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<p>Ameris Bank donated $3,000 to the Bridges Preparatory School PTO for the sixth annual Bridges Block Party and Shrimp and Grits Cookoff, the school announced. All proceeds from the event will go toward an activity bus for the school.</p>
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<p>Ameris Bank is the title sponsor of this event and has been deemed Captain of the Ship for their contribution.</p>
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<p>“This donation will do big things for Bridges Preparatory School, and combined with other donations received during their annual fundraiser, will help the school purchase a new activity bus for their students,” said Amy Painton of the Bridges Prep PTO.</p>
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<p>The bus will open up new possibilities for small group field trips, student community projects, sporting events and more, Painton said.</p>
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<p>Taylor Hunt with Bridges PTO said the Ameris donation, along with other sponsorships and donations, will help push the fast-growing state charter school forward.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>“We are so thankful for the dedication of the Ameris leadership and our other sponsors to our students at Bridges,” Hunt said. “This contribution will help us fulfill our mission as a school.”</p>
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<p>The Block Party is set for Saturday, March 9, from noon to 5 p.m. on Paris Avenue in Port Royal. The event features local chefs competing for top honors with their version of the Lowcountry favorite shrimp and grits.</p>
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<p>The winning recipe will receive the People’s Choice Award for the best shrimp and grits in the Lowcountry. The community-wide event also includes live music by Broke Locals, a kids zone, a wide array of food trucks and unique arts and crafts available for all to enjoy. For the thrill-seeker in the family, they will also have a 100-foot fun slide and more.</p>
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