Silent Tears announces $5 million donation to fund capital needs
of organizations that help women & children statewide
Columbia, S.C. – Silent Tears announced on Thursday plans to donate $5 million to fund
capital needs of organizations statewide that assist victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and child
abuse.
Six years ago, Silent Tears formed to systematically address the complex issues associated with child
sexual abuse – considering best practices, the fragmented support system for victims, the culture and
politics of South Carolina, and a lack of attention on the issue. In the ensuing years, South Carolina has
made great strides, but there is still work to do.
Accompanied by lawmakers and representatives from centers statewide, Silent Tears announced a $5
million gift from the Castellani family. The commitment will fund a second phase of support for
organizations that promote an end to child abuse, sexual assault and domestic violence across South
Carolina, including the 17 Children’s Advocacy Centers of S.C., 15 rape crisis and 12 domestic violence
centers.
“God placed these issues on our hearts, and because we had the ability to help, we felt compelled to
act,” Founder Bob Castellani said. “Silent Tears is providing support to those organizations that work
each day with the victims of these crimes, and we look forward to fulfilling more grant requests in the
weeks and months to come.”
The following organizations were included in the first round of grants and have already received funding
that will address a variety of capital needs – from roof repairs to replacing outdated heating and cooling
units.
- Beyond Abuse $15,000
- Foothills Alliance $20,000
- Palmetto Citizens Against Sexual Assault $32,000
- Pee Dee Coalition $50,000
- Child Advocacy Center of Aiken $26,000
- Children’s Advocacy Center of Spartanburg, Cherokee and Union $10,000
- Friends of the Metropolitan Children’s Advocacy Center $16,000
- Pickens County Advocacy Center $10,000
- Safe Homes Rape Crisis Coalition $20,000
- Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands $10,000
- YWCA of Upper Lowlands $35,000
- Generations Group $50,000
- Care House of the Pee Dee $18,500
- Child Freedom Coalition $50,000
- South Carolina Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers $5,000
Organizations interested in applying for future Silent Tears grants can apply online at SilentTearsSC.org.
Shauna Galloway-Williams, executive director of the Julie Valentine Center, expressed gratitude for the
investment Bob Castellani and his family have made during the past decade.
“The Castellani Family may never know the full extent of their reach, but know for each child that
receives a forensic interview and counseling at a CAC, for every rape victim who is met by an advocate at
the ER during a rape exam, and for every family that finds shelter and support free of violence, the
family has made an investment in the change and for that we are all grateful,” Galloway-Williams said.
Also on Thursday, Silent Tears announced a partnership with ELYSIAN magazine that will allow the best
practices established in South Carolina to reach a nationwide audience. The success stories and gains
made in this state will reach decision-makers across the country through the ELYSIAN platform, affecting
even greater change.
For more information, contact Kelly Nichols, director of philanthropy, Silent Tears SC, 864-596-7501 or
kelly@readelsyian.com.