Charleston WATERKEEPER® Leads International Effort to Save Our Gulf

Local Organization Creates Campaign to Engage Waterkeeper Alliance in Gulf Coast Recovery Effort

In the midst of this devastating BP oil disaster, it is safe to say that most everyone is concerned with the current plight facing the Gulf Coast. With no clear end in sight, this catastrophe is forcing many of us across the Southeast to question how we will be impacted, and what we are going to do about the situation.

Cyrus Buffum, Executive Director of Charleston Waterkeeper, our local water watchdog organization, has taken the lead to create SaveOurGulf.org, a web-based project aiming to raise funds for fellow Waterkeepers on the front lines throughout the Gulf, and provide real-time, accurate information about what may be the largest environmental and economic disaster in U.S. history.

SaveOurGulf.org is an initiative supported by the Waterkeeper Alliance, an international organization of nearly 200 Waterkeeper programs, to aid in the ongoing efforts of the Lower Missisissippi Riverkeeper, Louisiana Bayoukeeper, Mobile Baykeeper, Emerald Coastkeeper and Apalachicola Riverkeeper, who are working around the clock to provide their firsthand knowledge and expertise in order to help minimize the environmental impact from the oil disaster. Together with the Waterkeeper Alliance, Buffum and the five Gulf Coast Waterkeeper organizations located in the direct impact zone are updating SaveOurGulf.org daily with accurate and original content to assure that citizens around the world are given a firsthand account of what is happening on the ground.

Utilizing social media tools and innovative fundraising ideas, SaveOurGulf.org gives citizens opportunities to help contribute to crisis efforts. Interactive components, such as live Twitter feeds from the Waterkeepers on scene, aerial photographs of ground zero, maps and firsthand accounts of critical incidents, allow people to receive live, unfiltered content from the front lines. In addition, by using tools like RT2Give, a donation tool allowing users to donate to the relief effort with a simple retweet on Twitter, SaveOurGulf.org is an example of how modern communication can aid in crisis relief.

The Waterkeeper Alliance has mobilized their programs worldwide to assist, advise and aid SaveOurGulf.org and the affected Waterkeepers. Waterkeepers serve as the voice of the world’s waters, and during such a disastrous event, Gulf Waterkeepers are working together to best protect their communities and the waterways on which they depend. SaveOurGulf.org shares these efforts with the rest of the world, and reveals a front-line perspective of what is being done on the ground. 

To lend support and get involved, visit www.SaveOurGulf.org. 

McKay To-Do List May 10 - 16, 2010

Monday 5.10
What: Spoleto Sneak Preview
Where: CofC's Simons Center for the Arts
              54 St. Philip St.
When: 6:00pm
How: Get an early taste of Spoleto as the CofC School of the Arts faculty joins festival performers to present some of the music that will be heard at this year's festivities. Free.


Tuesday 5.11
What: Mercy of the Chef
Where: Fish Restaurant
             442 King St.
When: 5:30pm - 8:00pm
How: Let Chef Nico be in charge of choosing your 3 courses for only $25. Now for just another $5, add wine pairings to each course.


Wednesday 5.12
What: Foodie Trivia Night
Where: Ted's Butcherblock
              334 East Bay St.
When: 7:30pm
How: Every second Wednesday of the month, Ted's hosts an opportunity for foodies to get together and flaunt their gastro-knowledge. Come check out Charleston's best new trivia night. Free. 


Thursday 5.13
What: Asylum: Break Out for a Cause
Where: Old City Jail
When: 7:00pm - 11:00pm 
How: Mellow Mushroom transforms the Old City Jail into a swanky place to benefit the Teachers' Supply Closet. $45 for admission and open bar. 


Friday 5.14
What: Sol Driven Train
Where: Charleston Pour House
              1977 Maybank Hwy.
When: 9:00pm
How: Come check out the local ensemble as they celebrate their new album release. Opener is Spartanburg native, Shane Pruitt. 


Saturday 5.15
What: Beer-B-Cue Bash
Where: Smoky Oak Taproom
              1234 Camp Rd.
              James Island, SC
When: All Day Long
How: James Island's best kept secret is giving locals from all over Charleston an excuse to venture off the beaten path. Bash will feature 50 beer styles from more than 20 breweries, live music (on the patio), food and drink specials. 


Sunday 5.16
What: Do The Charleston
Where: King St. (Calhoun-Queen)
When: Noon - 5:00pm
How: It's time to Do The Charleston. Shops and restaurants will be spilling out onto King St. as pedestrians take over! Outside dining and specials, plus live music and more. DO NOT MISS THIS! 

McKay Freelance Welcomes WindPath Charleston to Our Fleet

In MOST cases we are firm believers in the saying "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."  That is until we met our newest client, WindPath of Charleston Fractional Yacht Program.

For those who are not familiar, fractional yachting is similar to a time share. Members have seven guaranteed uses per month, plus as-available use. WindPath not only allows access to the water, but also removes nearly all of the hassles associated with boat ownership.


WindPath Charleston's luxury yacht, Endeavor, is a 35-foot Catalina 350 markII and is conveniently docked at the Charleston City Marina. Members may take the yacht out for a few hours after work, get away for a weekend, or cruise for an entire week. 


