| Durham Chapter |
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The Durham Chapter of Les Gemmes, Inc. is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to stimulate, foster and provide social, civic, education and cultural activities among its members and the community.This chapter was organized in the summer of 1985 and sponsored by the Oxford Chapter, fifteen members were officially inducted on November 9, 1985 in Durham, North Carolina. Many strong and active jewels were added to the circle with inductions of new members held in 1987 to the present date. In the beginning, the chapter worked on projects with the Arthritis Foundation and the Special Olympics. Both organizations offered inspiring opportunities to work closely with very special people.Mothers Against Drunk drivers, The Heart Association, The March of Dimes and the American-UNC Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center are just a few of the other organizations the Durham Chapter paired with to complete civic projects. In addition, the chapter, along with youth in the community, has served food at the homeless shelter, visited Ellison’s Rest Home, and several other nursing homes, visited Operation Breakthrough day care centers, and sponsored glove and stock drives for the homeless.Each year the chapter sponsors several events such as dances, shopping trips, car washes, fish fry’s African American art shows, and Miss Les Gemmes pageants in order to raise funds for college scholarships. Any member of the community seeking higher education may apply for these scholarships. Currently, the Durham Chapter of Les Gemmes, Inc. is fifteen members strong. In keeping with the Keys for Success or HEARTY Scale as outlined by the National President, the chapter provides public services through a variety of programs. The Chapter meets monthly to discuss chapter business and frequently attends social outings together. Also, the completion of each club year is celebrated with a gathering or trip of some sort. The Durham chapter has grown in commitment and spirit. The one question that guides the chapter is If everyone in this club where like me, what kind of club would this be? |