THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, February 16, 1995 TAG: 9502140147
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 17 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TONYA WOODS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 45 lines
Almost 50 years ago, a desire to help students continue their education prompted Theodora Brown-Cora, Joyce Tate-Brown and Mary W. Barnes to start CHUMS Inc., a civic organization dedicated to community service and social camaraderie.
``We saw the need for getting together to help with affairs in the community and to provide scholarships for students,'' Barnes said.
Feb. 19 marks the 49th anniversary of CHUMS, which stands for character and charm, honesty and humility, understanding and unselfishness, and modesty and moderation.
CHUMS Inc. will host a Founder's Day program Sunday to honor the three women who created the organization.
``We want to make sure we highlight the efforts of these women and give them credit now for starting a viable organization,'' said Dorothy Smith, Founder's Day Program chairperson and a 20-year member of CHUMS.
The program will begin at the First Baptist Church on Bute Street in Norfolk and continue with a 2 p.m. luncheon and ceremony at the Ramada Inn on Granby Street.
CHUMS Inc. originated in Norfolk in 1946 and has grown to more than 600 members in 34 chapters across the country.
``We never dreamed it would grow so much,'' Barnes said. ``We're very proud of all our accomplishments over the years.''
Local CHUMS Inc. projects include providing scholarships to deserving students; giving clothes, toys and food to needy families at Christmas; donating money to the Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, and holding coat drives for needy children.
CHUMS also contributes to the United Negro College fund, the National Kidney Foundation, the Habitat for Humanity Project started by former President Jimmy Carter and the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.
This year's national project theme is ``Listen to the Children,'' and the project is geared toward conducting workshops and increasing scholarships for area students. by CNB