The Charlotte Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, in partnership with The Links Foundation, Incorporated, invites the public to its annual fashion show fundraiser, “An Emerald Affair” on Saturday, December 5. This year’s theme, “Intentionally Bold,” reflects the chapter’s ambitious commitment to accelerate upward mobility and expand opportunities for students who need them most.
In less than two years, An Emerald Affair has nearly doubled the gross funds raised while significantly expanding sponsorship, attendance and community impact. That momentum has helped the chapter nearly double its scholarship investment for students across the Charlotte community. Following back-to-back sold-out events, An Emerald Affair has awarded more than $130,000 in college tuition scholarships with the generous support of dedicated community sponsors.
“Our fundraiser is more than an amazing event,” said Cherone Johnson, President of the Charlotte (NC) Chapter. “It is our promise to invest in the future of our youth and continue our commitment to uplifting our community.”
The mother of a recent scholarship recipient shared, “It was evident that [the] Chapter is deeply committed to the scholarship recipients and their success. I was especially impressed by the thoughtful gesture of assigning a mentor to check in with my daughter and the other recipients.”
Beyond scholarships, a significant portion of the funds raised supports the chapter’s community programming. Through its partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Carolinas, the
chapter has provided annual holiday gifts to more than 350 young people facing economic hardship.
At University Meadows Elementary School, where nearly all students come from households living at or below the poverty line, the chapter has hosted more than a dozen in-person events designed to strengthen student and parent engagement throughout the primary education journey. In 2026, An Emerald Affair will carry that progress forward by raising funds for education, mentoring and community health initiatives designed to create lasting impact.
The fashion showcase features designs by Charlotte-based and nationally recognized designers, offering guests an inspiring display of style through elegant creations that celebrate individuality and grace.
All Charlotte community members are welcome to attend the event by purchasing a ticket at this link.
To learn more about the event and review highlights from last year’s event, visit:
www.charlottelinksinc.org/emerald-affair.
About Charlotte (NC) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated:
The Charlotte (NC) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, chartered in 1955, is the first chapter of The Links, Incorporated to serve Charlotte and surrounding communities through impactful civic, educational, artistic, and wellness-based programming. Guided by the national organization’s mission of “Friends transforming communities through service,” the chapter comprises more than 70 professional women dedicated to enriching, sustaining, and ensuring the cultural and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry. Founded in 1946, The Links, Incorporated is an international, not-for-profit organization with more than 17,000 professional women of African descent across 300 chapters in 41 states, the District of Columbia, the Bahamas, and the United Kingdom. For more information on this chapter, visit charlottelinksinc.org.