Hayden Blackwell-Quattlebaum

Hayden Blackwell Quattlebaum’s life was marked by deep love for her family, her community, and those who needed a helping hand. After the heartbreaking loss of her beloved son, Andy, in 2019, Hayden and her husband, Don, created The Andy Quattlebaum and Blackwell Family Foundation. Their mission was clear: to honor Andy by supporting the causes he cared most about—outdoor conservation, veterans, community building, education, and mental health.

Hayden’s compassion wasn’t born from tragedy. It was a lifelong calling. From a young age, she was drawn to serve. In college, she poured her energy into student leadership and service. Later, she trained extensively to become a crisis intervention counselor with Hotline, a non-profit telephone service for people in crisis. That work shaped her deeply and set the tone for a lifetime of community care.

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While raising her family and teaching in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, Hayden stayed actively involved with the Junior League of Charleston and found joy in giving back, whether teaching Bible School in the summer or volunteering for the Spoleto Festival in its early days. Her passion only grew over time. She served on numerous boards, including Junior Achievement, the Wall School of Business Board of Visitors, the Grand Strand Humane Society, the Lowcountry Prep School, and others.

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Animals held a special place in her heart. In honor of her cherished cocker spaniel, Cotton, Hayden created The Cotton Endowment Fund to support the Grand Strand Humane Society, the first of its kind, earning national attention. She later funded The Cotton Memorial Veterinary Clinic at St. Frances Animal Center in Georgetown—offering low-cost medical care to pet owners in need and to animals without homes.

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Hayden’s philanthropy was generous, but it was also quiet. She supported a wide range of causes and institutions, often behind the scenes. She paid medical bills, covered tuition, stopped foreclosures, replaced roofs, and paid off loans—always preferring to lift burdens privately, joyfully, and without fanfare.

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Through the Foundation, her spirit of giving lives on. What began as a tribute to Andy has become a lasting legacy of love—a foundation rooted in compassion, service, and the belief that helping others is the highest calling.