A true asset to our community and a dedicated mother.
Carol Bartholomew is the kind of woman with whom everyone would like to have a cup of coffee. No matter how hectic your day is, a conversation with this dynamic, compassionate woman is a lesson in prioritization. She “walks her talk.”
Her commitment to her family and her community are an example for anyone who believes that you measure your life in love. Her caring, compassionate persona is something she puts into action for her family, friends and community on a daily basis.
She’s an individual who knows what’s important in life and lives it everyday. Monthly is proud to honor Carol as this month’s MVP.
Hilton Head Monthly: What brought you to the Lowcountry?
Carol Bartholomew: My college roommate. I was living in the northeast working for NBC and my girlfriend was in Ohio. It was a gloomy winter and we decided to take a leap of faith and move to Hilton Head. Fortunately, NBC was televising the Family Circle tennis tournament on the island so I continued working with them. Even though I’m not working full time anymore, I work on the Verizon Heritage tournament assisting with the media and have been doing it for about the last 20 years.
HHM: Who’s the person you most admire? CB: My mother. She’s such a source of happiness and sees the good in everything. A college professor once told me to live your life by the three C’s: Compassion, Care and Commitment. It comes naturally to her.
HHM: What’s your favorite part about being a mom? CB: To see their imagination and enthusiasm... to see their dreams in the works. Sally (pictured with Carol above) is my special needs child and I’m so proud of her accomplishments. Her siblings are just as amazing. Annie, my 16-year-old is Sally’s motivator and my youngest son, James, is her protector.
HHM: What’s the perfect day for you?
CB: My idea of a perfect day would include a lunch date with my husband, picking up my kids from school and they’ve had a great day, eating dinner as a family and reading stories together before bedtime. I’m lucky that I get to live that.
HHM: How did you meet your husband?
CB: We were high school sweethearts. We dated for 13 years before we got married and we’ve been married for 20 years. My husband, R.J., is my beloved and my best friend.
HHM: What trait do you most admire in others?
CB: Being real. Being who you are.
HHM: You’re very involved in the community, particularly with the Children’s Relief Fund, aren’t you?
CB: I feel a responsibility to use any time and talent I’ve been given to benefit others. CRF is an amazing and unique organization that’s 100 percent about the kids. It’s all-volunteer and 100 percent of the proceeds goes to help children and families in need. It has touched so many kids and families who didn’t have a place to turn to get therapy, equipment and educational assistance.
I’ve seen in Sally and with CRF that special needs children are just like everyone else. They have the same desires to dance or play sports. Their gift is that they are so pure. Anyone lucky enough to have worked with a special needs child knows this. The joy is indescribable.
Learn more about CRF and the organizations Straight from the Heart dinner dance fundraiser, taking place February 9, on page 92.
