Dapper & Distinguished Gentlemen

Dapper & Distinguished Gentlemen (DDG) was born from love, legacy, and a deep belief in the power of fatherhood. The program stands as a living tribute to Samuel L. Generette, a husband, father, pastor, and servant leader whose quiet strength reminded everyone who knew him that one man's character can transform generations. His son, Deon Generette, founded DDG in 2016 to extend that same spirit of mentorship, compassion, and leadership to young men seeking direction and purpose.

Ten years later, DDG has grown into a nonprofit serving young men, fathers, and emerging creatives through three connected pillars: Youth Leadership & Mentorship, BizArts (our creative workforce and entrepreneurship pathway), and The Fatherhood Initiative. Anchored in the principles of Character, Legacy, and Vision, our work addresses the real and urgent gaps facing boys and men in our communities, from absent mentorship to limited economic opportunity to the fatherhood void that touches nearly every statistic on youth outcomes.

Through a 17-week structured curriculum, one-on-one mentorship, hands-on learning, and community partnerships, DDG equips participants with character, discipline, and vision. Over the past decade, we have:

• Empowered 2,000+ young men across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia
• Delivered 100+ workshops in leadership, financial literacy, etiquette, and life skills
• Awarded $12,500 in scholarships, with six alumni now enrolled at institutions including Morehouse College, Claflin University, Coastal Carolina, and UNC-Charlotte
• Built lasting partnerships with the City of Columbia, Richland and Lexington school districts, and faith community leaders across the region

Our purpose is simple: to honor a legacy by building new ones. With your support, DDG will continue shaping a generation of young men who rise with character, lead with vision, and leave a lasting legacy.