Among the many social services, medical and community-based charitable activities undertaken every year by Southern Wine and Spirits of South Carolina, the Midlands Marine Institute (MMI) is one of the most gratifying to Don Richard, Vice President and General Manager. Southern Wine and Spirits of South Carolina is a division of Southern Wine and Spirits of America, Inc.
The Midland Marine Institute was launched more than 20 years ago to support abused and deprived children who have a variety of psychological and behavioral problems. "If it was not for this program, it is likely that many of these kids would be in jail for many years if not for life," according to Mr. Richard.
MMI works hard to find schools, clothing and general support for the kids. Hayward Golden, a Director of MMI of South Carolina, is a great leader, according to Mr. Richard, someone who knows how to "relate to and give direction to these children and young adults," said Mr. Richard. For example, in 2001, 19 of the approximately 50 graduating kids from MMI were accepted to major universities and technical schools.