Nominees sought for Carolina Girl honor

Carolina Girls, in conjunction with Y102.5 radio, is launching an annual campaign to identify women in the Charleston area who exemplify what it means to be a true Carolina Girl.

When local business owner Stephanie Davis hung the Carolina Girls sign over her first gift shop in West Ashley 10 years ago, she had no clue what the name would come to mean to her. Through interactions with her clientele, Davis was inspired to acknowledge women in Charleston who perform unrecognized acts of kindness.

"I've come to define a Carolina Girl as a woman comfortable in her own skin and willing to help others before herself," said Davis.

Carolina Girls and Y102.5 are seeking nominations.Visit one of Carolina Girls' three locations in Mount Pleasant, West Ashley or Kiawah Island/Seabrook or email info@shopcarolinagirls. Candidates should represent the qualities of a Carolina Girl. A December celebration will honor the 12 monthly winners.

Amy McEvoy of Mount Pleasant, mother of five and co-founder of The Journey House, was selected as January's Carolina Girl. In 2010, McEvoy's youngest child, Ansley, was diagnosed with Stage 3 anaplastic large cell lymphoma. During Ansley's treatments at MUSC, McEvoy watched displaced families drive hours to clinic visits and struggle with the cost of lodging. "I met countless families who needed relief, hope and support," said McEvoy. "I knew I had to do something to provide shelter and love for families coming to and from local hospitals."

McEvoy founded The Journey House on Nov. 15 to provide a home for families receiving treatments at MUSC. McEvoy has a goal in 2012 to purchase the land for the Journey House.

Each winning nominee will receive a prize package valued at $500 and a lifetime Carolina Girls membership at all three stores. They also will be in an annual Carolina Girls calendar whose proceeds will benefit the Journey House.