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When Pulitzer Prize–winning photojournalist Doug Mills takes the stage at the LENS Foundation’s 2026 Banquet, The Cheese Ball – taking place at Wild Dunes Resort’s Osprey Ballroom on May 14, 2026 – attendees won’t just be hearing a keynote — they’ll be witnessing history told by the man who’s been standing at its front lines for over four decades. Mills, a decorated photojournalist for The New York Times , has photographed every U.S. president since Ronald Reagan. He’s been

Mark your calendars for one of the most anticipated events of the year. On Thursday, May 14, 2026, the Isle of Palms Law Enforcement Neighborhood Support (LENS) Foundation invites you to The Cheese Ball  — a semi-formal, can’t-miss evening of celebration, dining, dancing, and giving back. Held at the Osprey Ballroom at Wild Dunes Resort, this annual banquet raises critical funds for the Isle of Palms Police and Fire Departments while bringing the community together in unforge

The LENS Foundation Isle of Palms has announced its 2025 Volunteer Award honorees, a trio of residents whose service, leadership, and generosity have strengthened the island in ways that echo well beyond their day-to-day roles. Each will be recognized at the 2026 LENS Annual Banquet: The Cheese Ball—a night that blends heartfelt gratitude with the kind of community spirit Isle of Palms is known for. Founders Recognition Award: Dimi Matouchev Few exemplify the steady, roll-up-

By the time the sun slipped behind the marsh on December 2nd, Ted and Anne Kinghorn’s Isle of Palms home had transformed into something between a holiday movie set and a cheerful fire-code violation. Stacks of board games— Life , Sorry , Monopoly , Clue , Strategy , and more—rose like festive skyscrapers along the walls. Rolls of wrapping paper unfurled across tables and chairs. Dozens of neighbors filtered in, armed with scissors, tape, and the kind of seasonal spirit that c

Every May, something special happens on Isle of Palms. Neighbors, business owners, public servants, and local leaders gather in celebration — not just for a great time, but for a great cause. This year, the LENS Foundation’s annual banquet returns with a fresh twist: The Cheese Ball . Set for Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the Wild Dunes Osprey Ballroom, the evening will include a wine and cheese reception, live jazz, a sit-down dinner, and dancing to a live orchestra. The event

On Sunday, November 23, the Isle of Palms Law Enforcement Neighborhood Support (LENS) Foundation  delivered a little extra warmth to the island’s first responders — freshly baked holiday loaves from local favorite The Blue Root .  The gesture, held at the Public Safety Building, offered each police, fire, and EMS family a selection of chocolate, zucchini, pumpkin, or orange-cranberry bread, all baked by owner Melissa Davis. For Melissa, who lives on Isle of Palms with her hus

When it comes to community traditions that truly light up the island, few shine brighter than Firefighter Appreciation Night at Islander 71. On Thursday, October 23, from 5–8 PM, the Isle of Palms community will gather once again to celebrate the men and women who rush toward the flames when the rest of us run the other way. Hosted by the Isle of Palms Law Enforcement Neighborhood Support (LENS) Foundation in partnership with Islander 71, this annual fall event has quickly be

If you’re looking for an evening that combines family fun, community spirit, and the chance to connect with your neighbors and local law enforcement, circle Tuesday, October 7, 2025 on your calendar. From 4:30 to 7:00 p.m., the Isle of Palms Recreation Center will come alive with the sounds of laughter, music, and community fun as the island celebrates National Night Out—sponsored for the third year in a row by the Law Enforcement Neighborhood Support (LENS) Foundation, toget

The Law Enforcement Neighborhood Support (LENS) Foundation Isle of Palms will proudly present a $15,000 donation to Sullivans Island Elementary School (SIES), marking the largest single grant the nonprofit has awarded to date on Monday, September 15 th  at 1pm. The gift will support SIES fundraising initiatives, including plans for a new aquarium that will enhance student learning opportunities. The Pre-K through 5th grade school has long been a valued partner of LENS, regula

LENS Foundation teams up with Nothing Bundt Cakes to deliver thanks—and cake—to local heroes Isle of Palms, SC — On July 31, 2025, the Isle of Palms Law Enforcement Neighborhood Support (LENS) Foundation brought smiles—and sweets—to the hardworking public safety staff of Isle of Palms. In a heartfelt gesture of appreciation, LENS Advisory Board member Lexi Kinsaul, Deputy Director Mark Mitchell, and Foundation Director Ted Kinghorn made a special delivery of Bundt cakes to bo

This summer, we’re honored to help share a powerful and important message from our friend Daniel Mendelson, whose son Julian tragically...

A Midyear Update from the Isle of Palms Law Enforcement Neighborhood Support (LENS) Foundation “It’s fair to ask, where do the funds go?  What am I helping to support?” says IOP LENS Foundation Director Ted Kinghorn. “We love answering that question—because behind every dollar is a meaningful impact made possible by our incredible volunteers and generous donors.” And there’s certainly a lot to share. As we hit the halfway point of the year, the IOP LENS Foundation has already

The Isle of Palms community is coming together once again to honor individuals who go above and beyond in their service to public safety....

The Isle of Palms Law Enforcement Neighborhood Support (LENS) Foundation has once again stepped up to support community safety, this time...

The LENS Foundation is proud to support our public safety officials and their families. Public safety is the number one priority of...