A proud supporter of Charleston WATERKEEPER, WindPath Charleston will donate $500 for every new member. And, those who sign-up during the month of May, will receive one month free.


On Saturday, May 22, 2010, WindPath Charleston will open the deck of Endeavor for an open house giving guests the opportunity to talk with current members, tour the boat and learn more about the member and owner-member programs available. The open house will take place from 10:00a.m. - 4:00p.m. at Charleston City Marina, Slip J-20. For those interested, demo sails will be held on Sunday, May 23, 2010, by appointment only.

For more information about WindPath Charleston, visit http://www.WindPathCharleston.com

Get Ready! Our New Look is Coming....

Here is a taste of what the new McKay Freelance website and branding will look like. We are excited to finally show it off! Let us know what you think.

Website to follow in the coming weeks...

Meet our newest client: Essential Journeys - Makers of Soap by the Slice

We are excited to announce our new client, Essential Journeys - Makers of Soap by the Slice.

Essential Journeys makes handcrafted soaps, rejuvenating lotions and soothing lip lubes, all from natural ingredients to make you feel like the diva that you are. The products are not just for the ladies, Essential Journeys also makes shaving soaps specifically designed for men and a dog soap that will leave your pup smelling delightful!

Kimberly Masters, founder of Essential Journeys is a travel enthusiast and gets the creative inspiration for her products from her journeys all around the world.  She handcrafts each soap loaf in her Asheville, NC soap studio. Thai lemongrass, mango papaya and lavender citrus are just a few of the unique fragrance combinations that will make you long to take a shower. The intricate designs make it hard to use her soap slices for anything other than decoration...that is until you try one!

The Essential Journeys' Lotion for the Body soothes the skin with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E and comes in delicious scents like White Tea and Ginger and Grapefruit Splash. And don't forget your lips! Lube for Lips comes in three yummy flavors and will nourish your lips while keeping them protected from the summer sun. 

A perfect gift for mom this Mother's Day, or any time of year. Check out the Essential Journeys Website for additional product information. Keep up with Essential Journeys on Facebook and twitter, @soapslice and receive product promotions and specials.

McKay's To-Do List May 3 - May 8, 2010

Need something to do this week? We've got you covered!


Monday 5.3
What: James Beard Foundation Awards 2010 
Where: Lincoln Center, NYC
When: 6:30p.m.
Why: OK, we understand you might not be able to make it to the actual awards tonight, but if you are interested in following the chefs from our great city, head to the Delights and Prejudices website or follow the event on twitter, @beardfoundation. Be sure to watch for Sean Brock of McCrady's Restaurant, Ken Vendrinski of the former Sienna Restaurant and current Trattoria Lucca and Craig Deihl for Cypress.


Tuesday 5.4
What: Nosh Mob
Where: Blu Restaurant
             1 Center Street
             Folly Beach, SC 29439
When: 5:30p.m.
Why: Honor the shrimp season and the Sustainable Seafood Initiative. $25 for three-courses.


Wednesday 5.5
What: Cinco de Mayo
Where: Celebrate Mexican heritage and culture by supporting local mexican establishments. Our suggestion, Santi's Restaurante Mexicano.
When: All day long!


Thursday 5.6
What: Cynthia Rowley & Center for Women Shopping Event
Where: Cynthia Rowley
              314 King Street
When: 6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m.
Why: Enjoy an evening of wine, munchies and good conversation.  Cynthia Rowley is donating 10% of your purchase the Center for Women. C4W members receive a 10% discount on all items. 


Friday 5.7
What: Greek Festival (May 7 - May 9)
Where: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
              30 Race Street
When:  11:00a.m. - 10:00p.m.
Why: Just $3 to celebrate life, good food, music and friendship.


Saturday 5.8
What: Mom's 5K Run/Walk
Where: Blackbaud Stadium on Daniel Island
              1990 Daniel Island Drive
When: 6:30a.m. - 8:00a.m. Packet Pick-up
            8:30a.m. Race Begins
Why:  To benefit the Ruth Rhoden Craven Foundation for Postpartum Depression Awareness. Registration $25.


Sunday 5.9
What: College of Charleston Graduation
As CofC Alum, McKay Freelance would like to congratulate the class of 2010! Good luck in all of your future endeavors!

McKay Partners with Sustainable Architecture Firm, The Middleton Group

McKay Freelance is pleased to announce our newest client, local sustainable architecture firm, The Middleton Group. Founded in 2007, The Middleton Group consists of husband & wife team Blake & Laura Middleton. Both LEED-certified, The Middleton Group's projects have included Midtown Bar & Grill, as well as a number of residences downtown, Mt. Pleasant and on Isle of Palms. They provide clients with sustainable and environmentally-conscious designs, seeking to minimize the negative environmental impact of buildings by enhancing efficiency and moderation in the use of materials, energy, and land development. The Middleton Group is also a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and a Partner of the Energy Star Program.

For more information, visit www.themiddletongroup.net or follow them on facebook & twitter. See examples of their work below and stay tuned for more to come!

Midtown Bar & Grill is housed in an 18th century building, which is the oldest on King St. North of Calhoun. Located at 559 King, Midtown Bar & Grill did a complete renovation of the space, with design and construction documents for the building provided by The Middleton Group.

Midtown Bar & Grill

Bar & Outside Patio