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Charleston Wine + Food

Together, let’s celebrate, inspire, and create lasting change 

Charleston, SC (January 2025) – Today, Charleston Wine + Food announced the 2025 Community  Impact Awards Powered By REV Federal Credit Union’s #UpTheGood Foundation recipients as  Gena Berry (Culinary Works), Amethyst Ganaway (Chef Amethyst Ganaway), Pearce  Fleming (Commonhouse Aleworks), Molly Gordon (Wando High School Culinary Arts) and Ben’s  Friends. These individuals and organization will be celebrated at the annual luncheon, Tuesday, January  28, 2025, from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM at The Cedar Room (701 E Bay St, Charleston, SC), which aims to  raise funds beyond the festival to provide mentorship, resources, and opportunities that help shape the future  of the Lowcountry region. Through education and mentorship programs within local school districts and  post-secondary institutions, CHSWF is building a resilient and inspired community of culinary and  hospitality professionals who are prepared to lead with innovation and compassion. 

Annually, Charleston Wine + Food bestows a Community Impact Award upon a select few, who, nominated  by their peers, display unwavering dedication to and leadership of the people, artistry, generosity and  perseverance that define our community and industry. The Community Impact Awards reflect this  sentiment by honoring individuals who not only excel in their fields but also uplift others, creating lasting  impacts on the community while inspiring future generations. 

Supporting the Culinary Future 

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Culinary + Hospitality Investment Fund, which supports  initiatives like the Charleston Wine + Food High School Scholars Program. This work-based learning  program provides hands-on training, mentorship, and paid externships for high school students, equipping  them with job-ready skills and opportunities to earn industry certifications like ProStart. 

In just three years, the program has expanded to serve two school districts, nine high schools, and over  1,000 students. The demand for its externship component has grown by 500%, underscoring its critical role  in preparing the next generation of culinary and hospitality professionals. These externships offer real world industry experience under the guidance of some of the country’s best culinary talent, helping students  build networks and shape their futures. 

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About the 2025 Award Recipients 

Gena Berry (Culinary Works) Gena Berry loves her work, often saying, “Everybody needs a me!”  With a multifaceted career as a food stylist, chef support for celebrity tours, and cookbook  contributor, she also dedicates herself to mentoring culinary students nationwide. As Culinary  Director for Charleston Wine + Food, Gena leads the Culinary High School Scholars program,  giving students real-world experience and a passion for the industry. Her involvement extends to  programs like Taste of Derby and Taste of the NFL, where she has helped students apprentice with  top chefs and raised over $1 million for hunger relief. Gena’s commitment to food education and  philanthropy has earned her numerous accolades, including the Wholesome Wave Local Food  Legend Award and Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance’s Barbara Petit Philanthropy Award. 

Amethyst Ganaway (Chef Amethyst Ganaway) Born and raised in North Charleston, South  Carolina, Amethyst Ganaway is a celebrated chef, food writer, and content creator with nearly 15  years of industry experience. She champions Southern and African-American foodways and the  African Diaspora, using food as a lens to explore history, culture, and sustainability. Her career  spans leadership roles in diverse kitchens and collaborations with institutions like National  Geographic, PBS, and The Smithsonian. Amethyst has earned accolades including the 2020 Les  Dames d’Escoffier Legacy Culinary Award and 2024 Chef of the Year at the Wine and Culture  Festival. Her debut cookbook, From the Roota to the Toota, is slated for release in 2027. 

Molly Gordon (Wando High School Culinary Arts) Chef Molly Gordon is the Chef Instructor at  Wando High School in Mt. Pleasant, SC, where she has taught over 200 students since graduating  from Johnson and Wales University in 2020. Under her leadership, her ProStart and FCCLA teams  have earned state and national recognition for innovative restaurant concepts and projects. In 2023,  Chef Gordon was honored as both the State and National FCCLA Adviser and Alumni of the Year.  She initiated a partnership with Charleston Wine + Food in 2022, bringing students into the Chef  Scholars Program and collaborating with chefs nationwide. Outside the classroom, she shares  culinary content on social media as @SimplySouthernChef, showcasing her creativity and  highlighting Southern restaurants. 

Pearce Fleming (Commonhouse Aleworks) Pearce Fleming is the visionary proprietor of  Commonhouse Aleworks, a beloved brewery in North Charleston’s Park Circle, founded in 2018  to “celebrate what we all share in common.” Under his leadership, Commonhouse has become a  community hub, launching initiatives like the unCOMMONly GOOD beer series, which supports  local organizations, and hosting events like Park Circle Pride. Pearce’s background in healthcare  administration, combined with his brewing certification, informs his thoughtful approach to both  craft and community. He is a former president of the South Carolina Brewers Guild, advocating for  legislative changes to benefit small breweries statewide. Through Commonhouse, Pearce fosters a  culture of inclusivity, sustainability, and connection, making a meaningful impact one pint at a  time.Molly Gordon (Wando High School Culinary Arts) Chef Molly Gordon is the Chef Instructor  at Wando High School in Mt. Pleasant, SC, where she has taught over 200 students since graduating  from Johnson and Wales University in 2020. Under her leadership, her ProStart and FCCLA teams  have earned state and national recognition for innovative restaurant concepts and projects. In 2023,  Chef Gordon was honored as both the State and National FCCLA Adviser and Alumni of the Year.  She initiated a partnership with Charleston Wine + Food in 2022, bringing students into the Chef  Scholars Program and collaborating with chefs nationwide. Outside the classroom, she shares  culinary content on social media as @SimplySouthernChef, showcasing her creativity and  highlighting Southern restaurants. 

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Ben’s Friends (nonprofit organization) Ben’s Friends is a coalition of sober F&B people  committed to their sobriety in an industry filled with drugs, alcohol, and stress. Each of us has  found or is seeking sobriety and a way to deal with our careers and life in a sane and purposeful  fashion. We are here to share together how we do it and provide those seeking sobriety with the  tools and the community needed to find it. Our only purpose is to help each other find freedom  from the bondage of our addiction. 

Event Details: 

Date: Tuesday, January 28, 2025 

Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM 

Location: The Cedar Room, 701 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29403 

Tickets: [Website Link] 

About Charleston Wine + Food 

More than a five-day event, Charleston Wine + Food is a year-round organization devoted to celebrating  the Lowcountry’s culinary culture, its influences, and its future. Through community-driven programming  and initiatives, CHSWF fosters a sustainable and connected culinary and hospitality industry while  showcasing Charleston on a national stage. 

About REV Federal Credit Union 

REV’s #UpTheGood Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities through mentorship, resources,  and opportunities, empowering future generations to thrive.

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