Charleston, SC – The Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation® (CHPP™) proudly marks 20 years of service, dedication, and impact in protecting heirs’ property and helping families build generational wealth. To celebrate this milestone, CHPP™ will host its 20th Anniversary Gala: Rooted in Legacy on June 20, 2025, at the Charleston Gaillard Center – bringing together supporters, partners, and community members to reflect on two decades of progress, impact, and transformation. The Presenting Sponsor for this special event is The Wells Fargo Foundation, whose generous support helps make this celebration possible.
Tickets are currently available while supplies last.
Tickets may be purchased online at www.heirsproperty.org/chpp20/ or by calling 843.745.7055.
Since 2005, CHPP™ has been dedicated to empowering families to protect their legacies through legal education and services, sustainable forestry initiatives, and landownership advocacy. CHPP™ has expanded its impact beyond SC, including launching the East Texas Heirs’ Property Initiative. To date, CHPP™ has provided 5,842 persons with free, one-hour “advice and Counsel” (A&C) with 1,962 clients receiving direct legal services to clear titles. A total of 2,050 simple wills have been drafted at free, community Will Clinics, and 417 titles have been cleared on family land with a total tax-assessed value of $30.1 million. On the forestry side, more than 650 families (owning in excess of 40,000 acres) have benefited from education and technical assistance.
The evening will feature a reception/networking hour from 6 pm – 7 pm with a silent auction, followed by dinner and a program with Keynote Speaker, Chuck Leavell. Known as the longtime keyboardist and Musical Director for The Rolling Stones, Chuck’s legendary career spans collaborations with Eric Clapton, George Harrison, The Allman Brothers Band, John Mayer, and more. Beyond the stage, he is an award-winning tree farmer and host of the PBS series America’s Forests with Chuck Leavell, which featured the CHPP™ in Episode III. The evening will wrap up with live entertainment and dancing.
Funds from the gala will support CHPP’s ongoing programs and initiatives, ensuring that more families have access to the resources needed to secure their land and build generational wealth.
“What a privilege it is for Wells Fargo to celebrate the Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation’s 20th anniversary,” said Pam Bryant, Wells Fargo Philanthropy and Community Impact. “This milestone marks 20 years of dedication to the critical mission of educating families and communities about heirs’ property issues and offering solutions. For most families, their homes and land are their greatest assets, preserving them is the best way to maintain and transfer wealth. Supporting the Center helps Wells Fargo achieve the goals of keeping people housed and fostering stability through legal aid, estate planning, and title work.
“We are thrilled to celebrate this remarkable milestone with our community,” said Dr. Jennie L. Stephens, CEO of CHPP™. “For 20 years, we have worked tirelessly to ensure that families can protect and preserve their land for future generations. This gala is not just a celebration of our past—it’s a call to continue the work ahead.”
For more, go to www.heirsproperty.org
