Avery Institute Board of Directors Hosts Kentucky Derby Event
Avery Institute Board members: Priscilla Robinson, Yvette Metz, Rick Gutowski, Walter Brown, Vicki Davis Williams, Barbara Wilson (Guest presenter) Kim Greene and Tony Bell
Members of the Avery Institute Board of Directors invited Lowcountry residents to put on their best derby attire and to step into the winner’s circle at the Avery Institute Kentucky Derby event held Saturday, May 4, 2019.
Guests responded in record numbers and enjoyed mint juleps, live entertainment, heavy hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction at the McAlister Suite-TD Arena located on the campus of the College of Charleston. Added bonuses included viewing the actual Kentucky Derby horse races, guests enjoying the Charleston skyline on the balcony and ladies adorned in impressive Derby style hats and men attired in traditional seersucker suits.
The event was paused by Mr. Tony Bell, President, Avery Institute Board and Ms. Kim Greene, Chairman Avery Institute Development & Endowment Committee. Members of The Avery Institute Board of Directors assembled for comments made by Ms. Barbara Wilson who presented certified funds in memory of Avery Graduate Mrs. Lavenia Dash. As a non-profit organization, Avery Institute provides support to the Avery Research Center’s programs and operations.
Jonathan Green, Dolores Greene
In 1978, a group of Avery graduates (Averyites) and friends of Avery organized The Avery Institute of Afro-American History and Culture. Its purpose was to obtain the old Avery Normal School buildings and establish in them an archives and museum dedicated to preserving Afro-American history and culture in the South Carolina Lowcountry.
Today the Avery Institute assist the Center in acquiring archival collections.
The Avery Research Center is located at 125 Bull Street, Charleston, SC 29424 in the historic Harleston Village. Additional information and membership can be found by visiting the website at www.averyinstitute.us.
