WHAT’S GOING ON: Help Find Tom
Tom Sponseller, president and chief lobbyist for the S.C. Hospitality Association, has been missing since Saturday, and police are asking for any information the public may have regarding his whereabouts.
Sponseller was last seen at his office in Downtown Columbia around Noon on Saturday, according to police and was reported missing to the Columbia Police Department on Saturday night by his wife Margaret.
According to flyers now being distributed both physically and electronically, “Tom is balding with gray/white hair, 6’ 1” tall and 160 pounds with hazel eyes. He usually wears glasses.”
The South Carolina Hospitality Association released a statement Monday regarding Sponseller’s disappearance.
“The SC Hospitality Association members and staff are deeply concerned for Tom Sponseller’s whereabouts. He was last seen in the association office at noon on Saturday February 18, 2012. The Columbia Police Department has launched a full investigation and we are working with them.
“Tom has served as President and CEO of the South Carolina Hospitality Association for nearly 22 years. He is a prominent hospitality industry leader here in our state as well as nationally. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tom’s family and friends.
“The family has created a facebook page to help find Tom and provide information. www.facebook.com/help.find.tom.
“If anyone has any information please contact Midlands Crime Stoppers at (888) CRIME-SC or the Columbia Police Department at (803) 545-3500. We will update the statement as more information comes available.”
UPDATE 1 — Police located Tom Sponseller’s car in his office’s garage parked in where he usually parks. His wallet and credit cards have not been recovered.
UPDATE 2 — Tom Sponseller’s family has set up a Facebook page “Help Find Tom Sponseller” with news stories, reports, and flyers to circulate. For that Facebook page, click HERE.
UPDATE 3 — A candlelight vigil for Tom Sponseller’s safe return is planned for Wednesday, February 22 at 6:00 p.m. The event will take place on the Statehouse steps at the intersection of Gervais and Main Streets in Columbia. 300 candles with paper discs will be provided. For more information, contact Meghan Sponseller Ward.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Tom Sponseller is friend to CRESCENT and has been extremely encouraging with what we’re doing to promote what’s great about South Carolina. Our prayers are with the Sponseller family during this time of uncertainty, and we hope that Tom returns home quickly and safely.
