The Charmettes, Incorporated is a national civic organization that had its beginnings when friends Gwendolyn Baker Rodgers and Frankie Drayton Thomas recognized the need for an organization that 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 West Palm Beach Charmettes were created.

 

The work of the initial chapter had immediate impact in the community, and soon new chapters were being developed throughout Florida and beyond. Our chapters are engaged in programs and activities that provide assistance to individuals and families in need in areas including: education, health, scholarship, and community development. In 1981, the organization adopted a national thrust to eradicate cancer in our lifetime. In addition to our cancer awareness and education programs, we have contributed approximately $700,000 to the Howard University Cancer Center in Washington, D.C., to support cancer research and services. In 2006, the chemotherapy infusion center was named The Charmettes, Incorporated Gwendolyn B. Rogers Chemotherapy Infusion Suite in honor of the long term generous support that The Charmettes, Inc. 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 families in our 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. For more information on the national organization, click here.