of music brought the event to fulfillment .Many thanks to Brian Conner who personally sang and played for Olivia in her hospital room.
The Foundation partnered with the Dickerson Foundation to provide music instruments and music therapy for abused children. The Foundation continues to provide music therapy for veterans suffering from PTSD at VA Dorn Hospital.
2018: The Conner Foundation continues its journey of providing help and assistance to those in need. The Foundation provided support to Kemopalooza to help children with cancer attend Camp Kemo, The foundation provided Johnathan Hithe, a courageous young man battling cancer, with a cello to help him pursue his love of music and music therapy. The Foundation supported a child for music therapy at Key Changes, music therapy at Freeway Music, music therapy for veterans at The VA Dorn Hospital and music therapy and music equipment for the Dickerson Foundation for children. The Foundation provided a Never Said it Was Easy scholarship for musician Abel Adams as he underwent surgery for a pancreas and kidney. The Foundation provided music/computer equipment and concerts for a young cancer patient whose love of music is the bright spot of her day.
2017: This year, the Christopher Conner Foundation is celebrating the 10th Anniversary of "Giving Back" in honor of the Late Chris Conner. The Foundation provided support to Kemopalooza to help children with cancer attend Camp Kemo, granted financial assistance for music therapy for children at Key Changes, provided financial support to Freeway Music with their outreach program and provided individual music scholarships. The Foundation is working to provide music therapy to warriors who served this great country and now suffer with PTSD. The Foundation provided a piano and guitars and musical equipment for the VA Dorn Hospital to start music therapy for veterans. The foundation provides music classes and song writing lessons to help the veterans put the words in their head on paper. Please plan to join the Foundation at the 10th Anniversary Masquerade Gala & Auction at the Columbia Convention Center on October 14 and the 10th Annual Golf for Conner Charity Tournament on October 30 for the annual fund raising events to help others.
2016: The Christopher Conner Foundation accepted and approved applications for scholarships and grants and provided assistance with the application process. The Foundation provided over $20,000 in grants and scholarships in 2016 through the support of our sponsors and friends. The Foundation was the music sponsor for the 2016 Kemopalooza to help children with cancer attend Camp Kemo. The Foundation provided musical instruments to the Children's Hospital and provided concerts for the children, The Foundation provided two audio sound engineering scholarships to Midlands Technical College and sponsored Freeway Music Festival in their community outreach program to help music students. 2016 was a wonderful year for the Foundation to meet and exceed the goals of "giving back" to those in need.
2015: The Christopher Conner Foundation worked throughout SC communities to help musicians and assist special needs. The Foundation awarded nine scholarships and aid grants this year breaking all previous records of financial support for those in need, The Marcus Lattimore Guest and Live/Silent Auction Event and The 8th Annual Golf for Conner Benefit Tournament were held in October and were the most successful and exciting events ever produced by the Foundation. The Foundation sincerely appreciates the support of the many sponsors, participants and volunteers who give so graciously to help. Watch for the progress of one recipient group "Triple the Trouble" as these youngsters music continues to grow! The partnership with Freeway Music raised funds for young musicians to study music and follow their dreams, The Foundation helped youngsters with cancer attend Camp Kemo and sponsored a national Shine a Light on Lung Cancer event. Thanks to all your support, it was a very good year!
2014: The Christopher Conner Foundation is worked to make an even greater impact in communities. The Foundation sincerely appreciates the generous community support and for allowing the Foundation to continue helping others in Chris' name. The Foundation expanded the "Friends" program to encompass other programs in South Carolina to provide healing through music. We proudly sponsored Camp KEMOPALOOZA, the premier fundraiser for Camp Kemo, an Autism Benefit and a benefit with Freeway Music to award scholarships for children who coiuld not afford music lessons. The Foundation sponsored Columbia's first national Shine a Light on Lung Cancer on November 13 at the Cayce Riverwalk Amphiteater. Never Said It Was Easy scholarships were presented to three recipients. The Here Today Scholarship was granted to one deserving recipient.
2013: The Foundation presented "Never Said It Was Easy" financial grants to two local musicians Ken, who is recovering from a heart transplant, is back doing what he loves best and performing his music. The Foundation presented Richard Culiver and Zully Melinsky with the "Friends Grant" as part of the community partnership for healing through music. The Foundation provided financial assistance to Palmetto Health Children's Hospital and Nancy K. Perry Children's shelter, Camp Kemo and Autisim.
2012: The Conner Foundation hosted a music concert benefit honoring Columbia musician Robert Newton. Robert's skill, talent and influence helped develop many South Carolina musicians. The Foundation presented "Here Today" Music Scholarships to three graduating seniors: John Black, Sheldon Ferguson and Rebekah Swygert. John and Sheldon are talented and deserving recipients and both are attending Berklee College of Music. Also the talented Rebekah Swygert attends Presbyterian College as a music major. The Foundation assisted local comunity efforts to support Pray for Kennedy through the "Friends Grant." The Foundation partnered with Lexington Medical Center to provide music therapy for the infusion center patients.
