Skating Uphill - April 2024

“Both Elizabeth and Pink have been a part of the fabric
of Lowcountry life for many years and their
staying power is the tribute to that fact!”
– The Uphill Skater –

I have been with Pink one way or another for many years, in fact, almost since the beginning. I started writing a column called "One From The Heart,” and then wrote profiles, and finally "Skating Uphill." I must tell you that I have loved every minute of being a part of the brand Pink has become. I am going to go back quite a bit for one of my favorite memories of Elizabeth Millen, the founder of Pink, and only really old-timers will remember this.

If you go down to the beautiful new park at Coligny Plaza, you will see one of its best features—the Sandbox Childrens' Discovery Museum. It is full of one-of-a-kind, handmade displays that are unique to our area and have been played upon by over 400,000 children.

In the early days, The Sandbox was only an idea on a piece of paper from a group of ladies having little mixer-type tea parties, making very little money, with no solid plan, and no location. (I will not mention names for fear of leaving someone out.) However, so many of us did so very much to bring this wonderful gift to Hilton Head Island. 

Where does Pink and most importantly Elizabeth Millen fit into all of this? Well, way back when Pink was not even a year old, she hosted, financed, and presented the first big fundraiser we ever had. We made a grand total of around $13,000, and we were thrilled! Elizabeth and Pink have been supporters ever since. We got free mentions and advertising “back in the day” when we had no money. She helped greatly with the first location of the Sandbox on the grounds of St. Andrew By-the-Sea United Methodist Church and talked up the Sandbox every opportunity she had. As her influence grew, she sponsored and supported many causes. Sorry to reveal this my dear friend, but you are a pretty easy touch for a good cause. I can even remember her acting as an auctioneer for some fundraiser years ago, never mind her being the featured speaker at many a convention and conference. The women she features monthly are so very deserving of special mention. Highlighting these women, I am sure, gave not only well-deserved recognition to them, but also served as inspiration to many others. 

My last memory to share of Miss Elizabeth is of her sitting behind the wheel of our sailboat with the wind blowing through her hair. She looked to me as if she was having the time of her life, even though I knew she had never been on a sailboat before, but what I did not know was that she was afraid. She only confessed when we were back on dry land at the South Carolina Yacht Club that she had been fearful and had gone out as an act of faith and courage. She wanted to prove to herself she could conquer that fear and she did it!

I remember long ago her telling me that when the first issue of Pink came off of the presses, she felt just like she had given birth. Yes, and it really was, and always has been, her baby.

Through good and bad, she has devoted her time and in-demand magazine space to charities. She has been a friend and sponsor to women's causes and to humanitarian efforts throughout the history of the magazine. Both Elizabeth and Pink have been a part of the fabric of Lowcountry life for many years and their staying power is the tribute to that fact!  Happy 20th Birthday, my very dear friend!

Visit www.skatinguphill.com blog for new recipes, daily thoughts and décor ideas. Also find reprints of Pink articles and shared comments. Blogging is fun and easy.

Judith Lawrenson is a former Hilton Head Island resident who has a huge heart and is loved by all who meet her. She has served and volunteered with numerous charitable organizations while living in the Lowcontry making an impact wherever she went. She and her husband recently moved to the wild hills of West Virginia to be closer to grandchildren. Judith is an avid sailor, a retired reading resource specialist, and a children's TV host whose local show originated from the Boys and Girls' Club. Judith is also a long-time seeker of healthy, happy living and a lifestyle dedicated to service to others, balanced with love of God and love of self. Check out her blog www.skatinguphill.com for fun info, recipes and nutrition ideas, current updates on nearly everything in the world, and lots of comments and opinions.

Though I do tons of research, and have done so for many years, I am not a doctor and I share only my opinions. I enjoy research and subscribe to several magazines and publications and read up on all new trends. I hope you do, too!