ABLE Foundation, the Disabilities Foundation for Beaufort County, announced the annual ornament is now available. The ornament is the fourth in a commemorative series featuring favorite Lowcountry scenes.  The 2012 ornament features a Heron.
The ornament, which can also be used as a medallion, was created locally and was commissioned from Buf’s in Beaufort. The annual ornaments have been a traditional fundraiser for the ABLE Foundation.  The nonprofit foundation supports services and programs assisting individuals with special needs.
ABLE’s efforts in the recent past and this year have been to fund a summer camp, called Camp Treasure Chest, for children with special needs. Children with needs such as developmental delays, cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, genetic disorders and autism may require additional and special services and trained staff and accommodations, not usually available at regular summer camps.  In the absence of the Camp Treasure Chest, these special needs children would likely not have a summer camp experience.  Funds from the state for summer services have been virtually eliminated and the camp is almost solely supported through fundraising and grants.
All proceeds from the sale of ornaments go to support Camp Treasure Chest.
Ornaments are available at several locations in the greater Beaufort area.  These include:
• Smiles by Wyles Dentistry, 134 Lady’s Island Drive, Lady’s Island
• Budget Print, 510 Carteret Street, Beaufort
• Sea Eagle Market, 2242 Boundary Street, Beaufort
• Green Herring Gallery, 1001 Bay Street, Beaufort
• Harbor Island Beach and Racquet Club, Harbor Island
• New Image Salon, 1615 Paris Ave., Port Royal
• Offices of Disabilities and Special Needs Dept, 100 Clear Water Way, Beaufort.
A limited number of prior years’ ornaments are available from the Office of Disabilities and Special Needs. This year, framing for ornaments is available through the Green Herring Gallery. A portion of the proceeds from framing will also go towards Camp Treasure Chest.
To order an ornament or for more information, call ABLE at 255-6300.