A Passion For Giving: Clint Campbell and Karen Peluso

The river sparkled like a thousand diamonds beneath a late afternoon sun, while egrets perched on a nearby dock as Karen Peluso and Clint Campbell shared their story. Married for more than twenty years with five shared children, nine grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren, Karen and Clint lead a fulfilling and peaceful existence. After meeting in a writing class at a local community college in New Jersey, their friendship progressed from writing poetry to sharing lunch, to courtship, and eventually marriage.

Karen studied Fine Arts Education at Montclair State College. Following graduation she taught for a year before switching career paths to Office Management in the medical field. Clint transitioned from a family restaurant business to a career in finance. Both are now retired and spend their time volunteering at Beaufort Memorial Hospital or engaging in their passions; photography for Karen and cooking for Clint.

Although Karen is an award winning poet, her enthusiasm for photographing the natural beauty of the Lowcountry has taken precedence. “It’s more than a hobby, it’s my art.” Clint’s love of cooking stems from growing up in the family restaurant as well as his time in the Army as a cook. He considers cooking and baking to be his ministry in that “you can always make people happy with goodies.” Fondly known as ‘The Leftover Gourmet,’ Clint takes his cooking very seriously and often treats friends, guests, hospital employees and fellow volunteers to delectable treats such as his “secret family recipe” crumb cake, a favorite of all who taste it.

The couple’s introduction to Beaufort was serendipitous. Visiting friends in Bluffton in 1997, they debated between a day trip to Savannah or to Beaufort. Much to her chagrin, Karen was persuaded by Clint to visit Beaufort. “We took a carriage ride through the historic district and were instantly drawn to the beauty so we decided to return the next day. After spending time photographing the downtown area and the Point we
fell in love with Beaufort.  It would be six more years before they happened upon a beautiful home in need of some work overlooking the grandeur of the Beaufort River. Once the renovations were completed, they moved here permanently.

Saturday morning is a special time for them starting with breakfast at the Red Rooster followed by a stroll through the Port Royal Farmer’s market to shop for local produce and to socialize with friends. When at home, Karen enjoys writing or reading handwritten letters from children and grandchildren or immersing herself in a good book like Recessional by James Michener.  Clint, an avid reader, especially enjoys books by Karen Armstrong as well as listening to classical music and baking.

Karen and Clint are devoted to the community, volunteering for the Beaufort Memorial Hospital Foundation (BMHF). Despite their shared dedication to BMHF, they serve in different areas; Karen in the office while Clint works the front desk. Karen utilizes her former career skills to support hospital office staff. Making copies, filing and hand addressing cards to donors are just some of the duties Karen performs, alleviating some of the workload for those who diligently run the daily operations of the hospital.

Volunteer services such as these save money, which can be allocated for additional medical personnel and state of the art equipment. Karen has helped the office staff for nearly two years. “The employees are so kind. They make me feel like royalty every time I arrive. I am greeted with such love and compassion. Why wouldn’t you want to go there? I actually feel guilty when we go on vacation.” A smile crossed her lips as she spoke with affection and regard for the office staff. “I’m inspired by their hard work. It’s a behind-the scenes job that often goes unnoticed by the general public.” When asked who has inspired her most as a volunteer she quickly replied, “my husband, Clint, for his great dedication.”

Clint’s service at the front desk of the hospital is more discernable. For more than ten years, he has greeted and guided visitors entering the hospital and, on occasion, has driven the golf-cart. He enjoys the people with whom he works as well as those he welcomes. “I meet so many people who then become acquaintances and before you know it, you are running into them around town.” He went on to say that volunteering at
the hospital helps the facility to grow by allotting money for important improvements such as the ER, Life Fit and the DaVinci Robot. “If I can
change a hospital employee’s life through my service, then I have achieved my goal.”

The front desk volunteers are like family, supporting each other and gathering monthly to dine at locally owned Bricks. “Volunteering keeps me active and making connections with people. You share stories about their families and other news in their lives.” When asked who has influenced his service most he replied, “David Milne, a 91-year old WWII Marine Corps veteran. David works every Tuesday morning and is an inspiration to
all who know him.”

Karen and Clint agree that the dedication and commitment of those who work and volunteer for the hospital is far-reaching, inspiring them both to do more. They hope others will heed the call to volunteer in order to make Beaufort and the world a better place. When searching for an opportunity to serve Clint encourages others, “to be passionate about the organization they volunteer for.”

One thing is clear; their love for each other and their dedication to the betterment of Beaufort Memorial Hospital and the local community is as brilliant as the sun sparkling across the Beaufort River.

Story by Kim Poovey | Photography by SUSAN DELOACH