Beaufort’s Hopeful Horizons was named an Angel by S.C. Secretary of State Mark Hammond on Wednesday, Nov. 20.

The Angels honored represent organizations that exemplify charitable giving in South Carolina. Representatives from all organizations were in attendance to receive a plaque and recognition from Hammond.

“We’re honored to be chosen,” Hopeful Horizons CEO Kristin Dubrowski said. “We work very hard to be good stewards of the funds donated to Hopeful Horizons and it’s so nice to be recognized for that.”

The Angels were selected by review of financial reports submitted annually to the Secretary of State, as well as by nominations from the public. To be selected as an Angel, the charity must have devoted 80 percent or more of its total expenditures to charitable programs; the charity must have been in existence for three or more years; the charity must make good use of volunteer services; the charity must receive minimal funding from grants; and the charity must be in compliance with the South Carolina Solicitation of Charitable Funds Act.

Each year the Secretary of State’s Office attempts to showcase Angels with diverse missions from several areas around the state.

“I am honored to be the chair of this great organization,” Hopeful Horizons board president Andre Nougaret said. We are humbled by this acknowledgement of our stewardship.”

Traditionally, charities have been eligible to be named as an Angel by the Secretary of State only once in order to recognize as many deserving organizations as possible.

Charitable donors may research charities registered in South Carolina by visiting the Secretary of State’s website at www.sos.sc.gov. To review a charitable organization, select the Charity Search button to learn a charity’s total revenue, program expenses, total expenses, net assets, and fundraiser costs.

The website even calculates the percentage of total expenses that the charity has devoted to its program services. You can also call the Division of Public Charities at 1-888-CHARITI (242-7484) for more information.