Brick Women's Club Marking 70 Years Of Charitable Work

BRICK, NJ — For 70 years, the The Brick Women's Club has been doing good works, in the local community and beyond.

And this month, as they forge ahead with more projects, they are inviting other women to join them and participate in their efforts to support the community, starting with their next monthly meeting, set for Wednesday, Oct. 12. The meeting is scheduled for noon at the Woodlake Country Club, and RSVPs are needed, club officials said.

The club has a busy month ahead, Mary Kay Tokar, communications chair, said.

The club is scheduled to be honored for its 70 years of service by Brick Mayor John G. Ducey and the Township Council at the Oct. 18 council meeting.

The day before, Monday, Oct. 17, members will be attending the NJ State Federation of Women's Clubs Fall Conference. The club also will be featured at the Brick Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit Showcase on Oct. 20, Tokar said.

The club is raising funds for its charity work by selling $5 Boscov's Friends Helping Friends Day shopping passes. The passes entitle the bearer to 25 percent off most items in the store on Boscov's Friends Helping Friends Day, which is Tuesday, Oct. 18.

The club also is taking part in the Prevent Child Abuse NJ Mall Walk at Monmouth Mall on Saturday, Oct. 29.

"You can make a pledge to sponsor the walkers, and you can join us on the walk, with your kids and grandkids. There will be trick-or-treating for the youngsters," Tokar said.

Tokar said she and club president Gwen Lewis represented the Brick Women's Club at the GFWC Middle Atlantic Region Conference in September, which "celebrated Women Who Can," she said.

Among the speakers was author Cecilia Galante who spoke about the inspiration for her first book “The Patron Saint of Butterflies,” which is loosely based on her experience growing up in a commune/cult. She was riveting. Her newest book is “The Invisibles.”

Attendees were also entertained by Mamie Eisenhower, played by Ruth McIlhenny. She spoke about when she first met Ike, through to their retirement to their home near Gettysburg, Pa.

The Oct. 12 meeting will feature the Brick Delegate to Girls Career Institute. Jessica will speak about her experience at GCI this past June. GCI is a mini-college experience at Douglass College for girls in their junior year of high school. Girls are sponsored by local women's clubs who provide funds to attend the program. The GCI held in June 2016 celebrated the 70th year NJSFWC has held GCI. Also speaking at the October meeting will be Brick historian Eugene Delgado.

Among other charitable projects, the Brick Women's Club provides scholarships to local high school students.

To attend the Oct. 12 meeting or to get more information on the club or its activities, contact Mary Kay Tokar, communications chair, at 201-320-8403 or email tokar@njsfwc.org.

Brick WC President Gwen Lewis, Mamie Eisenhower played by Ruth McIlhenny, and Communications Chair Mary Kay Tokar. Photo courtesy of Mary Kay Tokar