AIKEN, S.C. – Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) employees stepped into full disco shimmer as they gathered at Newberry Hall as part of Children’s Place, Inc.’s 31st annual Celebrity Waiter Night. With bright lights, bold colors and a retro beat in the air, the disco theme set the stage for a lively evening dedicated to uplifting local children and strengthening families across the community.
As a diamond sponsor of the event, which raises money for Children’s Place, Inc’s Therapeutic Child Care program, SRNS contributed $10,000 to this year’s event and helped raise an additional $50,000 through sponsorships, online and live auctions, rafles, and waiter tips. Thanks to the enthusiastic support of SRNS employees, the event exceeded its $55,000 fundraising goal, resulting in a total contribution of over $60,000 to Children’s Place, Inc.
“Supporting Children’s Place is an investment in the future of our community,” said Kevin Whitt, SRNS Director of Operational Excellence and Quality Assurance, Management Sponsor of SRNS Celebrity Waiter Night, and Children’s Place, Inc. Board of Directors President. “Events like this allow us to come together in a meaningful way to uplift families and ensure children have the resources they need to heal and succeed. It’s inspiring to see how our employees demonstrate generosity and enthusiasm year after year.”
Peggy Ford, Executive Director of Children’s Place, Inc., shared at the event kickoff that the SRNS Celebrity Waiter Night consistently raises more funding in a single evening than any of their other Celebrity Waiter Night fundraisers. The ongoing partnership between SRNS and Children’s Place, Inc. has become a foundation of the organization’s ability to maintain and expand their critical programs.
SRNS employees, including event co‑chairs Tori Slate and CJ Rachels, played a major role in coordinating another memorable and impactful evening. Their commitment, creativity, and leadership helped ensure the continued success of this long‑standing community tradition.
“What an incredible evening,” said Tori Slate, SRNS Site Drill Team Scenario Writer and Celebrity Waiter Night co-chair. “The energy in the room was unmatched—from the creative costumes to the enthusiasm shown by every waiter, volunteer and attendee. Each year, this event showcases the heart of SRNS and the strength of our partnership with Children’s Place. We are grateful for the chance to support an organization that is making a direct and lasting impact on the lives of local children.”
For more than 58 years, Children’s Place, Inc. has served as a cornerstone of support in Aiken County, offering compassionate, research‑based programs that help young children and families recover from trauma and build healthier futures. Through a combination of early childhood services, family development support, and therapeutic interventions, the organization continues to strengthen the community by providing stability and hope where it is needed most.
At the center of this mission is the organization’s Therapeutic Child Care (TCC) program—one of only two in South Carolina and the sole provider of its kind in the Central Savannah River Area. Designed specifically for children under age six who have experienced trauma, the TCC program offers specialized mental health counseling and rehabilitative therapies in a safe, structured environment. These services give children the opportunity to grow, learn and thrive while ensuring families receive the resources necessary to support long‑term healing.
Together, SRNS and Children’s Place, Inc. remain dedicated to empowering families, strengthening the region, and creating brighter futures for the next generation.
Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, a Fluor and HII partnership company, is responsible for the management and operations of the Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site, located near Aiken, South Carolina.
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