Every year Palmetto GBA selects a nonprofit organization to support for its annual Community Impact initiative. The 2024 initiative in support of the Big Red Barn Retreat (BRBR) was a huge success! More than 300 associates donated their time and money for a total of 100 hours worked and $7,050 raised.

Located in Blythewood, SC, the BRBR is part of a nationwide network that supports active-duty military service members, veterans and first responders by offering programs that promote what BRBR calls post-traumatic growth. It is estimated that 30 percent of combat veterans and first responders struggle with post-traumatic stress. The BRBR’s life-changing programs are free of charge to members of the military, veterans, first responders and their families.

The programs include:

Warrior PATHH – a 90-day program that starts with a 7-day, in-person, peer-based initiation. Travel expenses are also paid, so those anywhere in the country who have a need may participate.

Struggle Well – goes on location to train active-duty military units and first responder agencies.

The BRBR also offers drop-in classes such as tai-chi, equine-assisted psychotherapy and learning, gardening, meditation and more.

Palmetto GBA's Robin Free and Kate Tiru (center left to right) present a check for $7,050 to the Big Red Barn Retreat representatives, Jeff Lawson (far left) and Sutton Shaw (far right).

Battle of the Divisions

The Palmetto GBA Community Impact initiative encouraged employees to donate money and volunteer their time preparing meals and cleaning guestrooms at the retreat. The initiative was enhanced by a little friendly competition called the Battle of the Divisions. Representatives from seven divisions faced off to earn points by playing a series of games: Sergeant Simon Says (like the childhood version), Pack Your Rack (packing and unpacking sleeping bags), Name That Tune (identifying military songs) and Stars & Stripes (a blindfolded player drew an American flag while directed by a sighted player). All employees were encouraged to participate and watch the games either in our Columbia office or on Facebook live. Points were also awarded to the division with the highest percentage of donors.

The Finance and Accounting Division was declared the winner and awarded bragging rights and a beautiful trophy to display until it is awarded to the winner of the next Community Impact initiative in 2025.

To learn more about the Big Red Barn Retreat, visit thebigredbarnretreat.org.