Credit: Marit Elizabeth Photograph
A sellout crowd of more than 550 guests gathered beneath the oaks of the Rose Pavilion in Hampton Park on Sunday, April 26, making the sixth annual Picnic for the Parks, presented by Biom, the most successful fundraiser in the event’s history. The afternoon raised more than $60,000 to support the Charleston Parks Conservancy and its mission to cultivate exceptional public gardens and experiences in Charleston’s city parks.
“Charleston’s parks are where families gather, children explore, and our community connects,” said Jason Kronsberg, executive director of the Charleston Parks Conservancy. “Picnic for the Parks celebrates those places while helping ensure they remain vibrant and welcoming for everyone. The strong turnout reflects the essential role parks play in Charleston’s quality of life.”
Through events like Picnic for the Parks, residents are reminded that these shared spaces rely on community stewardship and support. The Conservancy secures 90% of the funding needed to maintain 26 parks across the city through private and corporate donations.
As one of the Conservancy’s signature annual fundraisers, alongside Shucked & Sauced in February and Party for the Parks in November, Picnic for the Parks helps sustain year-round park care, beautification projects, volunteer programs, and free events such as Teddy Bear Picnic, Music in the Parks, and the Bird Walk series.
In partnership with Keep Charleston Beautiful, the event also worked toward Zero Waste standards, diverting 80.3% of waste, or 279.2 pounds of trash, from landfills through recycling and composting efforts.
The event’s success was made possible through 54 volunteers who donated 204 hours, more than 40 sponsors and partners, and five local restaurant collaborators who created an all-inclusive tasting experience for guests.
This event would not have been possible without the leadership and commitment of the 2026 Picnic for the Parks committee co-chaired by Kensey Rabun and Jessica Perkal. Other committee members include Molly Basile, Emma Boyle, Melissa Carsile, Carleton Gremaud, Lucy Harrigan, Christyn Lansing, Abby Lipsey, Alex Malloy, Annika Moffett, Markey Mossman, Lauren Netter and Sara Rossi.
Lead sponsors included Biom (Presenting Sponsor), United Community Bank (Stage Sponsor), The Beemok Hospitality Collection (Photo Booth Sponsor), and Beau & Ro Sister Shop (Picnic Blanket Sponsor).
The family-friendly afternoon featured 15 activity stations including face painting, field games, the giant slide and a petting zoo sponsored by Gedney & Mae Howe. Activity sponsors included Berolzheimer family, Harrigan/Beazley family, Perkal family, Rabun family, Access Healthcare, Alfresco Treasures, Croghan’s Jewel Box, Lowcountry Kids Pediatric Dentistry, Kiawah Partners, Maison Real Estate, and Refuel.
Event Partners included Babas, Baylye Burnette Events, Bevi Bene Brewing Company, Costco, D’Alessandro’s Pizza, Dermhaus, Dino Bars, Graff Wine Shop & Wine Bar, Hatch Cove Design, Lillian’s Petite Market & Eatery, Melody Music, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Over the Horizon Brewing, Pitt Street Pharmacy, Ross Printing, Santi’s, Séchey, The Dewberry, Tinto y Crema, Trader Joe’s, and White Leaf Provisions.
The Conservancy looks forward to welcoming the community back for the seventh annual Picnic for the Parks on April 25, 2027.
Residents of all ages can support Charleston’s parks by volunteering, attending events, donating, or sponsoring future initiatives. For more information, visit charlestonparksconservancy.org