Every year the Mission Beach Women’s Club works to raise money for projects in the neighborhood as well as local nonprofits. This year’s efforts were centered on the community and a beloved club member.
“We fundraise because we want to make a difference in our community and the lives of others,” said Nancie Geller, board member and former president of the Mission Beach Women’s Club.
The Mission Beach Women’s Club was founded in 1926 and has been dedicated to community service, charitable giving, educational enrichment and social opportunities since.
This year’s fundraising was in large part focused on the Bonita Cove Playground. The late Maruta Gardner was a Mission Beach Women’s Club member and a prominent community member.
“Gardner’s dream was to make Bonita Cove Playground a place where families and their children could safely play,” Geller said. “To remember and honor her dream, the MBWC is working toward making it a reality through funding Play by the Bay.
The MB Women’s Club also has a venue space, which they rent out for a nominal fee to nonprofits for their own fundraising purposes. In 2016, the club funded 27 agencies and gave roughly $42,200. A variety of events were held free of charge in their venue space this year as well, totaling $16,700.
Mission Bay High School’s Music Program, Miracle Babies, Susan G Komen and Jetty Kids were among the 27 recipients of this year’s efforts.
“We have made a profound difference in Mission Beach,” Geller said. “Our fund raising efforts over the years have allowed the purchase of police dogs, community lighting and security cameras, medical equipment for our Beach Area Family Health Center and we have provided financial support for Mission Beach schools.”
Nonprofits can apply online to become recipients of the Women’s Club’s funds.
“When there is a need, MBWC delivers,” Geller said. “Making a difference is what MBWC is all about.”