The 4th Annual Spring Fund-raiser for the Mission Beach Woman’s Club (MBWC) will be held this Saturday, March 24, from 3 to 6 p.m. at The Pennant, located at 2893 Mission Blvd.
Despite its relatively short existence, the MBWC fund-raiser has a history of doing great things for the community, according to its president, Diane Wozniak.
“This year we are raising funds to provide more lighting for safety in the beach area,” she stated. “The first three spring fund-raisers at The Pennant provided funds to purchase a police dog for the San Diego Police Department, a thermal imager for Fire Station No. 21 and a portable lifeguard tower at Mission Beach.”
With a theme this year of “Keep Safety in Sight, Light up the Night,” the goal is to raise $10,000 for the beach lighting fixtures. The event will feature games, prizes and a silent auction. Included in the auction are hotel stays, restaurant meals, beauty salon treatments, exercise activities, sports memorabilia, theater tickets and more.
The Pennant, in an equally admirable show of community support for the MBWC efforts, will be donating a portion of its proceeds that day towards the fund-raising goal.
While many clubs are content with one annual fund-raiser, according to Wozniak, the Woman’s Club makes community fund-raising practically a year round effort.
“We also have a Fall Kick-Off Party when we raise funds for giving to various community organizations,” she said. “In addition, we raise money to give to the community with the rental of our historic bayside clubhouse. A few years ago we hosted a History Night fund-raiser with money going for summer scholarships to the Santa Clara Recreation Center.”
Recipients for the 2007 MBWC “Giving Budget” will include the Center for Community Solutions, CERT, Polinsky Center, Surfrider Foundation, Stand Up for Kids and the Heifer Foundation.
The club began in the 1930s as the Mission Beach Business and Booster Club. It is affiliated with the national organization, General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) and a state group, California Federation of Women’s Clubs (CFWC). The MBWC is a nonprofit organization, which serves Mission Beach and nearby communities through charitable donations, volunteer projects and related efforts.
While the club name may create the perception of having only female members, Wozniak is quick to say that everyone is welcome.
“Our bylaws do not specify our club is for women only,” she said. “The bylaws do state that applicants must be 18 years of age or older. Interested individuals may join by attending one of our meetings. There is a $25 initial fee and $36 in annual dues.”
For information, call (858) 488-2628 or visit www.mbwcinfo.com.