History of Charleston Chapter
In August 1995, a group of professional women in the
tri-county area (Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester
counties) applied for and received a charter to be
affiliated with the national organization. In May 1996, the
Charleston Chapter of National Epicureans was installed. The
installation took place at the Holiday Express Inn, in
Summerville, SC. The induction ceremony was conducted by the
national president, Eppie Vinna Freeman, and the national
vice-president, Eppie Peggy Epps. We had officially become
chartered members of the National Epicureans, Inc.
The
Charleston Epicureans have been under the leadership of the
following presidents: Eppie Sharon Stanback, Eppie Jackie
Grimes, Eppie Delores Gibbs, Eppie Ruth Taylor, Eppie
Novella Smith-Larkins, and present president, Eppie Madelin
Gibson-Guy. Over the years the group has grown to its
current membership of eighteen. We are the only chapter in
South Carolina, and as exemplified by our plethora of
services, we remain strong and dedicated to our purpose.
Charleston Eppies are proud and privileged to have the
Greensboro, NC Chapter as our sponsor.
Over the years,
with the active support and encouragement of our Eppos and
well wishers, the Charleston Epicureans have sponsored and
been involved in many momentous events. The most meaningful
and enjoyable event has been the hosting of the Nation
Conclave in 2006. Our theme was "Summer Time and the Livin'
is Easy". This theme was chosen because of the close history
of Gershwin's musical with the Gullah people and Charleston,
South Carolina.
Each bi-annual year, starting in 2005,
the Charleston Epicureans presents a Pinnacle Awards
Banquet. The purpose of the Pinnacle Award is to recognize
those individuals who have unselfishly given their services
for the development of their communities. Our honorees are
individuals who have generously served in their unique areas
of expertise.
For several years, during the month of
February, the Charleston Epicureans rendered a production of
James Weldon Johnson's "God's Trombone" at various venues in
the community. The production served as twofold: 1) a
tribute to our National Founders and 2) Black History
Observation. For the past four years the Charleston Eppies
have spent eventful Founders Day weekends at a lovely resort
in Edisto Beach and Santee, SC, honoring our founders,
discussing business, hiking and sightseeing, playing games,
communing, and finding time to eat, drink, and be merry.
We have faithfully supported our national project, sickle
cell. However, we also support many other community
activities and programs.
Charleston Epicureans
Top
Row: Eppie Danielle Hardee-Richardson, Eppie Madelin
Gibson-Guy, Eppie, Ruth Taylor, Eppie Trina Linning, Eppie
Carolyn Smith, Eppie Jennifer Brown, Eppie Damali Harris,
Eppie Cheryl Thompson. Bottom Row: Eppie Ethel Jefferson,
Eppie Delores Gibbs, Eppie Janie Spence, Eppie Jacqueline
Grimes , Eppie Pearl Gibbs, and Eppie Evelyn Foster-Coakley.
Not pictured: Eppie Novella Smith-Larkins.