Our Founder

The Charitable Society of Charleston was founded in 1993 at the suggestion of Ben Thrash, who ultimately became the organization’s first president. Ben had previously been a member of a social organization, which sponsored several social events each year. Ben had the idea that the social events and general membership would provide a method of raising funds and volunteering to support local charities. He contacted several friends within the community to share his idea. 

Those friends began meeting to discuss ideas and develop a mission statement for the fledgling organization. They also became the CSC’s first governing Board of Directors. Ultimately, supporting local charities through fundraising events, promotion of volunteerism, and encouragement of camaraderie among its members became the organization’s goals.

Those initial meetings ultimately led to the incorporation of the Charitable Society of Charleston, and its designation as a tax-exempt charitable organization under Internal Revenue Code, Section 501(c) (3).