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.
ÒThe main thing is to get everybody together,Ò she says. Ò WeÕre not making anything. WeÕre seriously going in the hole. ItÕs for uplift.Ò
The meeting area has a coffeehouse look, minus the coffee.
The roomÕs central focus is a black platform stage, keyboard and microphone in one corner.
ThatÕs where Chris Epps did his stand-up comedy on growing-up as a child in Whitmire last month. ThatÕs also the place where the Canty Sisters, an a cappella group out of Spartanburg, sangÑand the place of future poetry readings.
And this Sunday night at 7 p.m., itÕll be where ÒA Christmas AffairÒ airs. The Gathering PlacesÕ Christmas event will have more stand-up comedy, musical talent and a catered meal for a $5 entry fee.
ÒItÕs a place to come and sit down and enjoy talent,Ò says Chris Epps.
And itÕs not just for honed and polished stars. The Gathering Place is a safe place for both youth and adult expression, Carol Epps says.
ÒThereÕs so much hidden talent here and weÕre just trying to pull the diamonds out,Ó says Chris Epps.
Alongside the stage runs a black bookshelf with books and the faith motifs, ÒHope,Ó ÒJoyÓ and ÒBlessings.Ó
On the opposite wall, beside a Christmas tree, hang more faith words: ÒBelieve,Ò ÒFaith,Ó ÒDreamÓ and ÒIn everything give thanks.Ó
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.
ÒI went down this road,Ò heÕll say. ÒIÕm transparent. I feel like thatÕs the only way weÕre going to reach people.Ò
On event nights, The Gathering Place brings in a themed dinner. Last month, it was ItalianÑlasagna, salad and bread. This Sunday, itÕs Mexican food. Soul food is slated for a future menu.
Like the menu and attendants, Carol Epps says entertainment is also diverse.
ÒWeÕll be having country music, weÕll be having jazz, weÕll be having gospel all on the same night,Ò she says.
Community outreach is important to the family, who believes businesses should not only make sales, but also make a positive difference.
ÒWe just think the whole community needs an uplift,Ò 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¢ & Up Storehouse variety store and The Gathering Place is just beyond a hair station set up in the back of the store.
The name is biblical, says Chris Epps, representing a community hub in Bible times.
ÒA storehouse in the Bible was providing necessities for the community,Ò he says.
Phase one of their first project to provide necessities is already underway.
Operation Reach and Restore is an outreach Chris Epps says God put on his heart to help families in need.
At SundayÕs ÒA Christmas Affair,Ó heÕll draw 10 names of local families who will receive a basket full of food Òto have a delightful meal this Christmas,Ò the Reach and Restore flyer reads.
Chris Epps says customers have brought in or bought food for the baskets, and one local charity provided 10 boxes full of goods.
In the future, the Storehouse family hopes to broaden its outreach with after-school events, Friday night Bible teachings, movie nights and video game nights.
ÒA lot of kids in this area donÕt have any outlet,Ò says Chris Epps.
But with a turnout of around 35 at last monthÕs gathering and the communityÕs comments during open mic time, that may soon change.
ÒTheyÕre just glad weÕre here,Ó said Carol Epps.
IF YOU GO
When:
Sunday,
7 p.m.
Where: The Gathering Place, inside The 99¢ & Up Storehouse on North Church Street,
Whitmire
What: ÒA Christmas AffairÓ with stand-up comedy, singing and catered
Mexican
food
Cost:
$5
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