In January, Carolina Girls, in conjunction with Y102.5, launched an annual campaign to identify women in the Charleston community who exemplify what it means to be a true Carolina Girl. Amy McEvoy, mother of five and co-founder of the Journey House, has been selected as January's Carolina Girl. In 2010, Amy's youngest child, Ansley, was diagnosed with Stage 3 Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma. During Ansley's treatments at MUSC, Amy 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.'  

Out of this need, Amy founded the Journey House on Nov. 15, 2011 to provide a home for families receiving treatments at MUSC. Amy, along with family, friends and a newly appointed board, has a goal in 2012 to purchase the land where the Journey House will be located. 'Step by step, brick by brick, we will see the Journey House become a reality,' said McEvoy.

Amy was nominated by her husband, Matt McEvoy, who described his wife as a 'merciful, peacemaking, gracious, humble, intelligent woman who improves the lives of others by caring deeply and working hard to see the world become the way that it ought to be.'

Stephanie Davis, owner of Carolina Girls, was so inspired by McEvoy's story that she decided to collaborate with the Journey House throughout 2012 to help raise money for the land.  

'Throughout this year, I look forward to recognizing hidden gems in our community who are opening their hearts to help others,' said Davis.

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. 'She creates positive change, gives back to her community and inspires others with her actions.'

Carolina Girls is now seeking nominations for February. Each winning nominee will receive a prize package valued at $500 and a lifetime Carolina Girls membership of 10 percent off at all three stores. They will also be featured in an annual Carolina Girls calendar whose proceeds will benefit the Journey House.

Carolina Girls and Y102.5 are now seeking nominations for future monthly winners:

To nominate, visit one of Carolina Girls' three locations in Mount Pleasant, West Ashley or Kiawah Island/Seabrook or e-mail info@shopcarolinagirls.

Candidates should represent the qualities of a Carolina Girl. A celebration in December 2012 will honor the 12 monthly winners.