In the fall of 1999, the kink community in Charlotte, NC was offered in only a few ways. In the late summer of 1999, Mistrezz E sent out an email to create a group that offered parties and education.

A month later by-laws were created that still govern the group today. Pivotal members from a group called TALON drove a hour a day on work nights to help form this new group to meet the unmet needs of the area.

On Oct. 27, 1999 an interim board was formed. The interim board consisted of Mistrezz E, Michael, Beth, Erika and Gary.

The first official meeting was held on January 22, 2000 at a local hotel. The goal was and still is to provide a discrete, friendly, and safe environment for the education and support. The group was open to all people over 21, of all sexual orientations and kink interests, couples and singles and BDSM families. The group proudly identified as a non-profit pansexual BDSM group for the south central Piedmont area of North Carolina.

By the fall of 2000, this group out grew their play party venues of using someone’s home and began having play parties in Hotels. Crews would show up and breakdown the room furniture and set up play stations through a maze of adjoining rooms and suites. These parties had everything from DM’s, to buffet tables of food, and a lot of play. They began to bring in national presenters and truly provided the best education for their contributors possible and they never forgot to have fun.

In the last 7 years, they have held parties that had hundreds of people in attendance.  Some of these parties were themed and elaborate productions from a Luau to a military camp.

This leader in the Southern Piedmont rewards their volunteers with volunteer of the month, quarter and year awards, they have a lending library to membership, and close to a dozen Special Interest Groups to make sure they are meeting the needs of their contributors.

A handful of people wanted to create a new group in the Charlotte area. Many kink-minded people have passed through their doors. Some have excelled and become a name in the kink community throughout the Southeast. Others have found their soul-mate, their owner, their submissive and life long friends. This group has 175 members and 566 members on their open list at present.

They have bridged a gap between Greenville, SC and Greensboro, NC bringing together local participants and neighboring cities.  They have shared their resources and strengthened the Carolina’s and drawn participants from all the surrounding states. 

They are dedicated to education and providing a safe place for like-minded people to meet, exchange ideas and possibly connect.
 
Before I go further, I must credit Krissie McGee for providing a wonderful history.

Tonight I have the privilege of awarding The Jack Stice Memorial Community Service Award on behalf of SELF in acknowledgment of  Charlotte Area Power Exchange’s (CAPEX) unfailing leadership and steadfast commitment to create opportunity through community support and service.   Your dedication, determination, and efforts exemplify the best of who we are and will serve to inspire generations to come.  

*****

In the past year a southeastern club has been brought back from smoldering ashes by one lady’s determination.  The club was barely making the rent month to month, attendance had fallen off greatly and there was no interest by new persons.  One woman decided to change this. 

In the past year the membership of the club has doubled.  Munches are now held bi-monthly.   Instead of 10 people at a party—they have 30 to 70.  She has put herself out there for the next generation, encouraging them, educating them and providing an open door.   Membership has increased not only from the local city but from surrounding areas.  Her out reach has extended a warm welcome to all.

In the last year, she started an education fund that allows this club to bring in educators from coast to coast.  From sending announcements, updating memberships, to FUNdraisers, and I do mean fun, to redecorating this clubs dungeon, this lady has put all of herself into providing more than was imagined.

I want to read directly from two of the nominations we received:

“With her leadership, the club has gone from one that almost ceased to exist to one that people are happy to call their second home.  She has become a role model for many and she is someone that I admire greatly for all that she has done.  To sum it all up, I firmly believe that if it were not for her selfless offering, her willingness to give of herself, and her grit and determination, there would no longer be a club or place in my city for people living this lifestyle to gather. “

and

“She’s a single mother working two jobs. Her commitment and selflessness has provided not only a great looking, fully
functional dungeon, but a safe haven where all feel welcomed and embraced. Our scene would not have survived without
her determined commitment. Now not only does it exist it thrives like never before. “

From an email our honoree wrote, “You are the future! You have enthusiasm, spirit, curiosity, & creativity!”

I couldn’t have said it better myself. 

Tonight I have the privilege of awarding The Jack Stice Memorial Community Service Award on behalf of SELF in acknowledgment of Aurora’s unfailing leadershipand steadfast commitment to create opportunity through community support and service.    Your dedication, determination, and efforts exemplify the best of who we are and will serve to inspire generations to come.