With dozens of people moving to the Charleston region each week, it’s no surprise newcomers are eager to make new friends in their new city. That was Jamie Sprenger’s motive when she founded It Girls of Charleston, a social club for women in their 20s, 30s and 40s looking to build relationships and explore Charleston with new friends. Now, the organization is expanding its efforts to raise money for the Children’s Tumor Foundation. 

It Girls of Charleston will host Brunch & Bachelorettes on Sunday, Oct. 9 at 5Church Charleston, 32b N. Market St. Attendees can bid on a date package with one of a dozen young women – all members of It Girls of Charleston. Doors open at noon and the bachelorette auction begins at 1 p.m. Attendees also can bid on silent auction items, including fine wine, spa packages, dinners, tours, and fun activities around town. One hundred percent of the proceeds will be donated directly to CTF. Follow the event on Facebook by searching “Brunch & Bachelorettes” - photos and bios of the bachelorettes will be posted two weeks prior to the event. 

There is no charge for admission but please register for the event: http://bit.ly/2byYsvC. 5Church will serve a special all-you-can-eat brunch buffet for $25. Brunch beverages, such as mimosas and Bloody Marys will be available along with the regular drink menu. 

5Church also will donate 30 percent of all food and drink sales to the Children’s Tumor Foundation, a national nonprofit foundation funding research to end neurofibromatosis (known as NF). NF is a genetic disorder that affects one in every 3,000 people. It causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body, and can lead to deafness, blindness, disfigurement, bone abnormalities, learning disabilities, disabling pain and cancer. 

Sprenger’s childhood friend, Alison Garrard of Johns Island, suggested the idea. Her 11-year-old cousin, Conor McManus of James Island, has NF, so creating an event to benefit the Children’s Tumor Foundation was an ideal fit. 

“As new residents of Charleston, we’re becoming more connected to the city we love,” Sprenger said, who moved to West Ashley from California in February. “Now, we’re eager to add a charitable component to our social events. We think Brunch & Bachelorettes is the perfect way to do that.” 

It Girls of Charleston launched April 3, 2016, and already has more than 400 members who gather to attend events, explore the Lowcountry, go shopping, take classes, share resources and more. Learn more about the organization and upcoming activities at www.itgirlsofcharleston.com.