February 2026 Newsletter
- Dana Point Women's Club
- Feb 16
- 8 min read
April Meeting Returns
Don't miss out—mark your calendars for April 2nd @ 11:00!
Great news! By popular demand, our April general meeting is making a comeback. Though it was cancelled for the Fundraiser on April 24th, it's now officially back on the calendar.
Join us for our 75th Anniversary Fundraiser
Step into a Mad Men–inspired evening filled with period-style décor, vintage vibes, and plenty of fun. For those who wish to fully embrace the vintage theme, we invite you to don your favorite classic cocktail fashions and lean into the spirit of the occasion. This fundraiser is shaping up to be our biggest and best yet. 100% of net proceeds will benefit Project Foster — giving foster and at-risk kids clothing, hygiene essentials, comfort and HOPE!
How can you Help?
Ready for the ultimate night out? Bring your favorite people — family, friends, that special someone — and reserve your tickets for an unforgettable event! But wait -- the excitement doesn't stop there; we're on the hunt for awesome donations like gift cards, concert or game tickets, and dreamy weekend escapes for our raffle and silent auction. If you can help with your own or a solicited donation, contact Venee Tysler.
Want to be a VIP? Jump in as a sponsor for music, décor, tasty bites or just toss some cash into the mix — every bit counts! Our sponsorship superstars (including some generous members!) are already stepping up to the plate. For all the inside info, hit up our sponsorship guru, Jody Hughes.
Swing by your favorite salon, shop, or restaurant and ask for gift card donations to add to our silent auction offerings. Every contribution pumps up the party and helps us raise big bucks for Project Foster. It’s a win-win--more fun for everyone, and more help for the kids!
And when the lights go down on the main event, get ready for the epic after party! Think music, dancing, drinks, and nonstop good vibes. Come for the cause-stay for the party!
Our Popular Paint and Sip Event is Back!
Wednesday, February 25th @ 5:00 PM. Only 7 tickets left!!
Unleash your inner artist as we gather for a night of creativity, laughter, and good company! Grab a brush, small bites and a glass of wine, and let’s make masterpieces together (don't worry - you'll get step by step instructions) while sharing stories and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. Cheers to colorful canvases and great friends!
Look What Fell Out De Mango Tree
Look What Fell Out De Mango Tree is an intriguing original play featuring internationally-acclaimed performers Debra Ehrhardt and Christopher Grossett, and directed by famous actor/composer/singer Paul Williams. Based on Ehrhardt’s true-life story, the play explores the weight of what’s unspoken, the healing that forgiveness makes possible and the quiet power of vulnerability. It's about the stories we inherit without even knowing, and the spaces left empty by things unsaid.
Patrons of our sixth annual sold out story telling event, "Do Tell", will remember Debra's outstanding performance at Community House last October. This new play was recently performed to rave reviews at the Santa Monica Playhouse and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.
Net proceeds will be shared equally by DPWC's Project Foster, and the Jamaican Cultural Alliance supporting talented artists impacted by the recent Jamaican hurricane.
Mark your calendar for March 1, from 4-6 at the Community House
Tickets are $35 and are now live on DPWC website; seating is limited and we expect this event to quickly sell out. RSVP soon!
News from the Board
New President for DPWC: Kathy Belanger resigns---Monique Wolff appointed
At its January meeting, President, Kathy Belanger submitted her resignation due to some
recent changes in personal commitments and responsibilities. "I'm incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together during my time on the Board, including successful fundraising campaigns, the unification of Community House and DPWC, and the expansion of Project Foster to name just a few things." she said in her resignation letter. "I remain committed to being an active member of the Club and look forward to seeing our continued impact on the community".
At the February general meeting, 1st Vice President Toni Nelson presented Kathy with a beautiful floral arrangement (designed by Club member Julie Aros) on
behalf of the Club; listed Kathy's many accomplishments during her 14 years at DPWC; and thanked her profusely for her leadership and support.
Former Community House Facilities Director, Monique Wolff was unanimously appointed by the Board to fulfill Kathy's remaining term (through the end of FY 2026). Monique brings considerable skills as CFO of a large commercial construction company, as well as prolific non profit experience. Welcome Monique!
Duties of Community House Facilities and Rentals Directors Combined
Monique's former duties as Community House Facilities Director will be covered by Community House Rentals Director, Venee Tysler, who will assume the combined role of Community House Director. Monique promised that our Community House repairs guru, her husband Mike Wolff, will continue to work his magic, keeping the facility in ship shape.
Venee happily announced that the Club has taken its rentals management in house under the direction of Jody Hughes as Rentals Manager. This will not only save the Club money, but allows us to benefit from Jody's impressive sales skills. Those who are interested in joining the fun Community House Team are encouraged to contact Venee Tysler.
February Meeting- Love and Sisterhood!
Love and sisterhood brought extra sparkle to our Women’s Club February Meeting. DPWC Membership Chair, Pearl Zimmerman, played hostess and planned an extraordinary meeting. Sisterhood was in full swing—just like the best sleepover you ever had!
Emily Caragher wowed us all with her homemade cookies (one for each member—yum!) and then upped the ante by providing delicious homemade sugar cookies for us to decorate. It was a sugar-fueled creative zone! Meanwhile, Susie Nielson and her trusty “Sue chefs” rolled out not one, not two, but three mouthwatering salads. Yes, we sampled every single one—and no, we’re not sorry!
Let’s talk decor: the room looked stunning, and Julie Aros’ centerpieces were so gorgeous you wanted to take them home…oh wait, you did get to take them home!
