Serving the community, having fun

Since 1914, women have been members of the North Mecklenburg Woman's Club.

In the early years, it was called the Huntersville Woman's Club with an average membership of about 30 members per year. As our area expanded, so did the organization. In 2004, the club voted to change the name to North Mecklenburg Woman's Club because many of the members were from surrounding towns in the Lake Norman area.

Today, the club has more than 100 members. The club brings women together to promote and support social, educational and civic progress in the community.

"If they have a passion for the community and want to make new friends, this is the way to do it," said Denise Carter, president of North Mecklenburg Woman's Club and a member for 22 years.

The club is known for accomplishing a great deal for the community throughout the year. Their goals are accomplished through an organized system for their members. There are five sub-committees that members are invited to join. The committees are art, community affairs, conservation, education and international affairs. Members can choose the area they are most interested in and focus their interests on that topic.

Here are some examples of the ways these committees have helped our community.

The community affairs committee decorated rooms at the Hope House and donated $3,000 to a free clinic for women to receive mammograms and another $3,000 to the Davidson Cornelius Day Care Center. The money was raised through the Red, White and Green auction this past December. Members of the club put together surprise goodie bags that were auctioned off.

The international affairs committee sent 100 boxes to Operation Christmas Child last year. Donations were made by members of the club. They are also currently collecting supplies and money for Haiti through the Double Harvest organization (www.doubleharvest.org.)

The education committee awards four, $2,000 scholarships that they give each year to women who want to further their career. The women are chosen through an application process. Money for the scholarships is raised through their annual fall fashion show extravaganza sponsored by Dillard's and held at Northstone Country Club. While models walk the runway, guests enjoy a delicious dinner and a live and silent auction.

The club also made 80 blankets for Barium Springs Lee's Living Center in Troutman, planted trees at North Mecklenburg and Hopewell high schools and donated butterfly gardens to several local elementary schools over the past year. They always keep their eyes open for new projects.

In March 2010, the club is organizing a fundraiser called Over the Table Top where they will be selling beautiful, original table decorations. The event will be held at Birkdale Golf Club on March 11 and costs $25 per person. The evening includes light hors d'oeuvres and cocktails and is open to the public. Contact Starr Miller at 704-896-3321 to register.

The Woman's Club is also about having fun in a social setting. They have special interest groups like bridge, a book club, golf club, movie mania and a wine and dine club. Whatever your interest, the club has something for everyone.