Georgetown County Women's Hall of Fame Luncheon

Description

Join us for a special 10th anniversary program honoring the contributions of women to Georgetown County. The 2025 honoree is Georgetown County philanthropist Frances Peace Bunnelle.

Mrs. Bunnelle is best known as the founder of the Frances P. Bunnelle Foundation, which she established just before her death in 2000 to support charitable causes that serve the area she chose to make her home in – Georgetown County. Upon her death, her trustees adopted her mission and put a hefty bequest from Bunnelle to work. 

The first grants were made in 2003. Since then, more than $26 million has been distributed to worthy causes serving Georgetown County and the Foundation has served as a convener and thought leader in the community.

One such cause she championed was the Saint Frances Animal Center, which was named in her honor for her support. Throughout her lifetime, she also was a regular supporter of the Pawleys Island-Litchfield Rescue Squad and Tidelands Community Hospice, among other organizations.

“Frances Bunnelle was a firm believer that people should care for one another according to their means,” said Geales Sands, executive director of the Bunnelle Foundation.

Thanks to an inheritance from her first husband, Charlie Peace, whose family owned the Greenville News-Piedmont Co., Bunnelle’s means were quite significant. After Peace’s death in 1958, the widow received stock in the newspaper, which became a media conglomerate when it was sold in 1995. She later married Robert Bunnelle, who died in 1988.

During her life, Bunnelle went about her good works discreetly, quietly giving assistance to the disenfranchised and disadvantaged, because she believed in the importance of community, Sands said.

Sands will be among a panel of special guests who will discuss Bunnelle during the induction luncheon. 

Mrs. Bunnelle kept the spotlight on the causes rather than her as the donor. “Our panel will shed light on who Frances Bunnelle was, as well as delving into how greatly she has impacted our community,” Stedman said. “I really hope members of the community will take the opportunity to attend the induction luncheon and learn more about this great woman whose generosity continues to impact Georgetown County.”