The lunch was filled with laughter and smiles, and while we enjoyed our delicious lunch, members signed Valentine’s cards to brighten the day of our local Age Well seniors. Each senior received a cuddly Beanie Baby buddy along with a handwritten note —a little love goes a long way!
Handbags for Hearts: Our Members shared the love!
Our Members truly understood February's philanthropic mission—and WOW, did they deliver! In January, we put out a call for gently used handbags for the 8th Annual Handbags for Hearts program to be featured at our February meeting. Not only did our fabulous crew part with some of their cherished bags, but they also packed them with donated personal care goodies. Our very own Lucinda Lambros, founder of the popular philanthropy, was absolutely thrilled with the outpouring of generosity. And the surprises didn’t stop there—the Board presented Lucinda with a check for $500. Members donated an additional $125 in cash plus in kind donations valued at a whopping $4,000 during the meeting! You can read more about the event in the Dana Point Times.
A giant thank you to all our amazing members for making it rain kindness (and handbags)!
Philanthropy Update
Project Foster: Adding new Duffle Recipients
Did you know Project Foster is expanding its outreach to other agencies besides Orange County Social Services' Foster Care Program? While foster children will remain our core recipients, we are now partnering with our friends at Orange County United Way's Spark Point Program to reach children of very low income families. United Way works with the families to provide wrap around social services and teach financial literacy in order to prevent homelessness. Project Foster shipped 33 cases to Kinoshita school last week as our first outreach through Spark Point. In addition we are working with CUSD to provide cases to the most urgent needs in children from "McKinney-Vento" families. This is a federal designation that means that families are sharing accommodation with two or more other families. We have also worked directly to help children through Laura's House and are awaiting our first order from Orangewood Foundation, which works with homeless youth, including those who are victims of human trafficking.
Project Foster has been blessed with many volunteers we call "Comfort Angels." They provide wonderful handmade comfort items that create the "magic" in our duffle cases.
These generous, creative ladies make unique pillowcases, quilts, knitted and crocheted blankets and hats and embroider our throws with words of encouragement. Others write and decorate lovely personal notes, make adorable handmade bag buddies to clip on our duffles or package school supplies into pencil cases.
These ladies are essential to our program and we love them! We'll be celebrating them with a Comfort Angel Tea on March 11th at Community House!
Rising Stars and Guiding Lights
Step into the Spotlight! Meet our “Rising Stars” and “Guiding Lights”—the incredible women who keep our group shining. Thanks to Membership Chair and 2nd VP Pearl Zimmerman for these sparkling intros!
Some members bring energy. Others bring expertise. Shari DeFreese brings both—wrapped in warmth, generosity, and style.
Shari has lived in the Dana Point area for nearly 50 years. Professionally, Shari has found her sweet spot in the fashion world, running her home-based clothing business with Cabi, an LA-based fashion house. Shari combines her talents as a personal stylist with a gift for making ladies feel confident and lovely. When she’s not styling clients, Shari stays active and energized through exercise, walking, Pilates, and paddle boarding.
Shari is especially happy helping with the Project Foster and enjoys pitching in before, during, and after meetings, finding joy in the behind-the-scenes moments that keep everything running smoothly.
Shari joined the Dana Point Women’s Club three years ago, drawn in during the holiday season while the Club was organizing its Christmas coat drive. In a moment that beautifully captures her character, she decided to purchase coats for children in her grandchildren’s names. That simple, heartfelt gesture opened the door to a community that Shari embraced. Surrounded by kindness and shared purpose, Shari knew she had found her place.
We are delighted to introduce Rising Star Molly Brown, one of the newest members of our DPWC Sisterhood. Some people simply belong to a place—and Molly Brown is one of them. Molly’s almost 60-year connection to South Orange County runs deep. She is the proud mom of a son and daughter, along with two stepdaughters, all grown and all happily local—a rarity that speaks to the strong roots the family has planted in our coastal town.
Professionally, Molly runs a small private foundation dedicated to providing grants—quiet but impactful work. True to local culture, Molly and her husband grew up surfing. Molly’s husband is a big wave surf photographer currently working on a book featuring his striking work, a project that includes some of her editorial talents.
Joining the Dana Point Women’s Club felt like a natural next step. For Molly, it was about building friendships and deepening ties within a community she’s loved for most of her life. She values the kind of camaraderie that grows when women come together with intention to serve our community.
Book Club News
Our book selection for March, Theo of Golden is a 2023 debut novel by Allen Levi. Set in the fictional small southern town of Golden, Georgia, the story follows a mysterious elderly man who quietly alters the lives of the community through a unique artistic mission.
Book club meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of the month. February's selection, Made in China by March's meeting will be held on Thursday, March 26th, from 1-3 PM at the clubhouse.
If you'd like to participate in the Book Club, please email Karen Lamie and she'll add you to the list.
Save the Dates
Thursday 2/19 1PM - 3PM BOOK CLUB
Wednesday 2/25 5PM - 8PM PAINT AND SIP EVENT
Sunday 3/1 4PM - 6PM LOOK WHAT FELL/MANGO TREE
Thursday 3/5 11AM - 1PM MARCH GENERAL MEETING
Thursday 3/26 1PM - 3PM BOOK CLUB
Thursday 3/2 11AM - 1 PM APRIL GENERAL MEETING
Friday 4/24 5PM - 8PM 75th ANNIVERSARY FUNDRAISER
Be sure to LIKE and FOLLOW our DPWC and Project Foster Facebook Pages and check out
our Instagram Pages @communityhousedp
and @projectfosteroc