2010-2011: The Conner Foundation presented the "Here Today" Music Scholarship to Miss Amber Willoughby. Amber is a very talented up and coming singer/songwriter.The Foundation presented the children of Palmetto Health Children's Hospital with the gift of music. In addition to donating Apple Ipods, headphones and DVD players, the Conner Foundation also gifted the music therapy program with chiquita marracas, baby-safe egg shakers and a brand new karaoke machine compatible with their Apple ipods. Miss Graci Conner, junior Conner Foundation representative, organized a toy music instrument drive for the Nancy K. Perry Children's shelter as part of a community service project for the Little Miss South Carolina Pageant. Graci presented 25 musical instruments, including a karaoke machine donated by the Conner Foundation to the children at Nancy K. Perry. She performed an original dance piece during their annual volunteer appreciation dinner. Good job Graci, we're so proud of you!
2023 The Conner Foundation will host the 16th and final Golf for Conner Benefit Tournament on October 2nd at the Country Club of Lexington. The support for this annual fundraiser has been amazing! The Foundation offers our heartfelt appreciation for your support and generosity throughout the years. Going forward the Foundation will be shifting our focus to music events and healing through music.
2022. The 15th Anniversary of Giving for the Conner Foundation was held October 24th. The Foundation provided assistance to the Children's Hospital, Kemopalooza, Dickerson Foundation for Abused Children, Midlands Technical College Arts Scholarship, Epworth Children's Shelter, and Nancy K. Perry Children's Shelter and supported community healing through music projects. The Foundation hosted the benefit concert "Goin' South on Friday, May 13 at the Lexington Icehouse Amphitheater.
2021. The Foundation is working to rebuild after depleting funds by granting 63 scholarships in 2020. Golf for Conner was a tremendous success thanks to our many sponsors and friends. The Foundation has scholarships available for 2022 and is reaching out to the community to provide assistance. The Foundation completed music therapy program for VA Dorn Hospital veterans suffering from PTSD and assisted local children's shelters.
2020. Due to the COVID pandemic, the Foundation cancelled the annual Golf for Conner Charity Tournament. The music industry suffered along with many businesses and individuals. The Foundation gave 61 Let It Sing COVID relief scholarships to help musicians who were out of work, and granted two college scholarships for musicians. The Foundation continued Music Therapy sessions for veterans suffering from PTSD at Dorn VA Hospital and assisted local children's shelters with Christmas wish lists..
2019: Kelly and Savannah Rodgers spread Christmas cheer and played Santa Claus on December 21st. ! They delivered 13 portable DVD players, 25 sets of Sony headphones, and 15 Bluetooth speakers to Epworth Children’s Home from The Christopher Conner Foundation. Art supplies for their therapy program are still in transit. They also delivered studio lighting for the Child Life Services program at the Prisma Health Children’s Hospital. The kids love to make movies using their green screen. The Foundation was also honored to deliver a full size electronic keyboard, stand, bench and headphones to a child at the hospital as part of their Make a Wish Program. The donations are in addition to the Foundation donating iPad minis and ukuleles to a 6 year old child awaiting a heart transplant at MUSC. This is the stuff we love to do and what Chris Conner would love. All of these kids will have these gifts because of him and because our incredible community continues to support our mission to provide healing through music!! THANK YOU ALL on behalf of the kids, the musicians, the veterans, our board, The Conner Family and everyone this organization has touched over the last 13 years! Merry Christmas!!! The Conner Foundation provided a Here Today Scholarship for musician Clyde Frazier who was seriously injured in an automobile accident. The Foundation is the music sponsor for Kemopalooza to help children with cancer and their siblings attend a week long retreat. The Foundation continues supporting children, young adults and adults with healing through music. The Foundation partnered with Wings & Ale March 9, 2019 Chile Cook and raised funds to help the family of Olivia Mazelle, a 5 year old child with cancer. Her love of music brought the event to fulfillment .Many thanks to Brian Conner who personally sang and played for Olivia in her hospital room.
The Foundation partnered with the Dickerson Foundation to provide music instruments and music therapy for abused children. The Foundation continues to provide music therapy for veterans suffering from PTSD at VA Dorn Hospital.
2018: The Conner Foundation continues its journey of providing help and assistance to those in need. The Foundation provided support to Kemopalooza to help children with cancer attend Camp Kemo, The foundation provided Johnathan Hithe, a courageous young man battling cancer, with a cello to help him pursue his love of music and music therapy. The Foundation supported a child for music therapy at Key Changes, music therapy at Freeway Music, music therapy for veterans at The VA Dorn Hospital and music therapy and music equipment for the Dickerson Foundation for children. The Foundation provided a Never Said it Was Easy scholarship for musician Abel Adams as he underwent surgery for a pancreas and kidney. The Foundation provided music/computer equipment and concerts for a young cancer patient whose love of music is the bright spot of her day.
