Care Innovations Celebrates 25 Years of Service with “From Survival to Strength” Gala

DARLINGTON, S.C. — Care Innovations will celebrate a remarkable 25 years of service to the community with its 25th Anniversary Gala, themed “From Survival to Strength.” The milestone celebration will honor the organization’s legacy of service, the resilience of the individuals and families it serves, and the strength that comes from compassion, advocacy, partnership, and access to quality care. 

The Care Innovations 25th Anniversary Gala will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Darlington Country Club. The evening will bring together community leaders, healthcare professionals, advocates, partners, supporters, and friends of Care Innovations to celebrate a quarter-century of making a difference in the lives of those we serve. 

The evening’s keynote speaker will be Ann Lewis, Chief Executive Officer of CareSouth Carolina, whose leadership and commitment to improving healthcare access and strengthening communities reflect the spirit of collaboration and service that has been central to Care Innovations’ journey. 

From Survival to Strength 

For Care Innovations, “From Survival to Strength” represents far more than a Gala theme. It reflects a 25-year journey of transformation. 

Over the past quarter-century, Care Innovations has remained committed to helping individuals and families navigate challenges, overcome barriers to healthcare, access critical resources, and build healthier and more empowered lives. Through HIV services, prevention, advocacy, care coordination, and community-based support, Care Innovations has worked to ensure that people are not defined by their circumstances but empowered by the strength they discover within themselves and through the support of their community. 

“Celebrating 25 years of Care Innovations is more than celebrating an anniversary—it is celebrating a journey. It is a journey from survival to strength, from uncertainty to hope, and from barriers to greater possibilities. Most importantly, it is a celebration of the lives we have touched and the individuals and families who have entrusted us with their care. For 25 years, Care Innovations has stood alongside the people we serve, advocating for access, dignity, compassion, and opportunity. This milestone reflects the dedication of our staff, the commitment of our partners, and the resilience of the communities we serve. We are proud of where we have been, grateful for where we are today, and excited about where we are going. Our next chapter will continue to be guided by innovation, collaboration, compassion, equity, and an unwavering commitment to strengthening the lives of those we serve,” Hope McQueen, Program Director, Lloyd Paige and Taknia James, Planning Committee Co-Chairs, said in a joint statement.

A Celebration of Community and Partnership 

The 25th Anniversary Gala will also recognize individuals and organizations whose dedication, collaboration, and support have contributed to Care Innovations’ success over the past 25 years. 

The organization extends its sincere appreciation to the sponsors whose generosity and partnership have helped make this milestone celebration possible: 

CareSouth Carolina • Carolina Bank • LabCorp • Gilead Sciences • Hope Health • Healthy Blue • SPC Credit Union • Douglas Jennings Law Firm • Dr. Janiqua Duncan • Trans Care 

These partnerships represent an important part of Care Innovations’ story. They demonstrate the power of organizations and individuals coming together with a common purpose: to improve lives, strengthen communities, and ensure that people have access to the care and support they need. 

As Care Innovations looks toward the next 25 years, the organization remains committed to building upon its legacy while embracing new opportunities to serve, innovate, advocate, and make a lasting difference. 

“From Survival to Strength” is a reflection of where Care Innovations has been, the strength of the people and communities it serves, and the promise of what lies ahead.