St. Mark Lodge #629

08/03/2026

When the event ended, the mission didn't.

After a full day of serving our community, our Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, and Brother Chaplain led by example—taking our efforts beyond the event and into the streets to serve our unhoused neighbors.

This is what leadership looks like. Not directing from a distance, but standing shoulder to shoulder with the brethren, meeting people where they are, offering compassion, dignity, and hope.

Our Worshipful Masters continue to set the standard, reminding us that leadership is measured by service, humility, and action. His example inspired the brothers to answer the call without hesitation, demonstrating that when leaders lead with purpose, others willingly follow.

At St. Mark Lodge #629, we believe the greatest leaders are the greatest servants. Together, we continue to live our commitment to humanity, one act of kindness, one conversation, and one life at a time.

Leaders lead. Brothers serve. Humanity wins.

08/03/2026

The BEEHIVE...

This past Saturday reminded us that service isn't about the spotlight—it's about showing up.

We didn't take many pictures because we were busy doing what matters most: serving our community. Every helping hand, every act of kindness, and every volunteer working side by side made a difference.

When we come together in harmony with one shared purpose, amazing things happen. Communities become stronger, hope grows, and lives are impacted. That's the true power of service.

Together, We Are Better. ❤️🤝

08/01/2026

💙 A Special Thank You to the Businesses That Believe in Our Community 💙

Behind every successful community event are businesses that contribute to our Lodge to give back—not because they have to, but because they believe in making a difference.

As we reflect on another incredible event, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to the companies and organizations that invested in our children, our families, and our future. Your generosity helped provide so much. Together, we created smiles, built confidence, and helped students start the school year on the right foot.

A special thank you goes to Cheerwine. ❤️🥤

For more than a decade, Cheerwine has stood beside this event. From day one, they have faithfully supported our mission, proving year after year that community partnerships can have a lasting impact. Your loyalty, generosity, and unwavering commitment have helped make this event a tradition that families look forward to each year. We are truly grateful to have you as part of our journey.

To every contributor, vendor, and business partner thank you for believing in this mission. Your support reminds us that when businesses and community organizations can work together, we can accomplish far more than either could alone.

Here's to continuing to serve, inspire, and strengthen our community—together.

Together, We Are Better. 💙

08/01/2026

❤️ THANK YOU, COLUMBIA! ❤️

What an incredible day!

The Back to School Bash was a tremendous success, and it wouldn't have been possible without the power of partnership. Today was a beautiful reminder that when organizations, businesses, volunteers, and community leaders come together with a shared purpose, lives are changed.

To every family who attended, every child who left with a smile, and every volunteer who gave their time, thank you for making this event so special.

A heartfelt thank you to our amazing partners and vendors:
💚 Humana Healthy Horizons
💙 Columbia Parks & Recreation Department
💛 Sigma Gamma Rho - Iota Omicron Sigma
🤝 Iconic Community Connections NPO ..and every vendor, volunteer, and community organization that showed up to serve.

Because of your generosity and commitment, families received:
🎒 School Supplies & Backpacks
👕 Clothing
🧥 Jackets
✂️ Haircuts, Hair Styled Professionally and Manicures
🏃 Youth Athletic Physicals
🩺 Health Screenings
🍔 Food
🎯 Fun Activities
🤝 Valuable Community Resources

This wasn't just an event, it was a community coming together to invest in our children and ensure they begin the school year prepared, confident, and supported.

To everyone who attended, volunteered, donated, sponsored, or simply shared our event with others, thank you for believing in the power of community. Your support created lasting memories and meaningful impact for hundreds of local families.

This is why we do what we do.

Together, We Are Better. 💙

07/31/2026

07/30/2026

🎒🧥 BACK TO SCHOOL BASH IS ALMOST HERE! 🧥🎒

For more than a decade, this event has been a tradition of neighbors helping neighbors—bringing our community together to make sure children and families begin the school year with confidence, dignity, and hope. Every year, we've seen firsthand what can happen when organizations, volunteers, and community partners unite with one purpose: investing in our youth.

This year, FREE jackets will be offered through the Warming the Carolinas initiative in partnership with Humana Healthy Horizons. While the school year may begin in the summer, cooler mornings and changing seasons aren't far away. A jacket can make a real difference for a child heading to school.

This event is 100% FREE for the community!

Families can enjoy:
🎒 FREE Backpacks
🧥 FREE Light Jackets
👕 FREE Clothing Giveaway
✂️ FREE Haircuts
🏃 FREE Youth Athletic Physicals
🩺 FREE Health Screenings
🍔 FREE Food
🎯 Games & Activities
🤝 Community Resources

📅 Saturday, August 1
🕙 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Lorick Park
1600 Lorick Ave., Columbia, SC 29203

A heartfelt thank you to the community partners for making this day possible.

💙 Help us reach every family who could benefit. Share this post, tag a parent, and invite a friend. Together, we can ensure every child starts the school year prepared, encouraged, and supported.

12/06/2025

🕊️ With heavy hearts 🕊️
We are deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved consultant and sister. Over the past decade, we had the honor of serving the community alongside her countless acts of service, endless dedication, and the joy of helping grow her Back-to-School event year after year.

She pushed us to dream bigger and give more than we ever imagined. Her legacy lives on through every life touched and every child served. Please keep her family in your prayers.

Rest well, our friend. Your impact will never be forgotten. 💙🙏🏽