Riverton Charitable Fund Roots
The Riverton Charitable Fund was established in 2022 when a group of residents of Riverton Pointe made a commitment to help others. This photo captured the first retreat of that forward-thinking group of people, who started a movement that, to date, has allocated over $140,000 in grants to 30 nonprofits in Jasper County.
Riverton Charitable Fund's First Board Retreat
This commemorative plaque is displayed at Jack’s Place, our neighborhood gathering space. As the Riverton Pointe neighborhood grows, so does the Riverton Charitable Fund. The RCF historically and currently is led by a board of Riverton Pointe residents who are bound by a common vision to help meet the needs of our neighbors in the following three pillars:Â
   • Food insecurity
   • Community support
   • Education
Riverton Charitable Fund's Founding Members Plaque
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Our Mission
Our Mission
The mission of Riverton Charitable Fund (RCF) is to bring Riverton Pointe neighbors together in support of Jasper County, working to meet local needs and improve the quality of life for all who live here.
Our vision
Riverton Pointe is a community that cares deeply about the needs of Jasper County, with a special focus on our neighbors in Hardeeville. United by shared values and a spirit of compassion, we are committed to understanding local challenges, addressing them, and investing in stronger outcomes together.
Our Purpose
The Riverton Charitable Fund exists to enhance lives through targeted outreach and investments in three pillars: Food insecurity, Community support, and Education. We accomplish this by raising funds, engaging stakeholders, and building partnerships to create positive impact within Jasper County and the city of Hardeeville.
Fulfilling Our Mission
​After exploring possibilities, the Riverton Charitable Fund (RCF)  associated and became a fund with the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry (CFL).  With more than $125 million invested in the Lowcountry area since 1994, CFL is the largest source of unrestricted philanthropic resources dedicated to Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties.  This association allows us to receive fund management services along with tax, marketing, and legal support. Additionally, CFL provides expertise by identifying, promoting and vetting quality nonprofits that align with our areas of focus and ensuring that nonprofits are aware of our work within Jasper County. This relationship permits a symbiotic structure that allows a fund of our size to thrive while enhancing impact.
How Do We Do This?
​We accomplish our goals by raising funds through various events, and community and business sponsorships which have allowed us to flourish and make a positive impact on our local nonprofits by awarding grants. Click the links below to learn more.​
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Meet the Board of the Riverton Charitable Fund
Stacy R. McAfee
Chair
Chair - Advancement Committee
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Stacy and her husband, Terry, moved to Riverton Pointe in 2023. Stacy has spent more than 20 years in higher education, serving as a university president, senior executive, faculty member, board member, and frequent keynote speaker. She is passionate about supporting nonprofits that strengthen families and expand educational opportunities. She earned her Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership and Management from Drexel University, where her research focused on the challenges faced by low-income single mothers pursuing college degrees.
Carolyn Kassel
Vice Chair
Grants Committee
Advancement Committee
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Carolyn and her husband moved to Riverton Pointe in 2012 from Fredericksburg, Virginia. She enjoyed a 37-year career with major law firms in Washington, D.C., before retiring. Carolyn served on the Hardeeville City Council for eight years, where she developed a deep understanding of the needs of Jasper County. Recognizing opportunities to make a meaningful impact, she was instrumental in the creation and development of the Riverton Charitable Fund and remains committed to supporting its mission.
Kathy Piontek
Secretary
Chair - Events Committee
Advancement Committee
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Kathy Piontek and her husband, Carl, relocated to Riverton Pointe from Sapphire, North Carolina. Originally from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Kathy previously lived in the Charleston area for 17 years, where they raised their son, Jay.
Kathy retired from IBM after a 25-year career, serving as a Vice President leading a global consulting practice of 3,000 professionals. Since retiring, she has served on several nonprofit boards and enjoys mentoring college students and business executives as they advance their careers.
Kim Fon
Treasurer
Marketing Committee
Events Committee
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Kim and Alan moved to the Low Country in 2024 after living in South Texas for many
years. Kim has used her knowledge gained from her many years at Dell as a Project
Manager and Distribution Manager, as well as a small business owner to help grow the
Organizations that she has volunteered with over the years. Kim managed the Port
Aransas Food Pantry for many years and has a particular interest in food insecurity for children and older adults. Additionally, Kim volunteered at the Elementary School in Port Aransas.
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Laurel McKenna
Chair - Grants Committee
Marketing Committee
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Laurel and her husband, TJ Schlesinger, moved to Riverton Pointe in October 2022 from Rye, New Hampshire. She holds a B.S. in Physical Education and Health from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and has built a career spanning both education and law.
