He has served collard greens to world-famous explorer Sir Edmund Hillary. He has shared a laugh over the concept of bottled water with Jordan's Queen Noor. The Dalai Lama, Kenny Rogers and Ringo Starr have all been attendees at his events.
But it was Lee Epting’s (‘63) exposure to the faculty and students at Darlington that really had a lasting impact on him as a person.
"Seeing learned people that wanted to teach—their mission in life being to give something to the students—it was eye-opening to me and totally changed my life," said the Darlington alumnus.
As the owner/designer of Epting Events, the Athens, Ga. native has become renown for his impeccable taste, his attention to detail, and the importance his team places on the needs of their clients. The success of the Athens-based company lies in their ability to mix customizable options with quintessential southern flair, always able to ensure an unforgettable experience.
"Coming from a university town I thought I came from the ‘coolest’ place in the world; I thought I, myself, was ‘cool,’" said Epting. "It was a rude awakening. All of the sudden I realized I didn't know as much as I thought I knew."
The future Tiger had struggled in school, and both he and his parents knew Darlington could provide the right environment for him to thrive.
“I had prayed, ‘Dear Lord, just let me get into Darlington and I’ll never cheat again,” said Epting.
He honored his promise, even in the midst of challenges catching up on his studies. In doing so, he had a realization that would forever sculpt how he conducted himself.
“I had an epiphany in a tree by Home-on-the-Hill on a cold fall day,” said Epting. “You’ve got assets and liabilities...all you can be is the very best that you can be.”
The boarding student became very involved on campus, serving as a weekend proctor and member of the Darlingtonian newspaper staff, and also participated in D Club, Pep Committee, cheerleading, golf and wrestling.
After his time at Darlington, Epting attended Emory University and later graduated from the University of Georgia with a B.A. in Business Management.
Now, Epting leads a team of nearly 60 full-time staff including event coordinators, florists and chefs, in addition to sons Ashley (CEO) and Daniel (COO). Over the course of a weekend, his team can swell upwards to 150.
“We literally do anything anywhere. We go all over doing weddings, conferences, cocktail parties, seminars, recruiting dinners, picnics, corporate events, grand openings—it runs the gamut,” said the alum.
The Epting Events team put on the Ritz at Darlington’s Brown Dinner last month at the A.J. Huffman (‘67) Memorial Athletic Center. The annual reception is thrown in honor of the School’s faculty and staff, and is hosted by the Board of Trustees.
"I have been working with Lee for almost 20 years and his staff and food are always top-notch," said Anne Paige Wilson, Darlington's director of stewardship. "It is great to see one of our own so successful and to have had him back on campus."
The spread at the seated dinner included steak Oscar, herb-roasted fingerling potatoes, brown sugar glazed carrots and a white velvet raspberry cake paired with fresh panna cotta.
In 2005, Epting’s crew transformed the Van Es Arena and the Huffman Athletic Center’s entrance for Darlington's Centennial Celebration Gala, complete with beautiful white tents, a red carpet and another delicious signature seated dinner.
Epting remains connected to his alma mater in a variety of capacities.
"Over the years he has helped Darlington as an alumni gathering host, supported the Annual Fund, and has come to his reunions faithfully," said Vicki Vincent, director of alumni relations. "Even though he is across the state, his Roman connections are strong."
Beyond the School's campus, Epting's work has also been seen at weddings and receptions all over Floyd County, as well as special events like the Heart of the Community Gala, which he helped develop at the program's onset.
Xfinity, Comcast's cable division, has taken notice of Epting's knack for elaborate experiential events and created an on-demand television series based on the team's work in the philanthropic world. "Black Ties & BBQ" follows Epting and his staff as they perform their magic for different fundraisers and other events that benefit non-profit organizations.
One of Epting's greatest and most favored accomplishments in his professional career was being invited to join the Leading Caterers of America, a group of 50 from around the country that meets twice each year to promote and review best practices within the industry, lobbying for systematic standards and ratings by which to measure those in the catering profession.
Lee Epting and sons Ashley and Daniel reside in Athens.
Click here for more information about Epting Events.
