Named after Beaufortonian Robert Smalls, the Robert Smalls Leadership Award is an honor bestowed biannually upon a conservative leader who has displayed extraordinary leadership by exhibiting courage, wisdom, perseverance, and justice, using a high level of professionalism to impact the lives of others.
This year, we are honored to present South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster with our annual award.
Want to mail a check? Complete this form and return it to us.
Want to Upgrade your ticket to a “Premium Ticket”? Priority seating and admission to the VIP reception are included.
If you have joined the party or renewed your membership since September 1st, 2025, you may purchase a Premium ticket at a discounted rate to attend the VIP reception @ 4:45 PM.
If you have joined the party or renewed your membership since September 1st, 2025, you may purchase a Regular ticket at a discounted rate to attend the VIP reception @ 5:30 PM.
Sponsorship Levels
A lowcountry legend, Robert Smalls was a war hero and champion of freedom. With your sponsorship, you too can be a champion of freedom.
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Whether at war or during times of peace, Robert Smalls was a lifelong pursuer of freedom for himself and his community. Become a Freedom Fighter Sponsor
At this sponsorship level, you will enjoy:
- 8 premium tickets to the event and VIP reception
- Featured Logo Placement at the event
- Full page ad in the event program
- Featured video message at event
- Social media and online recognition
- Unique recognition to our membersAt this level, a custom media promotion plan will be developed—tailored to the sponsor’s preferences—across our website, event program, and other platforms.
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While most of the south was turning blue, in 1874 Beaufort elected Robert Smalls to represent South Carolina's 5th congressional district. He was the last Republican to represent the district until the election of Mick Mulvaney in 2011. Become a Congessman Sponsor
At this sponsorship level, you will enjoy:
- 6 premium tickets to the event and VIP reception
- Full page ad in the event program
- Featured video message at event
- Social media and online recognition
- Unique recognition to our members -
After taking over the ship and freeing his family and fellow crewmembers, Robert Smalls was given command of the Planter and served as its Captain for the remainder of the Civil War. Become a Captain Sponsor
At this sponsorship level, you will enjoy:
- 6 tickets to the event and VIP reception
- Half page ad in the event program
- Social media recognition -
As pilot of the Planter, a transport ship based out of Charleston, Robert Smalls took over the ship and set sail to take his crew and their families north. He snuck past Confederate strongholds to reach the Union naval blockade squadron and turned the Planter over. He was later promoted to Captain and given command of the Planter in 1864. Become a Pilot Sponsor
At this sponsorship level, you will enjoy:
- 4 tickets to the event and VIP reception
- Quarter page ad in the event program
- Social media recognition -
After the war, Robert Smalls returned to Beaufort a war hero and purchased the plantation on which he had previously been enslaved. He was a Beaufort businessman, advocate for education, and served as a delegate to the State Republican Convention where he helped write South Carolina’s State Constitution. Become a Beaufortonian Sponsor
At this sponsorship level, you will enjoy:
- 2 tickets to the event and VIP reception
- Recognition in the event program
- Social media recognition -
Robert Smalls was a patriot who risked his life for the Union when he took control of a Confederate ship and sailed it to freedom. He later served in the U.S. Congress, fought for equal rights, and worked to improve life for African Americans in the South. Become a Patriot Sponsor
At this sponsorship level, you will enjoy:
- 1 ticket to the event and VIP reception
- Recognition in the event program
- Household Membership (up to 4 members)
Interested in placing an ad in the Robert Smalls Award Dinner Program?
You can purchase a quarter-page, half-page, or full-page ad by donating. If you're already a sponsor, you may also contribute an additional amount to receive more ad space beyond what’s included in your sponsorship package.
All guests will receive a printed copy of the program, and a digital version will be available on our website and emailed to our list of over 1,500 subscribers.
Would you like a copy of the event flyer? Download our flyer here! Additionally, if you prefer to mail your registration or sponsorship, please complete the form below.