Story By Scott Wallace
There’s a quiet current running through The Cliffs, one that doesn’t show up on the golf course or in property listings but reveals itself in a very different kind of investment. It’s a culture of giving, built not just on generosity, but also on a deep commitment to community. Over the years, this spirit has become a part of the fabric of life at The Cliffs—a legacy of giving passed from neighbor to neighbor, year after year.
At the heart of this effort is the Cliffs Residents Outreach (CRO), a volunteer-driven organization that connects the talents and resources of members of The Cliffs to the needs of more than 25,000 Upstate students. The mission is straightforward but powerful: to remove barriers, enrich experiences, and improve outcomes for students across the region. And while the public school system in South Carolina faces ongoing funding challenges—especially in areas like literacy and STEM—the response from within these gates has been extraordinary.
Since its founding in 2007, CRO has grown in both scope and impact. Over the past six years, the organization has raised more than $5.5 million from 1,500+ residents of The Cliffs across its South Carolina communities. And yet, its heartbeat remains the same: 100 percent volunteer-run, with low overhead and high impact.
What makes it work? The people. It’s the member who mentors a student. The couple who show up every year to help plan a fundraiser. The librarian who’s no longer alone because a volunteer from The Cliffs now helps every Thursday. It’s not just about writing a check—every hour spent tutoring, organizing a fundraiser, or mentoring a student is an investment in the future of this community. At The Cliffs, giving takes many forms, but it always begins with a personal commitment to make a difference. The sense of momentum is tangible, and so is the joy. As one member put it, “You can feel the energy in the room at every CRO event. It’s inspiring.”
And it’s not just good feelings—it’s good stewardship. In 2024, Secretary of State Mark Hammond honored CRO as one of only ten charities to receive an Angel Award, which recognizes charitable organizations for their financial transparency and accountability. And in 2025, the South Carolina School Boards Association named CRO a Champion for Public Education. The team works closely with local principals and district leaders to review every funding request, ensuring resources go where they’re needed most.
More than 80 percent of CRO’s annual revenue comes from individual members of The Cliffs, many of whom give year after year. Thirty-two corporate partners who believe in the mission and see its results donate the rest.
This legacy of giving at The Cliffs mirrors the values that have always defined this community: a commitment to enriching lives, supporting the next generation, and leaving a lasting impact on the world around us. Every act of service, whether big or small, helps build the long-term foundation of this community’s spirit.
Many members of The Cliffs have built careers around hard work, leadership, and vision. Now they’re channeling that same drive into creating opportunities for the next generation. It’s not just philanthropy—it’s legacy. And it’s one of the most defining things about life at The Cliffs.
Planting Seeds that Last
At The Cliffs, giving focuses on long-term impact. These “evergreen” initiatives reflect a deep investment in the lives and futures of local students.
A Headstart for Life
Through support of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, CRO helps young children begin their journey with books long before they enter a classroom. For just $2.30 per book, kids between the ages of two and five receive a new title each month, delivered straight to their doorsteps. Today, over 3,500 young readers across eight Pickens County zip codes are enrolled, and the results speak for themselves: Kindergarten teachers say these children arrive better prepared to learn, with stories already woven into their daily lives.
Reviving the Library
School libraries are where many children fall in love with reading, but too many fall short of basic standards. Over the past three years, CRO has invested nearly $400,000 in books and digital content for Upstate media centers, curating collections that span genres, age groups, and reading levels. The goal is simple: to spark curiosity, nurture imagination, and build a foundation for lifelong learning.
STEM on Wheels
In partnership with Duke Energy and Clemson University, CRO helped fund a van that has been reimagined as a mobile STEM lab, bringing robotics, 3D printing, coding, and more directly to school parking lots. Run by the Pickens County School District, the lab rotates through the area and has reached over 4,100 students at ten schools this year. With plans to add AI and drone stations next year, this rolling classroom shows kids that science and technology aren’t just class subjects—they’re doorways to future careers.
Join Us!
Whether you’re ready to volunteer, curious to learn more, or simply want to share your ideas, your insight and involvement are always welcome. Together, we’re creating lasting change—one student, one school, one community at a time. To learn more about CRO initiatives, visit CliffsResidentsOutreach.org.
This story was featured in Cliffs Living magazine. To see more stories like this one and learn more about The Cliffs, subscribe here.
