MEET OUR FOUNDERS, KNOW OUR HISTORY
OUR HISTORY
The Charmettes, Incorporated is a national civic organization which had its beginnings when friends Gwendolyn Baker Rodgers and Frankie Drayton Thomas recognized the need for an organization which would bring together women with similar ideas, principles and backgrounds to organize themselves to utilize their skills, talents and resources for community impact. They invited ten of their friends to join them, and on June 17, 1951, The Charmettes was created in West Palm Beach, Florida.
The idea of developing additional groups was first discussed at the initial annual dance held by the club, when a group from Dade County expressed interest. After the organization was incorporated in 1955 as "The Charmettes, Incorporated" expansion commenced, and in May of 1955, the Dade County Chapter (now "Miami-Dade County Chapter") of The Charmettes, Inc. was installed. Throughout seven decades of growth, our chapters have engaged in programs and activities which provide assistance to individuals and families needing assistance with education, health, scholarship, and community development. The Charmettes, Inc. holds a life membership in the NAACP and is a National Affiliate of the National Council of Negro Women.
The organization adopted in 1981 a national thrust to eradicate cancer within our lifetime. To this end, the members have committed themselves not only to cancer awareness and education programs, but have also contributed more than $700,000 to the Howard University Cancer Center in Washington, D.C., to support cancer research and services. As a result, the chemotherapy infusion center has been named, “The Charmettes, Inc. Gwendolyn B. Rodgers Chemotherapy Infusion Suite”, in honor of the long-term support which our organization has provided to the Howard University Cancer Center.
Today, The Charmettes, Incorporated is a nationally recognized women’s community service organization, known for getting results and making a difference in the lives of African-Americans and their communities. With 20 chapters active throughout Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., we are poised for even greater accomplishments in the future.
OUR FOUNDERS
Gwendolyn Baker Rodgers was born in West Palm Beach, Florida. She attended Bennett College in North Carolina, later transferring to Howard University in Washington, D.C. While attending Howard University, she met and married Edward Rodgers and had three children, Anthony “Tony”, Sandra “Cissie” and Edward “Eddie II”, Jr.
Charmette Gwendolyn brought her “can do” and tenacious spirit, working tirelessly to promote the development and growth of the organization. She embraced the national cancer initiative and worked to promote The Charmettes, Incorporated as a champion for the eradication of cancer. She was a beloved wife, devoted mother and a cherished grandmother that was an inspiration to all who knew her. Charmette Gwendolyn Baker Rodgers passed away in January 1994.
OUR FOUNDERS
Frankie Drayton Thomas was born in West Palm Beach, Florida. She attended Howard University in Washington, D.C., where she graduated in 1950. Frankie returned to West Palm Beach and became the first black college-trained social worker hired by the Department of Public Welfare. She enjoyed a career as a social worker in both Florida and Washington.
Charmette Frankie married James Thomas, Sr., and had two children, James Thomas, Jr. and Attorney Iola Thomas Mosely. She initiated the annual contribution to Howard University Cancer Center and was very involved in many political, social and family endeavors. She served in many capacities in her local Charmettes chapter, including President, Vice President, Treasurer, Chaplain and Parliamentarian. She served the national organization as President, Vice-President, Parliamentarian, Historian and Executive Director. Charmette Frankie Drayton Thomas passed away in February 2010.
NATIONAL BODY
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Annual Scholarship/Awards Breakfast
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Annual Scholarship /Awards Breakfast
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