A concurrent RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR CAPTIVATING COLUMBIA, THE COLUMBIA CHAPTER OF JACK AND JILL OF AMERICA INC., AND TO COMMEND THE CHAPTER ON ITS SEVENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF SERVICE IN THE COMMUNITY.

 

Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly is pleased to learn that Captivating Columbia has been a presence of Jack and Jill in the Midlands for three-quarters of a century, and the chapter will celebrate the milestone on September 12, 2026, at the University of South Carolina Pastides Center; and

 

Whereas, the late Marion Stubbs Thomas founded Jack and Jill of America in January of 1938 in Philadelphia when twenty mothers met to discuss creating an organization to provide social, cultural, and educational opportunities for young people between the ages of two and nineteen; and

 

Whereas, today, Jack and Jill of America Inc. spans 271 chapters, representing over fifty thousand families making a lasting impact in communities nationwide. It has evolved into a strong national organization as a result of vigorous national and chapter programming in the areas of cultural awareness, educational development, health, civic awareness, and social and recreational opportunities; and

 

Whereas, one of the founding mothers of Jack and Jill of America Inc., Inez Simkins, moved to Columbia, and the Philadelphia Chapter asked her to organize a chapter in Columbia. The meeting to organize was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Israel Pinckney Stanback, and on September 13, 1951, the charter members of the Columbia chapter, South Carolina's first chapter, were installed in a ceremony conducted by the National President Edna Seay; and

 

Whereas, the Columbia chapter charter members included Lois Bailey, Ethel Bolden, Margaret Boulware, Meredith Douglas, Agnes Evans, Harriett Everette, Rachel Griffin, Bessie P. Jenkins, Elise Jenkins, Pearl M. Mance, Vivian Marshall, Marian Morgan, Katherine Moses, Inez Simkins, Mary Solomon, and Billie Stephenson; and

 

Whereas, Captivating Columbia, which is a part of the Mid-Atlantic Region (MAR) of Jack and Jill of America, known as the MARvelous Region, is a community-focused organization that has achieved Five Star Excellence, demonstrating a commitment to nurturing future leaders and fostering growth; and

 

Whereas, Captivating Columbia actively engages in community building by celebrating local history, mentoring, and celebrating achievements like Gamecock victories. Its local impact is accomplished through projects such as Youth Leadership Summit, which is free to the public for children aged two through the twelfth grade, and addresses leadership development, financial literacy, STEAM activities, public speaking, legislative advocacy, HBCU activation, career development, community safety, and community service, as well as a water safety event, also free to the public, that  offers swimming lessons for adults and children, safety tips, and basic water rescue skills; and

 

Whereas, the chapter also hosts Stilettos and Beaus, a signature fundraising event, and supports the James R. Clark Memorial Sickle Cell Foundation Walk, InnerSole, Power in Changing, Blanketing Families, Midlands Orphan Relief, March of Dimes, Souper Bowl of Caring, Ebony Fashion Show, Epworth Children's Home, Benedict College Tiger Den, Period Project, Oliver Gospel Mission, Rapid Shelter Columbia, and the Jack and Jill Foundation; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly value the work of Captivating Columbia, a chapter of Jack and Jill of America Inc., and wish the organization continued success in the years ahead upon the MARvelous celebration of its first seventy-five years. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

 

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize and honor Captivating Columbia, the Columbia Chapter of Jack and Jill of America Inc., and commend the chapter on its seventy-fifth anniversary of service in the community.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Chapter President Fern H. Kelly.

----XX---