Supporting more than 30 charitable organizations, the Bridgewater Woman's Club is comprised of nearly 60 dynamic women who are passionate about giving back to the community. A member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs, the Bridgewater Woman's Club club has been operating since 1976.
Much more than just a social club, their mission is to foster a spirit of cooperation among all women in the community for the development of general civic and social interests and to provide educational and cultural advantages for its members. Though the group is diverse in age, interests and experiences, they are united by their desire to create positive change in Bridgewater.
Reasons for joining the club include contributing to the quality of life in Bridgewater, gaining a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in doing good, participating in interesting programs, expanding your network of contacts (professional and personal), building friendships and having fun.
When asked what she would tell a woman who expressed an interest in joining the Bridgewater Woman's Club, long-time member Gerri Gora, says, “When you join, you’re participating in something valuable. Month by month, we support all sorts of different causes. You feel like you’re doing something that you can touch locally.”
Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at the Green Knoll Fire Company. At the September meeting, members donated backpacks and school supplies to Safe and Sound Somerset, a nonprofit agency who empowers survivors of domestic abuse. When survivors flee their homes with their children, they sometimes leave with just the clothes on their backs, with no time to gather their children's school bags. Safe and Sound will disperse the collected supplies to families as the need arises throughout the year.
On Nov. 2, the club is hosting their biggest event of the year, “Fly Me to the Moon.” Kevin J. Gray and the 78 West Jazz Ensemble will provide Sinatra-style entertainment. Tickets are $45 and include a buffet luncheon, raffle tickets and door prizes. All proceeds go to charity.
To learn more about this lively club, visit BridgewaterWomansClub.org or call Kathy, membership chairman, at 908.725.1593.
On the next page is a small sample of the more than 30 charitable organizations that the Bridgewater Woman's Club supports:
- Somerset Regional Animal shelter: The shelter provides animal control and companion adoption services for Bridgewater, Greenbrook and Manville.
- Bonnie Brae: This is one of the nation’s preeminent residential treatment centers for at-risk adolescent boys, ages 8-21, many of whom have histories of abuse, abandonment and neglect. Bonnie Brae provides comprehensive care and offers a safe place for boys to heal, learn and grow.
- The Food Bank Network of Somerset County: Recipients receive nonperishable foods and fresh fruits and vegetable as often as possible. When inventory permits, bread and baked goods are also provided. Food contributions can be delivered to the warehouse at 9 E. Easy St., Bridgewater, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- Girls Career Institute: The institute offers a stay at Douglass college for young women to get a taste of college and participate in career exploration.
- Make-a-Wish NJ: They grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. The New Jersey chapter has granted nearly 11,000 wishes. Wishes have proven physical and emotional benefits that can give children with critical illnesses a higher chance of survival.
- Ronald McDonald House of Central and Northern New Jersey: They provided ahome away from home for thousands of families with seriously ill children while they receive care at nearby medical facilities. Their houses offer comforting surroundings where family members can stay together during a time of uncertainty and stress.
- The Seeing Eye, Inc: Since 1929, The Seeing Eye has partnered with people who are blind who seek to enhance their independence, dignity and self-confidence through the use of Seeing Eye dogs.
- STOMP The Monster: They provide financial and other support to cancer patients, their families, and caregivers when they need it most—during their fight with the disease. They promote a healthy lifestyle with proper diet and exercise.
