The GEM Club

09/17/2026

Our September GEMpowerment Spotlight is Lauren Tarpley.

Lauren Candies Tarpley is a mom, wife, entrepreneur, educator, published author, third-generation urban homesteader and community leader who somehow turned a dream of farming and doing education differently into Southeastern Academy of Agriculture & Technology, a private micro nature school in Berkeley County.

In addition to being the chairwoman and Executive Director of Southeastern Academy of A&T she’s also the Executive Director of The Tarpley Farmacy, her family’s nonprofit working farm, and the Co/Executive Director, along with her with her sister, of The Cane Bay Farmers’ Market, where she gets to support local farmers, makers, and small businesses while also building community.

As a breast cancer survivor since the age of 35; Lauren has taken a life-altering diagnosis and used it as a motivation to create a roadmap and build a life rooted in purpose, family, agriculture, education, and leaving her little corner of the world better than she found it.

Lauren's Moto: ✌🏾Do it scared!

Lauren Tarpley

09/15/2026

We are so thankful to have received this award!

For the Summerville Exchange Club, the success of Azalea After Dark is measured in more than a sold-out event or a single night of celebration. It is measured in the children served, programs strengthened and local organizations supported long after the music stops.

Thanks to the incredible support of our 2026 Azalea After Dark sponsors and community, the Summerville Exchange Club awarded $55,000 in Community Support Grants this year!

$35,000 went to the Kay Phillips Child Advocacy Center, our primary beneficiary, and $20,000 was awarded through our open grant process to 15 local organizations and programs supporting children and families across our community.

We are proud to support this incredible group of organizations and grateful to every supporter who makes this impact possible. To learn more, visit www.summervilleexchangeclub.com/support

09/11/2026

09/10/2026

We are overflowing with thanks to the Summerville Exchange Club for selecting The GEM Club as a grant recipient! 🌟

Events like Azalea After Dark create incredible success, sparking a massive ripple effect of support for so many local nonprofits right here in our community. We are so honored to be a part of it!

These grant funds will be used to help us Trademark The GEM Club name. This growth will allow us to deepen our impact and empower even more middle school girls to know their worth, grow healthy relationships, and step into their power as leaders!

Thank you to every volunteer, organizer, and community member who made Azalea After Dark a success. You are helping our GEMs shine brighter every day!

08/05/2026

The wait is officially over! DD2 students are heading back to the classrooms today! Bus stops are buzzing, backpacks are packed, and a brand new year of learning and growth is officially beginning.

To all of our GEMs across DD2, we are sending you so much confidence today. Remember: you belong here, you are capable, and you are going to do amazing things this year! 💎💖

What is ONE thing you are most looking forward to as school starts today?

08/03/2026

True friends lift you up, make you laugh until your stomach hurts, and remind you how brightly you shine! 💎

At The GEM Club, we’re all about building strong healthy relationships and supporting our sisters every step of the way. 🤝

Tag a friend who makes your world brighter in the comments below to let them know you appreciate them!

07/30/2026

Don't miss out on the latest GEM Club news, upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and program updates!

Join our newsletter and be the first to know what's happening as we continue empowering the next generation of confident, compassionate leaders. ✨

Sign up today: https://gemclubs.org/newsletter-sign-up

07/27/2026

💎 We’re Growing Our Board! 💎

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of girls and giving back to your community? The GEM Club is looking for dedicated leaders who are ready to help us grow our mission and empower the next generation.

As a Board Member, you’ll have the opportunity to use your time, talents, and expertise to create lasting impact for girls in our community.

Learn more and apply today: https://gemclubs.org/join-our-board

07/23/2026

Sometimes, the most powerful shifts in our mindset come from just a few simple, intentional words.

These aren’t just ideas—they are reminders of the incredible potential that lies within each one of us. They encourage us to trust ourselves, act with intention, and support our sisters. 💖

07/21/2026

Summer break is winding down, but there’s still time to make a HUGE splash in our local community! We are challenging every girl and woman to complete at least one community service act before the school bells ring again.

The best part? Making an impact doesn't have to be complicated or take all day. Often, the smallest acts of kindness create the biggest ripples of change.

We’ve put together a few ideas that are incredibly easy to do this week! From helping local animals to supporting neighbors in need, there are so many simple ways to give back. 💖

Don't forget to take a picture of your good deed and post it using so we can celebrate your giving spirit!