2017: This year, the Christopher Conner Foundation is celebrating the 10th Anniversary of "Giving Back" in honor of the Late Chris Conner. The Foundation provided support to Kemopalooza to help children with cancer attend Camp Kemo, granted financial assistance for music therapy for children at Key Changes, provided financial support to Freeway Music with their outreach program and provided individual music scholarships. The Foundation is working to provide music therapy to warriors who served this great country and now suffer with PTSD. The Foundation provided a piano and guitars and musical equipment for the VA Dorn Hospital to start music therapy for veterans. The foundation provides music classes and song writing lessons to help the veterans put the words in their head on paper. Please plan to join the Foundation at the 10th Anniversary Masquerade Gala & Auction at the Columbia Convention Center on October 14 and the 10th Annual Golf for Conner Charity Tournament on October 30 for the annual fund raising events to help others.
2016: The Christopher Conner Foundation accepted and approved applications for scholarships and grants and provided assistance with the application process. The Foundation provided over $20,000 in grants and scholarships in 2016 through the support of our sponsors and friends. The Foundation was the music sponsor for the 2016 Kemopalooza to help children with cancer attend Camp Kemo. The Foundation provided musical instruments to the Children's Hospital and provided concerts for the children, The Foundation provided two audio sound engineering scholarships to Midlands Technical College and sponsored Freeway Music Festival in their community outreach program to help music students. 2016 was a wonderful year for the Foundation to meet and exceed the goals of "giving back" to those in need.
2015: The Christopher Conner Foundation worked throughout SC communities to help musicians and assist special needs. The Foundation awarded nine scholarships and aid grants this year breaking all previous records of financial support for those in need, The Marcus Lattimore Guest and Live/Silent Auction Event and The 8th Annual Golf for Conner Benefit Tournament were held in October and were the most successful and exciting events ever produced by the Foundation. The Foundation sincerely appreciates the support of the many sponsors, participants and volunteers who give so graciously to help. Watch for the progress of one recipient group "Triple the Trouble" as these youngsters music continues to grow! The partnership with Freeway Music raised funds for young musicians to study music and follow their dreams, The Foundation helped youngsters with cancer attend Camp Kemo and sponsored a national Shine a Light on Lung Cancer event. Thanks to all your support, it was a very good year!
2014: The Christopher Conner Foundation is worked to make an even greater impact in communities. The Foundation sincerely appreciates the generous community support and for allowing the Foundation to continue helping others in Chris' name. The Foundation expanded the "Friends" program to encompass other programs in South Carolina to provide healing through music. We proudly sponsored Camp KEMOPALOOZA, the premier fundraiser for Camp Kemo, an Autism Benefit and a benefit with Freeway Music to award scholarships for children who coiuld not afford music lessons. The Foundation sponsored Columbia's first national Shine a Light on Lung Cancer on November 13 at the Cayce Riverwalk Amphiteater. Never Said It Was Easy scholarships were presented to three recipients. The Here Today Scholarship was granted to one deserving recipient.
2013: The Foundation presented "Never Said It Was Easy" financial grants to two local musicians Ken, who is recovering from a heart transplant, is back doing what he loves best and performing his music. The Foundation presented Richard Culiver and Zully Melinsky with the "Friends Grant" as part of the community partnership for healing through music. The Foundation provided financial assistance to Palmetto Health Children's Hospital and Nancy K. Perry Children's shelter, Camp Kemo and Autisim.
2012: The Conner Foundation hosted a music concert benefit honoring Columbia musician Robert Newton. Robert's skill, talent and influence helped develop many South Carolina musicians. The Foundation presented "Here Today" Music Scholarships to three graduating seniors: John Black, Sheldon Ferguson and Rebekah Swygert. John and Sheldon are talented and deserving recipients and both are attending Berklee College of Music. Also the talented Rebekah Swygert attends Presbyterian College as a music major. The Foundation assisted local comunity efforts to support Pray for Kennedy through the "Friends Grant." The Foundation partnered with Lexington Medical Center to provide music therapy for the infusion center patients.
2010-2011: The Conner Foundation presented the "Here Today" Music Scholarship to Miss Amber Willoughby. Amber is a very talented up and coming singer/songwriter.The Foundation presented the children of Palmetto Health Children's Hospital with the gift of music. In addition to donating Apple Ipods, headphones and DVD players, the Conner Foundation also gifted the music therapy program with chiquita marracas, baby-safe egg shakers and a brand new karaoke machine compatible with their Apple ipods. Miss Graci Conner, junior Conner Foundation representative, organized a toy music instrument drive for the Nancy K. Perry Children's shelter as part of a community service project for the Little Miss South Carolina Pageant. Graci presented 25 musical instruments, including a karaoke machine donated by the Conner Foundation to the children at Nancy K. Perry. She performed an original dance piece during their annual volunteer appreciation dinner. Good job Graci, we're so proud of you!