When The Gathering Place on North Church Street in Whitmire has a get together, it doesn't make a profit.

Seriously, says co-owner Carol Epps, it does not.

Providing entertainment and catered food for its monthly functions costs more than the $5 cover charge, but the owners are looking beyond profit, or at least beyond financial profit, Epps says.

“The main thing is to get everybody together,“ she says. “ We're not making anything. We're seriously going in the hole. It's for uplift.“

The meeting area has a coffeehouse look, minus the coffee.

The room's central focus is a black platform stage, keyboard and microphone in one corner.

That's where Chris Epps did his stand-up comedy on growing-up as a child in Whitmire last month. That's also the place where the Canty Sisters, an a cappella group out of Spartanburg, sang-and the place of future poetry readings.

And this Sunday night at 7 p.m., it'll be where “A Christmas Affair“ airs. The Gathering Places' Christmas event will have more stand-up comedy, musical talent and a catered meal for a $5 entry fee.

“It's a place to come and sit down and enjoy talent,“ says Chris Epps.

And it's not just for honed and polished stars. The Gathering Place is a safe place for both youth and adult expression, Carol Epps says.

“There's so much hidden talent here and we're just trying to pull the diamonds out,” says Chris Epps.

Alongside the stage runs a black bookshelf with books and the faith motifs, “Hope,” “Joy” and “Blessings.”

On the opposite wall, beside a Christmas tree, hang more faith words: “Believe,“ “Faith,” “Dream” and “In everything give thanks.”

The middle of the room is dotted with small cloth-covered tables with floral arrangements.

Events are alcohol-free and Christ-inspired. Chris Epps says he sometimes talks about his own life and struggles.

“I went down this road,“ he'll say. “I'm transparent. I feel like that's the only way we're going to reach people.“

On event nights, The Gathering Place brings in a themed dinner. Last month, it was Italian-lasagna, salad and bread. This Sunday, it's Mexican food. Soul food is slated for a future menu.

Like the menu and attendants, Carol Epps says entertainment is also diverse.

“We'll be having country music, we'll be having jazz, we'll be having gospel all on the same night,“ she says.

Community outreach is important to the family, who believes businesses should not only make sales, but also make a positive difference.

“We just think the whole community needs an uplift,“ says Carol Epps.

The Gathering Place is part of a dual operation owned by Doris Abnathey and her daughter-in-law, Carol Epps.

The storefront hosts The 99