(COLUMBIA, SC, April 27, 2021) – Family Connection of South Carolina (FCSC) will unveil their annual LOOK! photography exhibit at theKoger Center of the Arts, Upstairs Gallery on August 22^nd, 2021. To create the event, more than 50 professional photographers from across the state volunteered their time for private photoshoots with families who have a child with a disability or specialized healthcare need. The photos capture active, candid moments of the participants doing the things they like to do best.

“We are delighted to bring LOOK! to the Koger Center!” said Amy Holbert, CEO of Family Connection. This exhibit speaks to our values of creating inclusion, equity, and community. The intent of LOOK! is to highlight the beauty and unique abilities of the child being photographed. We hope visitors will take a moment to reflect and see the joy in everyday moments as experienced by these children and youth who also happen to be living with a disability,” added Holbert.

This year, the exhibit will include a diverse collection of photos of children from all areas of the state. The collection will be presented to the participating families for the first time on August 22^nd at the Koger Center. The opening is a private event, but the exhibit will be on display in the Upstairs Gallery through November. Visitors to the Koger Center are encouraged to view the exhibit in the Upstairs Gallery. The collection will include storyboards to offer visitors greater insight into each child’s unique abilities, hobbies, dreams, and goals.

“The Koger Center for the Arts is thrilled to partner with Family Connection of South Carolina to host the LOOK! photography exhibit in the Upstairs Gallery” said Simms Oliphant, Development and Community Relations Coordinator. “The Koger Center continually strives to provide an inclusive home for all of the arts, and the LOOK! exhibition exemplifies this mission as a showcase honoring the unique personalities, dreams, and goals of children and youth living with disabilities.”

LOOK! 2021 is sponsored by Healthy Blue, Blue Choice Plan of SC and HealthLinks Magazine. “We are seeking additional event sponsors and donors to help us celebrate the families of LOOK!” said John Roberts, Partner at Willoughby & Hoefer, P.A., and Chairman of the Board for Family Connection of South Carolina. “We’ve set a goal to raise $30,000 to honor the recent 30^th anniversary of this vital organization. I encourage our business community, families, and individuals to help Family Connection continue changing lives and empowering families.” Sponsorship and donation opportunities can be found at www.familyconnectionsc.org/look/ or by calling 803-995-1413.

About Family Connection of South Carolina

For more than 30 years, Family Connection of South Carolina has been changing lives by making connections, raising awareness, and promoting inclusion for those with disabilities and specialized healthcare needs. We offer programs and services to ensure that parents, professionals, and caregivers have access to available resources to help their children reach their full potential. Our work focuses on five key areas: peer-to-peer support, healthcare, education, training, and advocacy. For more information visit www.familyconnectionsc.org or call 800-578-8750.

Funds raised from LOOK! 2021 support Family Connection’s programs and services for children and families.

###