The Columbia Sophisticates were installed as a chapter in April 2011. Our charter members—Loretta Hammond, Janice Marshall, Betty Hudson, Gardenia Ruff, Jodi Gallman, and Gwendolyn Clark—were originally members of the Savannah chapter and happened to be from Columbia. Despite years of driving 170 miles each way to attend monthly meetings, personal and professional obligations eventually made attendance a challenge. As a result, they decided it was time to start a chapter in Columbia.

Savannah Sophisticates President Charlese Stevenson was approached about Savannah sponsoring the Eboni GEMS, whose acronym stands for Giving Empowerment and Motivating in Society. The Savannah chapter voted unanimously in support of the GEMS while expressing regret about losing members. A letter was sent to Barbara Yarn, Executive Board President, who also expressed resounding support.

As we were preparing to become a chapter in 2009, the Eboni GEMS recognized that we would be leaving Savannah at a crucial time. Savannah was set to host the 2010 Annual Weekend. We requested that the Eboni GEMS’ installation be deferred until after the Annual Weekend. Thanks to the Executive Board, our request was granted, and the Columbia Sophisticates were officially installed in April 2011.

We extend sincere thanks to the Savannah Sophisticates for their sponsorship. Special thanks go to Shirley James for keeping us on track with meeting deadlines and interpreting guidelines, to Charlese Stevenson for serving as the conduit to the Eboni GEMS from the beginning, and to Barbara Yarn for her unyielding, patient direction and support.

To all Sophisticates chapters: THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for inviting us to become a chapter! May our bond be forever embraced with eternal friendship!