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.