Local
June 13, 2013 12:30 PM
Ida Martin: A retrospective of the Bluffton Self Help founder
In this file photo from 2011, Ida Martin, founder of Bluffton Self Help is one of thirteen people to be awarded the 2011 Presidential Citizen's Medal, the second highest award given to civilians in the United States. Martin died June 12 at Beaufort Memorial Hospital.
Staff photo
In this 1994 photo, Ida Martin mans the phones at Bluffton's Self Help at the organization's headquarters at the old Bluffton Town Hall. Martin founded the non-profit organization in 1987 and ran it out of her garage.
In this file photo, volunteer coordinator Nancy Meyer, left, works with volunteer Ed Hassett Friday morning while preparing food for clients at Bluffton Self Help on May River Road in Old Town Bluffton
Staff photo
Peter Bromley, president of the Bluffton Self Help board of directors, talks to the media while showing off the organization's new 6,700-square-foot headquarters building at Sheridan Park in May of 2011. The charity moved from its 1,000-square-foot space on May River Road, formerly the Bluffton town jail.
Staff photo
10/25/11 Before Bluffton Self Help moved into their new location in Bluffton's Sheridan Park, artist Betty Luntey volunteered to paint a mural in the childrenâ™s area of the new in October 2011 as a crew of other volunteers were unpacking boxes and organizing donations in preparation of the grand opening. The charity moved from its 1,000-square-foot space on May River Road, formerly the Bluffton town jail.
Staff photo
In this file photo from Nov. 19, 2012, Bluffton Self Help employee Lori Bonzagni hands the makings of a Thanksgiving dinner to a recipient at their new location in Sheridan Park after moving from their 1,000-square-foot location on May River Road in Old Town Bluffton..
Staff photo
In this file photo from October 2011, Bluffton Self Help founder Ida Martin is shown in her home holding up the suit she will be wearing when she meets President Barack Obama at the White House. Martin was to be awarded the 2011 Presidential Citizens Medal during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House.
Staff photo
Bluffton resident and founder of Bluffton Self Help Ida Martin, second from left, is photographed in a Washington D.C. lobby before her meeting with President Barack Obama. Martin was to be awarded the 2011 Presidential Citizens Medal for her volunteer work.
Scripps Howard Foundation
Bluffton resident and founder of Bluffton Self Help Ida Martin is pictured in a Washington D.C. lobby before her meeting with President Obama to receive the 2011 Presidential Citizens Medal for her volunteer work.
Scripps Howard Foundation
President Barack Obama embraces Bluffton's Ida Martin before awarding her the 2011 Presidential Citizens Medal on Oct. 20, 2011, during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington. Martin was the founder of Bluffton Self Help to assist working families, disabled residents, and senior citizens in the Bluffton area.
AP
President Barack Obama awards the 2011 Presidential Citizens Medal to Bluffton resident and founder of Bluffton Self Help Ida Martin during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington on Oct. 20, 2011. Martin's Bluffton Self Help helped families in financial need and has grown exponentially over the years.
AP
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