April 2019 Park Angel of the Month: Susan Hoffius
Susan Hoffius serves as the co-chair for the Corrine Jones Community Garden Fundraising Committee. As a longtime resident of the Wagner Terrace Neighborhood, Susan has seen Corrine Jones Park go through several renovations. “My husband and I were there for the renovation of Corrine Jones Park in 2011,” Susan shared. “Once we even ran a power cord from our home to the park so that the Clemson Architecture Center students could keep working on the seating area renovation.”
After the renovation was completed, Susan became an Aqua Angel to help keep the new gardens at Corrine Jones park hydrated throughout the warmer months. Susan retired from her work last fall as the medical historian at The Waring Historical Library so she could focus more of her time volunteering with organizations like the Charleston Parks Conservancy.
“The timing was perfect,” Susan said. “Given my love for the gardening and the Conservancy, I knew I wanted to be involved as much as possible with the Corrine Jones Community Garden project.” At home, Susan has two raised beds in her front yard filled with blueberries, okra, and tomatoes. Soon after joining the fundraising committee Susan was asked to take on a leadership role as one of the co-chairs of the Corrine Jones Community Garden Fundraising Committee.
“Overall it’s my responsibility to raise awareness about the project,” Susan said. My role is to inspire and assist our committee members with reaching out to neighbors and potential donors. Advocacy is so important to the success of this committee. We’ll be having a few events in the next couple of months to organize donors and donations for the garden.” On April 4th Tradesman Brewing Company will be hosting a fundraiser happy hour from 5 to 8 PM where a portion of each beverage purchased will go towards the community garden project.
Once the project is completed Susan plans to plant even more produce at the community garden, including corn, beans, and squash. “I’m really looking forward to sharing a community space with fellow gardeners,” Susan added. “When you can talk to other people who share a hobby like gardening, you get the best kind of advice.”
The Fundraising Committee’s goal is to raise an additional $50,000 in private funds to complete the Corrine Jones Community Garden renovation. If you’re interested in supporting the Corrine Jones Community Garden please donate here.
Join us on April 4th from 5 to 8 PM at Tradesman Brewing Co. for their Thankful Thursday Happy Hour. Each pint sold will go towards supporting the new community garden installation at Corrine Jones Park. To learn more click here: