Philanthropist

“Think big - but know that the world is small and that everything is connected,” said Teresa Wade. This philanthropy champion has used her passions, from music to golf, to connect people, promote community sustainability efforts, foster entrepreneurship, and raise millions of dollars for charity.

Experience Green

In 2010, as a solution-based entrepreneur, Teresa set out to connect individuals, government, industry, and communities for the focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship. She founded and directed Experience Green, a 501)3 nonprofit organization on Hilton Head Island, SC.

With the mission to build sustainable communities that benefit the planet, its people, and prosperity, Experience Green implemented strategies to:

           • Educate through experiences
          • Connect community resources
          • Advance sustainable development

The organization launched as a bootstrapped, grassroots effort, but in five years, it produced dozens of educational events and activated multiple change initiatives. Experience Green conducted the first Baseline Sustainability Assessment (carbon footprint) measurement of Hilton Head Island, SC, and helped The Sea Pines Resort achieve GEO Certified® status for its facilities and for the RBC Heritage PGA TOUR event.

The work of Experience Green has impacted sustainability practices and thought processes for thousands. And in 2017, Teresa traveled to Mallorca, Spain to receive the first-ever International Sustainable Golf Destination Award on behalf of the Hilton Head Island community collaboration for sustainability.

Because of this pioneer initiative, Teresa was able to use her entrepreneurial spirit and prowess to make a difference locally and globally. These successes have garnered her speaking engagements and opportunities to inspire others to also make a difference.

To Russia with Love

In 1993, the plight of orphans in Russia resonated with this philanthropy champion. We often wonder what we can do to help others with overwhelming problems and countries that are in dire situations. But Teresa knew what to do. She took her music, faith, and messages of hope to those orphans on three mission trips to the country.

“Living conditions in the orphanages were terrible, children were hungry, ill, and lonely. But with each visit and each song, their faces lit up,” the philanthropy champion said. “We took medical supplies, food, music, hugs, and hope through Jesus’ love.”

Teresa said that these eye-opening experiences helped her to better appreciate the advantages that are often taken for granted in the US, “I was 23 on that first trip; I returned home with a new sense of compassion for all souls and gratefulness for my country, my family, and my freedom.”

Her dad, one of her heroes, served in World War II in the US Navy. Today she honors his memory by supporting “golf fore good” events with organizations like Hope for Warriors, a national project that provides assistance to service members and their families. She also plays golf and performs at Cool Kids Campaign events to support initiatives that improve the quality of life for pediatric oncology patients and their families.

Check out photos and media coverage of Teresa Wade's philanthropy leadership and activities..