The scenic shores of The Citadel Beach Club set the stage on May 15th for one of Isle of Palms’ most heartfelt evenings — the 2024 LENS Banquet, a celebration of community, charity, and our courageous law enforcement. Organized by the LENS Foundation Isle of Palms, this annual tradition once again outshone expectations, surpassing fundraising goals for the third consecutive year.
Generously presented by Explore Charleston and Wild Dunes Resort, and backed by platinum sponsors like 56th Avenue, The Reddy Foundation, and Island Eye News, the evening highlighted the power of collaboration between local businesses and dedicated individuals.
A Night of Honor & Appreciation
The evening was dedicated to the men and women of the Isle of Palms Police Department (IOPPD), recognizing their tireless efforts to keep our island safe and family-friendly. The heartfelt gratitude expressed throughout the evening underscored the strong bond between the community and its officers.
In a moving keynote, Chief Cornett commemorated May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day, paying tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. His words echoed deeply among guests, reminding all of the values of service, remembrance, and unity.
Taste of the Island: A Culinary Showdown
One of the evening’s most anticipated features, the Taste of the Island competition, turned the spotlight on local culinary talent. A spectacular lineup of Isle of Palms favorites served up unforgettable flavors, including:
- Sweet T’s Island Kitchen
- Islander 71
- ACME Lowcountry Kitchen
- Café Paname
- Simmons Seafood
- The Refuge
- Long Island Café
- Harris Teeter
- Coastal Provisions
- The Boathouse
From decadent crab cakes to lettuce-wrapped lobster rolls, the dishes were a true feast for the senses. Attendees voted for their favorites, and the winners were:
🥇 1st Place: ACME for their mouthwatering short ribs and creamy grits
🥈 2nd Place: Long Island Café for their stuffed shrimp with lemon butter sauce
🥉 3rd Place: Sweet T’s Island Kitchen for their crispy fried chicken, Charleston red rice, and indulgent mini cheesecake bites
Entertainment, Auctions & Elegant Touches
The event featured an exciting silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, and live music from The Small Opera, which added a touch of elegance and grace to the evening’s festivities.
A Community Triumph
More than just a fundraiser, the 2024 LENS Banquet was a tribute to what makes Isle of Palms such a special place — generosity, unity, and a deep-rooted commitment to community wellbeing.
A heartfelt congratulations to Kitty Riley and Kathy Shook, who co-chaired the event with incredible dedication, alongside the amazing volunteer team led by Ted Kinghorn.
This year’s banquet was a powerful reminder: when a community comes together, incredible things happen.
