Uniting voices, empowering lives
Welcome to The Local Voice, where the power of music and community comes together to support local women battling breast cancer and families in need. We transform compassion into action, ensuring no one faces hardship alone.
Our mission in action
Founded in 2024, The Local Voice is dedicated to bringing our community together. We provide crucial support to local women fighting breast cancer and care for families during times of need. Our approach is rooted in compassion, ensuring every voice can make a difference.
Nonprofit
How we make a difference
Through innovative fundraisers and direct community support, The Local Voice offers various ways to contribute and receive help. Our focus is on impactful, practical solutions that strengthen our community and uplift those facing challenges.
Signature Fundraisers
Our unique " The Local Voice Breast Cancer Fundraiser" brings together local talent, judged by stars like Dylan Carter, to raise vital funds for local women.
Direct Patient Aid
We provide direct financial assistance to local women fighting breast cancer, helping cover essential living expenses during their treatment journey.
Community Compassion
Beyond breast cancer support, we extend care to our broader community, assisting families in need during difficult times with compassionate action.
Meet the Team
The Local Voice is powered by a group of passionate leaders dedicated to community, connection, and meaningful impact. Together, Crystal Hartzog, Dylan Carter, and Sonya Shoemaker bring a blend of talent, heart, and experience that shapes every event and initiative. Get to know the people behind the mission.
Crystal Hartzog
Entrepreneur • Community Leader • Founder of The Local Voice
Crystal Hartzog is an entrepreneur, community leader, and the founder of The Local Voice. With more than 20 years of experience owning and growing service‑based businesses, she has built her career around people—creating spaces rooted in care, connection, and purpose.
Guided by a lifelong passion for helping others, Crystal’s impact extends far beyond her work as a business owner. She has led and supported countless community fundraisers, outreach efforts, and charitable events, using her platform to uplift individuals and families during some of their most challenging moments.
Crystal believes deeply in the power of community. When people come together with compassion and purpose, real change becomes possible—and every voice truly matters
Dylan Carter
September 13th, 2002 - April 26th, 2026
Singer • Entrepreneur • Community Advocate • Cofounder of The Local Voice • Director of Music
Dylan Carter is a proud Lowcountry native who gained national recognition on Season 24 of NBC’s The Voice, earning a four-chair turn and choosing Reba McEntire as his coach. Since his time on the show, Dylan has continued to share his powerful vocals throughout South Carolina while remaining deeply committed to the communities that have shaped him.
Balancing life as The Singing Realtor and owner of Sunny Days Campground in Santee, SC, Dylan is known for using his talents to bring people together. Whether performing, supporting local events like The Local Voice, or giving back through community involvement, his passion for connecting with others through music is at the heart of everything he does.
Sonya Shoemaker
Community Leader • Event Creator • Lifelong Volunteer • President of The Local Voice
Sonya Shoemaker brings a lifelong passion for service and community to every project she touches. With years of experience in nonprofit leadership — including past roles as Vice President of the Key City Foundation and board member of the Patty Pollatos Fund (PPF) — she has supported programs that uplift families, expand opportunities for youth, and provide direct assistance to those facing medical and financial hardship.
A lifelong volunteer, Sonya is known for her exceptional ability to create meaningful, high‑impact events. She has organized and led successful community fundraisers such as 5K races, benefit concerts, and large‑scale charitable events, each designed to bring people together and generate real support for local families and organizations. Her creativity, organizational talent, and natural leadership make her a powerful force for positive change.
Motivated by a heart for service and community, Sonya continues to devote her time and energy to initiatives that unite people and create lasting, meaningful impact.
Dylan James Carter
September 13th, 2002 - April 26th, 2026
Dylan was born on September 13, 2002, in Charleston, a son of Buddy Carter and the late Julie Buchanan Carter. A proud 2020 honor graduate of Dorchester Academy, Dylan was an active and well-rounded student, participating in the football and golf teams as well as numerous school activities. He was Mr. Sub Freshman and named Mr. Challenger in 2016. He shared his musical talent singing at many chapel programs throughout the school years and beyond, graduations and baccalaureate programs. He built a life defined by connection, talent, and faith. Dylan worked as a real estate agent with Carolina Properties, where he was known not only for his professionalism, but for the genuine care and kindness he showed every client and colleague. He also worked tirelessly building and co-owning Sunny Days Campground with his best friend and partner, Logan Lowder.
He will be remembered most for his infectious smile, vibrant personality, and the gift of his beautiful voice. Music was a central part of Dylan’s life from an early age—he grew up singing in church, at school, in chapel programs, and in local theatre. He most recently performed in Home for Easter and Into the Light theatre productions. He later shared his talent at weddings and special events, touching countless lives through song. His passion for music and encouragement by his best friend, Lydia Hofstetter led him to be a contestant on The Voice, where he earned an impressive four-chair turn and inspired many with his voice and presence.
A man of deep faith, Dylan was a member of St. George Methodist Church. He loved the Lord and lived his life with kindness, warmth, and joy. He was truly loved by all who knew him and leaves behind a lasting impression on everyone he met.
He was predeceased by his mother, Julie B. Carter and paternal grandfather, Bobby Carter.
Surviving is his father, Buddy Carter (Deanna); a brother, Cole Carter (Collins); niece, Claire Julie Carter; maternal grandmother, Kaye B. Harper; paternal grandmother, Diane Carter; grandfathers, Jim Buchanan and Larry Harper; aunts, Kristen Buchanan Hatchell and Stephanie Harper; close cousins, Kaydance Hatchell, Jessica Byrd and Matthew Byrd (Melissa); and his best friend, Logan Lowder.
Voices of hope: our impact in action
Every donation, every volunteer hour, and every performance directly contributes to changing lives. At The Local Voice, we take pride in offering transparent, community‑driven support that truly makes a difference for women and families in Santee and the surrounding neighborhoods.
“The Local Voice was there for my family when I needed it most. After I was in a car accident, they provided Christmas gifts for my children, bringing joy during a very difficult time. Truly a blessing.”
Sarah M.
"“The Local Voice’s 2nd Annual Breast Cancer Fundraiser was truly an amazing experience. The incredible local talent made the night unforgettable, and knowing every moment supported such an important cause made it even more meaningful.”
Jessica P.
Connect with the local voice
Location & contact
Elloree, South Carolina, United States
Email: info@thelocalvoice.org