Woman’s Club Celebrates Centennial Year with 100 Acts of Kindness
The Woman’s Club of White Plains is celebrating its 100th 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 and 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 100 coats to Burlington Coat Factory’s Warm Coats and Warm Hearts Coat Drive. The effort resulted in 110 coats being donated.
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.
The Woman’s Club of White Plains 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. The Club 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.
As the centennial year progresses, 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, Nov. 5) will cap a fund raising calendar that will include a Scholarship Luncheon and Fashion Show (April 16), a Jazz Concert (June 9) 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 The Club on Facebook – The Woman’s Club of White Plains.