After beginning her career as a K–8 physical education and health teacher and volunteer youth sports coach, Laurel transitioned to the legal field, where she spent 35 years as a Paralegal Specialist specializing in contracts, procurement, privacy, and cybersecurity, including the last 15 years with Liberty Mutual. In retirement, Laurel is excited to dedicate her time and experience to the Riverton Charitable Fund.
Karrie Nye
Marketing Committee
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Karrie and her husband, Doug, moved from Michigan to Riveron Pointe in April of 2025.
Moving to the south was something they always dreamed of doing, and with two children relocating to the Charleston area the dream became easier to do.
Karrie graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and began a career in elementary school teaching. While working, she completed a master’s in educational psychology with an emphasis in Gifted Education. After teaching for eight years a decision was made to resign in order to raise their three children. After a 20-year hiatus from work world she returned with a career change working for an IT company in support of Hilton Hotels. She is excited to use her mixed bag of skills in support of our neighbors here in Jasper County.
Deirdre Radtke
Grants Committee
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Deirdre retired to South Carolina's Lowcountry in 2023 after more than 35 years in healthcare in the New York area. Beginning her career as an ICU Registered Nurse, She later earned a graduate degree and served as both a hospital executive and Licensed Nursing Home Administrator.
Throughout her career, she was committed to advocating for older adults, underserved populations, and hospice patients. In retirement, she is pleased to continue serving our community while enjoying time with family and friends, traveling, and the beach.
Joan Scanlon
Chair - Nomination Commiteee
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Joan grew up in New York City and moved to Riverton Pointe with her husband, Cliff, in October 2023. Their three adult children still live in New York. A lifelong volunteer, Joan became a Certified EMT at 18 and served with her local volunteer fire and ambulance corps, where she also served as Treasurer and helped the organization achieve 501(c)(3) status. She is excited to continue giving back through the Riverton Charitable Fund.
Lyndell Sippel
Events Committee
Nominating Commiteee
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Lyndell Sippel and her husband, Greg, moved to Riverton Pointe in October 2025 after relocating from Castle Pines, Colorado. Lyndell holds an MBA from St. Edward’s University and has more than 25 years of experience in business development, and commercial strategy.  Having served on several nonprofit boards, she has a longstanding commitment to giving back and using her experience to support the communities she calls home. Lyndell is excited to be part of the Riverton Pointe community and to contribute to the meaningful work of the Riverton Charitable Fund.
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Rich Stratton
Grants Committee
Nominating Committee
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Rich and his wife, Denise, moved to Riverton Pointe in February 2024. He is a U.S. Air Force veteran who served four years active duty before earning a master’s degree in social work from the University of Connecticut. He spent his 35-year career with the Connecticut Department of Correction, specializing in mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and reentry programming.
A proud father of three, Rich was deeply involved in his community throughout his children's school years, volunteering with their sports teams and serving as an adult leader for both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. An avid hiker and music enthusiast, he also enjoyed performing with several local bands during his years in Connecticut. Rich looks forward to giving back to the Hardeeville community as part of the Riverton Charitable Fund.
Lisa Strizzi
Events Committee
Advancement Committee
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Lisa moved to Riverton Point in early 2024 after spending the previous 30 years in Dallas, Texas. Originally from Western Pennsylvania, Lisa built a 40-year career focused on helping customers use technology to improve their business success. Along the way, she volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, the American Red Cross, Junior Achievement, and several animal adoption organizations. She is excited to bring that same customer-first mindset, community spirit, and passion for using technology
efficiently to support the Riverton Charitable Fund and help advance its mission.
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Sandy Valvo
Chair - Marketing Committee
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Sandy and her family moved to Riverton Pointe in 2020 after spending 14 years on Hilton Head Island.  Her early career as a Human Resources Manager changed trajectory due to an illness.  The road to recovery allowed other doors to open including allowing her to pursue a lifelong passion for service and volunteering.  She also was able to explore many aspects of the theatre, film, and media spaces alongside her two children, publish a children’s book with her son, and start an at home internet-based business. Â
Sandy currently spends many hours volunteering at a local charity and running her business. She is honored to be able to continue the act of service through the Riverton Charitable Fund.
Annual Reports
2023-2024
We are committed to financial accountability and transparency. Review our annual impact and financial performance by clicking on the detailed reports below.
2024-2025
2025-2026
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TRUSTED BY OUR PARTNERS
Under Construction - all items on this section are just place holders for later and not realÂ
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