Tommy and Linda Bowden with daughter Lauren (center) are pictured with Sharing, Inc. Board of Directors Faith Clark, Cindy Fox Miller, Clif and Julie Caldwell, Anthony Young, Gary Clark, and Melissa Zayas. 


        Sharing Inc. (SI), a grassroots charity for children, was extremely honored to present their first Lighthouse Award to Tommy and Linda Bowden: for their humble walk and Christian example to all who may cross their path.
        Lauren Bowden presented the award to her parents and thanked them for their Christian example to her and her brother, Ryan. Lauren teaches second graders and loves it!
        The idea for the Lighthouse Award began in a different form with SI Director Tracy Faith Clark and Clemson Volunteer Chair Tiffany Souers. Tiffany, a Clemson student, was killed in May of 2006. The charity restructured, and the idea was placed on the shelf until much prayer brought it to its current form. 
        The purpose of the award is to shine the light on our local celebrities, mentors, artists, and leaders. The SI Lighthouse Award honors those who work with youth in some form, are successful in their field, and, most of all, stand on their Christian foundations in their own lives. In other words...they 'give it up to God.' "In God, we mean Jesus Christ," explains Faith Clark. 
        The scripture honored by the award is found in the Christian Bible - Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set upon a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16
        SI sees the damaging effect on our children of the Hollywood stars, sports figures, and 'idols' who go out of their way to deal with their issues, which are common to man, through alcohol, drugs, abuse, greed, vanity, and many other harmful things we all know lead to a dead-end life. SI wants children to be aware of the real, non-contrived heroes and mentors in their lives who are right in their backyard. 
        SI is preparing a new 'Sharing the Truth' program that will include life skills, character, anti-drug/alcohol, abstinence education. It will also include spiritual education to help children realize that their goal in life is not to become famous or rich but to use their own God-given gifts. SI believes this will lead to the ultimate fulfilling of their destiny. 
        For more information on SI, visit the website www.sharinginc.com or call 864-444-3063.