Launch Date: October 14, 2005
The Hugs Around The World Campaign was designed to spread love and compassion to people through the use of puppets and music. Olivia The Octopus, Auntie Karen’s signature character, is used to bring joy to children and adults especially in South Carolina, South America and Africa. Hugs From Carolina, a division of The Hugs Around The World, was conceived after witnessing the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.
Hugs From Carolina Campaign Kickoff
On September 3, 2005, a few days after Hurricane Katrina, Christ Central Ministries and City Light, partners in compassion care, arrived in Biloxi, Mississippi. Their immediate presence brought support to the community through relief efforts such as: cleaning churches and homes, creating Kids Kamp, creating medical relief and providing food. Soon, Auntie Karen joined the team as the inspiration behind The Hugs Campaign. Auntie Karen’s Olivia The Octopus character became the symbol of hope. This character travels the world spreading love through hugs. Recent adventures include: Kids Kamp, a ministry to children, Brazil, Venezeula and Africa. Her efforts helped convince The City of Columbia, SC to adopt The City of Biloxi. Olivia’s hand puppets are a central part of the campaign.
A proclamation from Mayor Bob Coble, City of Columbia, SC was presented to the citizens of Biloxi, Mississippi. This event featured Dr. Tony Evans of The Urban Alternative and Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, Dallas, Texas.
History:
City Light Coalition, Inc. was formed in 1996 to bring denominations and races together in unity for the purpose of lifting up Christ in the city. The event that jumpstarted this 501 C (3) organization was the three day Tony Evans Crusade held at Williams-Brice Stadium, University of South Carolina, May 18-20, 1997. This historical event was unprecedented in several ways:
v For the first time in the South an African American minister preached to a mixed racial audience of 80,000 people. (attendees 60% White, 40%African American)
v For the first time various Churches and Denominations came together in unity to support The Tony Evans Crusade.
v Other ministries were birthed out of the crusade. One success story is Christ Central Ministries. This international poverty ministry has built a Christian college in Wagener, SC and were among the first to respond to the Katrina survivors in Biloxi, Mississippi.
Out of the The Tony Evans Crusade a racial reconciliation process began and is ongoing today.
City Light continues to exist as a partner for good to address the needs of The City of Columbia, SC. Programs include: Promise Keepers (45,000 attendees); Easter 2000 (35,000 attendees); The annual SC Call To Care Conference; Kids Kamp and The Esther Project. Our latest effort is Hugs From Carolina: Hurricane Katrina Relief, Biloxi, Mississippi.
For more information visit: www.citylight.org
Hugs From Carolina Partners
City Light Coalition, Inc.
City Light Coalition, Inc. is a 501 C (3) not for profit organization
that promotes unity among churches, businesses, and government for
compassionate care in the community.
www.citylight.org
Gladys Grimaud, Executive Director (803) 518-1259
Auntie Karen Inc.
Educational Entertainment Company
Owners: Karen Alexander, Byron Counts, Norma Jackson
www.auntiekareninc.com
Auntie Karen Foundation
The Auntie Karen Foundation, a South Carolina based 501 C (3) global charity, creates and implements community outreach programs designed to empower, enlighten and educate through the arts.
www.auntiekaren.org
Christ Central Institute
Christ Central Institute in Wagener, South Carolina, is a free tuition
College that teaches respect for all denominations and shows how to
help the poor.
www.ccins.org