The Friday Flyer • September 29, 2017

CANYON LAKE’S NEWSPAPER • SEPTEMBER 29, 2017
Oktoberfest planned for tomorrow in Towne Center Pg. A4
Jr. Women's Club to host 3rd annual Rocktoberfest Pg. A7
Warm weather sets stage for wakeboard tournament Pg. A9
Canyon Lake Woman's Club celebrates 45th anniversary
BY DONNA RITCHIE
EDITOR, THE FRIDAY FLYER
This year marks the Canyon Lake Woman’s Club 45th anniversary. The non-profit, non-partisan philan- thropic club was founded in 1972 and is one of the old- est and most active clubs in Canyon Lake. Its member- ship is made up of 204 women ages 18 to 95.
The Woman’s Club is dedicated to the enrichment of Canyon Lake and helping others less fortunate. Its mission is to provide a safe gathering place for the women of Canyon Lake, to raise funds to help those in need, both individuals and other charities, and to pro- vide scholarships to local student for the continuation of their education after high school.
The Woman’s Club was instrumental in the opening of the Canyon Lake Library in 1980. The club estab- lished a financial sponsorship program to manage the development and growth of the library, paid the utility bills and staffed it with volunteers. The library eventu- ally became part of the Riverside County Library Sys- tem.
Through the years, the club’s philanthropic endeav- ors have been in the form of annual Christmas dona- tions of food and toys for families in need, scholarships, donations for community improvements, clothing col- lections for veterans, toy drives and cash donations to various local organizations.
This year alone, the Woman’s Club awarded $31,000 in donations with $16,000 going to local charities, in- cluding Canyon Lake Emergency Preparedness Com- mittee, Canyon Lake Library and Animal Friends of the Valleys, and $15,000 going to 10 Canyon Lake stu- dents. The POA was also given a sizable donation of $3,000 for trees for the dog park at East Port Park and a bench near the playground at Sunset Beach. The club has donated more than $400,000 over the past 10 years.
The Woman’s Club has hosted a variety of com- munity events in its long history. Back in the day, the club raised funds through rummage sales and swap meets, bake sales, bridge marathons and chili cookoffs, to name a few. Today, the majority of the money the Woman’s Club raises is through three annual events: Fashion Show, Mermaid Festival and Holiday Home Tour. To put on these events is a major production that involves months of intense planning and preparation, hours of meetings and help from numerous volunteers. The money raised at these events allow the Woman’s Club to give back to the community and to help those in need.
The club also participates in Fiesta Day and spon- sors the annual Cardboard Boat Challenge.
Eleven women serve as Board of Directors and several dozen women serve on various standing com- mittees. Board members host a luncheon for new club members in February.
The history of the Canyon Lake Woman’s Club be- gan 45 years ago when Canyon Lake women received a wake-up call inviting them to “come as you are to a breakfast.” That meeting, on the morning of Oct.18, 1972, resulted in the organization of the Woman’s Club, which started its objective as “promoting Canyon lake property improvements, cultural interest, moral and public welfare and philanthropic services.
There were 92 founding members in 1972. These chartered members were given lifetime memberships and are not required to pay annual membership dues. According to the club’s website, 30 of the 92 chartered members have since passed away.
Nanda Skinner was elected the first president with powder blue and gold chosen as club colors and “Fun with a purpose” as the annual theme.
Throughout the years, it has become a tradition for the new president to chose club colors and the annual theme. Sue Collins, the current club president, chose teal as this year’s color and the theme “A friend is one of the nicest things you can have and one of the best things you can be.” Sue said, “I chose this theme be- cause the Woman’s Club doesn’t just do fundraisers, we become good friends. Friendships are important.”
Since 1972, 42 women have served as the club’s president. Nanda, Carol Bivens and Jan May are the
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PHOTO PROVIDED BY LYNE HALL