WOMAN'S CLUB OF WP KICKS OFF CENTENNIAL YEAR

The Woman’s Club of White Plains is celebrating its one hundredth year in 2016. In 1916, two existing clubs, the Woman’s Club and the New Century Club, combined to form what was initially known as the Contemporary Club. In 1948, the club officially changed its name to The Woman’s Club of White Plains. This club was very active in the community and offered women of the time a variety of social, educational as well as philanthropic opportunities as does the present day club.

This year The Woman’s Club of White Plains has numerous events and activities planned to commemorate this historic centennial year. In keeping with its tradition of philanthropy and volunteerism, the Club has embarked on the “100 Acts of Kindness” campaign. The first two major events were the “100 Warm Coats” Drive and the “Shelter Bags for My Sister’s Place”.

Peggy Robinson of the Woman’s Club spearheaded the effort to donate one hundred coats to Burlington Coat Factory’s Warm Coats and Warm Hearts Coat Drive. Ms. Robinson stated, “Thanks to the generosity of Woman’s Club members and friends, The Woman’s Club exceeded its goal with a total donation of 110 coats to the Burlington Coat Factory Coat Drive”. Berna Diggs, Assistant Store Manager, Burlington Coat Factory, White Plains, noted “We are so grateful to The Woman’s Club of White Plains for its generous donation of 110 coats. Thanks to you, we can share the warmth with so many in need in our area”.

Photo 1 - Peggy Robinson of The Woman’s Club of White Plains with Berna Diggs, Assistant Store Manager, Burlington Coat Factory, White Plains.

My Sister’s Place’s Emergency Shelters provide confidentially located, safe havens to individuals and families fleeing abusive partners. While in shelter, support is provided 24 hours a day to all residents as they take critical steps to begin their new journey to safety. These people often leave their homes with truly nothing but the clothes on their backs. The Woman’s Club collected various toiletries including basic items such as soap, shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste to assist them with starting a new life. Jean Bello of The Woman’s Club was the point person who organized the collection, bagging and wrapping and delivery of the items to My Sister’s Place.

Photo 2 - Wrapped Items Ready for Delivery

Photo 3 - L - R, Sue Lynn and Claudia Melo of the Woman’s Club line up items prior to packaging

The Woman’s Club of White Plains, now celebrating its 100th anniversary, has been a mainstay of the community since 1916. The Club provides financial support to numerous non-profit groups and its members volunteer thousands of hours every year. It also maintains the CV Rich Mansion, its beautiful historic home in White Plains. The Woman’s Club plays a vital and supportive role to women by offering a fellowship unlike any other.

The Woman’s Club of White Plains will expand its programs and events in celebration of its 100th Anniversary. 100 Acts of Kindness will build on the Club’s extensive portfolio of volunteer activities. . Some of these acts will harken back to things the Club has historically been involved in but there will be many new ventures A Gala of the Century (Saturday, November 5th) will cap a fund raising calendar that will include a Scholarship Luncheon and Fashion Show (April16th), a Jazz Concert (June 9th) and other fund raising events that are all open to the public.

For additional information visit the Club’s website at www.womansclubofwhiteplains.org or visit us on Facebook - The Woman’s Club of White Plains.

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