The Bainbridge Island Women’s Club has donated $1,000 to Helpline House and $500 each to the YWCA Alive program for battered women and the Bainbridge Island Special Needs Foundation as part of their commitment of “Women Helping Women.”

In part, the donations were the proceeds from their popular September Tag Sale. The donations were bestowed at the club’s March meeting.

The Bainbridge Island Women’s Club, which originated as a Welcome Wagon Club in 1966, has evolved into an organization with more than a hundred members who welcome all women on Bainbridge. Newcomers as well as long-timers who want to make new friends and become involved in its service, social and educational activities are all invited.

The club meets at 9:30 a.m. on the third Thursday from September through May at Bethany Lutheran Church at Finch and High School roads for coffee, conversation and an interesting program.

This year, speakers have included the director for the Seattle tunnel project, a speaker from the Suquamish Tribe, as well as a fun and educational program on how to make a Chinese New Year’s salad.

Recently the club has hosted local authors, local filmmaker Taylor Guterson of “Old Goats” fame, and the beekeeper from the Saturday farmers market.  In December, members and guests enjoyed a special Christmas party at IslandWood with the Bainbridge High School Chorus performing.

In addition, the club has a long list of popular activities for members, including golf at Meadowmeer Golf Course, an all-day bridge group that meets at Wing Point Country Club, several book clubs, plus dining in and out groups.  Additionally, the knitting circle makes a collection of beautiful items for donation each year. The club also has an outreach program that collects supplies and food for Helpline House and the women’s shelter at the general monthly meetings.

Club members said women who are looking for an active organization for fun, information and service with a local interest focus will be heartily welcomed at the club’s meetings.