February 2018 Park Angel of the Month: Betsy Halstead
Betsy Halstead loves to get people involved with their parks. “Whether you have a dog, a child or anything else, we can all appreciate green space anywhere in Charleston,” explains Betsy.
Betsy’s first came to know the Charleston Parks Conservancy at the very first Party for the Parks in 2010. “It was a heck of an introduction,” she said with a laugh. “Living in downtown Charleston at the time made it hard to miss.”
In 2011 Betsy joined the Party for the Parks committee as co-chair for food and beverage, volunteering her time to make the Conservancy’s biggest annual party better and better every year. Betsy has since stepped down from the committee but she has remained a Park Angel as a member of the Conservancy’s Perennials and serves as co-chair of the new Perennial Committee. The Perennials are a special network of the Conservancy’s annual contributors; they are leaders whose support ensures Charleston’s parks continue to have high-level of horticultural care and programming.
Betsy added, “It’s so easy to get involved with the Conservancy and this program is another great way to do so.” Although Perennials receive year-round benefits and enjoy being a stewards of Charleston’s most beautiful and public spaces, Betsy says her favorite part of leading the Perennial Committee is getting new members to join. Betsy said, “The best feeling is asking friends about becoming Perennials and having them join without hesitation.”
Betsy continues to be a proud Park Angel with the Charleston Parks Conservancy and she also volunteers with other area organizations, including Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding and the South Carolina Aquarium.
Learn more about the Perennial Program.