About Us
History & Mission
The Sea Islands Hunger Awareness Foundation (SIHAF) is a nonprofit organization established in South Carolina in 2014. We are a volunteer foundation with a single mission: to nourish our neighbors and provide clean water for the residents of Johns and Wadmalaw Islands.
SIHAF began as the vision of our founder and president, Shirley Salvo, who set out to unite and fund the many charitable groups working to feed hungry families and the elderly across the two islands. What started as one woman’s determination has grown into a true island-wide mission.
Mission Statement
SIHAF is a volunteer foundation serving as the anchor for food and water relief across Johns and Wadmalaw Islands. Through 3 flagship programs - the Sea Islands Blessing Basket, Water Wellness Mission, and Crockpot Cooking - and in partnership with 11 dedicated community organizations, we deliver nourishing food, clean water, and lifelong nutrition skills directly to the neighbors who need them most. We believe that our community is woven together with compassion and commitment.
Board of Directors
Shirley Salvo
Founder & President
A lifelong South Carolinian and retired middle-school science teacher of 35 years, Shirley founded SIHAF and went on to create both the Water Wellness Mission and Crockpot Cooking. Her decades of community service also include leadership with Case for Smiles and Noah’s Ark Children’s Ministry.
Dr. Shep McKinley
Board Chairperson
A retired history professor from UNC Charlotte and a published author on Southern history, Shep moved to Johns Island in 2022. He volunteers with the Blessing Basket and served on the board of the Progressive Club of Johns Island.
Peter Rupert
Treasurer
An attorney whose career included service as an Assistant District Attorney and as New York State Senate Home Rule Counsel, Peter has been active in church and campus-ministry leadership since moving to South Carolina. He has served as SIHAF’s Treasurer since the foundation’s earliest days.
Dr. Louise Baucom
Secretary
A Johns Island resident with 40 years in elementary and higher education — including 27 years preparing teachers at UNC Charlotte — Louise holds a Ph.D. and a Master’s in Special Education, with expertise in literacy and curriculum development. She also serves as SIHAF’s volunteer coordinator.
David Berry
A retired engineer and business leader with degrees from Stanford and Dartmouth’s Tuck School, Dave led companies in the food-ingredient and pet-food industries and worked seven years overseas. He has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, family shelters, and the United Way.
Leroy Blake
A Johns Island native and graduate of the former Haut Gap High School, Leroy served 23 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer and a Vietnam veteran. After his military career he trained as an OSHA Authorized Outreach Trainer and worked as a safety officer and risk manager across South Carolina. A longtime community leader, he chairs the St. John’s Fire District Commission and is active with his church and Prince Hall Masonry.
John Carpenter
A Seabrook Island resident since 2006, John spent 33 years living and working around the globe with Caterpillar Inc. before retiring and settling full-time on Seabrook in 2017.
Carol Cronk
Communications Coordinator
A culinary scientist with more than 30 years working in new product development in the U.S. packaged-foods industry, Carol holds a degree in Food Science and a culinary certificate from the Culinary Institute of America. Moved by food insecurity on the Sea Islands, she began volunteering with the Blessing Basket and now coordinates SIHAF’s communications.
Dr. Laurel Healy
A career educator who served as a middle-school teacher, middle-school principal, and district Director of K-12 Curriculum and Instruction across Alabama, Florida, and North Carolina, Laurel holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Wingate University. Since retiring to Seabrook Island in 2021, she has been active with the Blessing Basket and several island community groups.
Dr. Carol Heilman
A Seabrook Island resident and retired scientific leader, Carole directed microbiology and infectious-disease research at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, overseeing a major national research and vaccine-development portfolio. She brings deep experience in priority-setting, teamwork, and delivering results.
Melanie Jangro
Director, Crockpot Cooking Workshop
A retired U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sergeant with more than 37 years of leadership and intelligence experience, Melanie leads SIHAF’s Crockpot Cooking Workshop, teaching island families hands-on skills to prepare healthy, affordable meals while strengthening food security across the Sea Islands.
Honorary Board Members
Jada Phillips
Martha Allen
Renee Black
Peter & Mary Conway
Carmine DeGennaro
Bonnie & Jerry Kelly
Mary Whyte.