Welcome.
Welcome to the first installment of Charleston magazine’s Fête Set blog!
When editor-in-chief Darcy Shankland and I initially discussed my charge as society editor, it was the apex of summer and the absolute dregs of the social season. Many had fled to cooler climes, and the social scene had all but come to a grinding halt. Weeks later, when we outlined the slate of fantastic fall events I intend to cover, the challenge became evident: how to cover the three events taking place on any given Thursday?
During the peak party season (September – June), the Lowcountry plays host to an endless string of balls, banquets, festivals, and concerts that raise an immeasurable sum to enhance the beauty and quality of life in this community. The verve with which Charleston— a city with a centuries-old legacy of benevolence and
generosity— hosts benefits and galas is spectacular.
We no longer see private galas akin to the one hosted in 1851 by beau monde doyenne Mrs. Charles Alston, where “18 dozen plates, 14 dozen knives, 28 dozen spoons, 6 dozen champagne glasses, 4 turkeys, 4 hams, 50 partridges, 12 pheasants, 22 ducks, 10 quarts of oysters, 4 pyramids of crystallized fruit and coconut, and immense quantities of bonbons, cakes, creams, and jellies” were used to entertain 200 guests. The white-glove style of society reporting on tea sandwiches and debutantes is fodder for the yellowed clips of yesteryear. Pyrotechnics have replaced pheasants; dazzling décor in lieu of ducks; custom lighting over crystallized fruit dominates today’s party scene. The only constants, it seems, are champagne, oysters, and philanthropy.
I can hardly imagine a better kick-off to this new chapter of Charleston magazine’s coverage of charitable works than Trident United Way’s Day of Caring and its assembly of thousands of people working on service projects across the tri-country area on September 11. This community service blitz, in tandem with TUW’s annual fundraising efforts, improves the lives of countless individuals. For more information, call (843) 566-7185.
Also, the September issue of Charleston magazine, in association with the Coastal Community Foundation, honors two individuals, one business, and one nonprofit organization whose commitments to giving back to the community are especially noteworthy. To meet these philanthropic heroes, pick up a copy today or click here to read the online version.
Bookmark this blog and check back for a full reporting on recent and upcoming charitable events.
Caritas.
Ida
