The 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 on November 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 vitalityacross the Upstate region, having funded over 40 projects since 2013.
Below are brief summaries of the 2025 recipients:
Abbeville Chamber of Commerce-Porchfest: A family friendly community-based event that will feature local musicians, food vendors, and fun 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 simultaneously protecting natural resources, increasing the area’s recreational activities, 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 will build a sense of community whilst enjoying 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.”
About Ten at the Top: Comprised of public, private, and civic leaders from across the ten-county Upstate South Carolina Region, Ten at the Top was 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. Ten at the Top works with regional partners to foster collaboration and strategic planning to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life for Upstate residents both today and as the region continues to grow.