LENS Foundation’s 2026 Banquet, The Cheese Ball, Returns May 14 at Wild Dunes — Featuring Pulitzer-Winning Photojournalist Doug Mills

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 unforgettable style.

Each year, the LENS Banquet features a unique theme — and this year’s Cheese Ball concept brings together the sophistication of a wine and cheese reception with the joy of live orchestra dancing. The evening includes a sit-down dinner, a jazz trio, and spirited competition via the Big Cheese fundraiser challenge. Twelve contestants will compete to raise the most “cheddar” (money, that is!) for a gouda cause.

What makes this year even more exciting is the announcement of our keynote speaker: Doug Mills, legendary photojournalist for The New York Times. Mills has photographed every U.S. president since Ronald Reagan and recently won the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Photography for capturing the dramatic moment a bullet whizzed past former President Trump during an assassination attempt. With past Pulitzers for team coverage of the Clinton/Gore campaign, Mills has spent four decades translating history into powerful visual storytelling. Guests will also have the chance to attend an exclusive luncheon and meet-and-greet with Doug Mills at Wild Dunes for a separate donation — attendance is limited.

A cornerstone of The Cheese Ball is its heartfelt mission: to honor and recognize the incredible dedication of our island’s police officers and firefighters. The primary goal of the evening is to celebrate their service, uplift their contributions, and ensure they are publicly acknowledged in the presence of the community they serve.

A special portion of the evening will be dedicated to presenting the annual LENS Appreciation Awards, which honor individuals who have gone above and beyond. Awards are presented in four categories: the Founders Recognition Award, Volunteer of the Year, George Reeth Leadership Award, and Lifetime Achievement Award.

Early bird tickets are $125 through April 1, 2026, and $150 thereafter. Every ticket helps cover the cost for first responders and their families to attend. Supporters can also rally behind their favorite Big Cheese contestant at LENSIOP.ORG/BIG-CHEESE by donating and checking the leaderboard.

From inspiring speakers to incredible music and a mission that matters — The Cheese Ball promises a night as meaningful as it is memorable. Register at: LENSIOP.ORG/CHEESE-BALL