Hughes Investments Elevate Upstate Grants name 2025 winners

Three recipients of the 2025 Hughes Investments Elevate Upstate Grants were selected as part of the annual Ten at the Top Celebrating Successes event held Nov. 19 at the Hyatt Regency in Greenville.

The 2025 recipients were chosen from 24 initial applicants and five finalists. The recipients were Porchfest Abbeville, the Pacolet Landing Kayak Launch and Walt’s Waltz – Bridgeway Beckons: A Renaissance of Hope and Community. Each recipient will receive $5,000 to complete a vibrancy project in their community.

The Hughes Investments Elevate Upstate Grants have been a key component in promoting urban vitality across the Upstate region, funding more than 40 projects since 2013.

More details about this year’s winning initiatives:

Abbeville Chamber of Commerce — Porchfest: A family-friendly, community-based event featuring local musicians, food vendors and activities for all ages, designed to increase tourism and bolster the local economy.

Town of Pacolet — Pacolet Landing Kayak Launch: This project will give paddlers direct access to the Pacolet River, while protecting natural resources, expanding recreational opportunities and promoting Pacolet’s reputation as a river community.

Walt’s Waltz — Bridgeway Beckons: A Renaissance of Hope and Community: A stigma-free, family-friendly event that builds a sense of community while offering Renaissance-themed activities aimed at promoting hope and healing.

“This year’s applicants were some of the best that we have seen,” said Dean Hybl, executive director of Ten at the Top. “It is always tough to narrow down from 24 applicants to just three winners. Ten at the Top is proud to be part of this process, and we are looking forward to these projects being implemented in 2026.”

Ten at the Top is an organization comprised of public, private and civic leaders from across the 10-county Upstate region, created to connect and encourage regional collaboration through data-driven research and regular convening of leaders and citizens to address key issues facing the region.