July 2025 Newsletter
- Dana Point Women's Club
- Jul 19
- 7 min read
Updated: Aug 18
Our July newsletter features the latest updates on Club activities:
Project Foster Packing Party!
Rising Stars and Guiding Lights
Shop for a Cause
Book Club News
Upcoming Events
Wednesday 7/23 1 PM to 3 PM DPWC BOOK CLUB
Wednesday 8/13 5 PM to 8 PM MID SUMMER CHILL & GRILL
Monday 8/18 10 AM to 12 PM PROJECT FOSTER PACKING DAY
Sunday 8/24 10 AM to 3 PM DANA POINT CAR SHOW PARTICIPATION
Thursday 9/4 11 AM to 1 PM LUNCH ON THE PLAYGROUND
Friday 9/12 5 PM to 8 PM EVENING IN TUSCANY
Saturday 9/27 10 AM to 5 PM SHOP FOR A CAUSE
Save the Dates
Packing HOPE for Foster Kids!
DPWC's Project Foster packing party was a huge success! Cheerful volunteers and runners worked together to pack duffle bags, this time for teen boys and girls in the Orange County foster care system. We packed sixty- eight bags and contents, almost all of which were in- kind donations with an estimated retail value of $17,000. Volunteers selected toiletries, clothing, throws, bedding, school supplies, hoodies, caps, stuffed animals and more, and hand wrote an encouraging note to add to each bag.
Especially touching were the hand-knitted caps and adorable handmade pillow cases provided by generous donors, and the cute throws, lovingly embroidered by DPWC member Teri Heisler, with messages like "You are amazing!". Thank you to the 44 volunteers who signed up to help, including 3 teen family members who accompanied member Febyolla Goss. Special thanks to those who brought new clothing and toiletries to help replenish supplies for the next event. Go to our FaceBook page to see our videos and more photos of the event.
The morning was filled with wonderful moments and good energy. Our volunteers had a great time helping with Project Foster. Amy Gleason, who plans to join DPWC, had this to share:
"As a former county social worker who taught life skills to foster care teens preparing to emancipate from the system, my heart was full seeing the amazing and impactful work you all do. Thank you for creating this opportunity to truly make a difference in young people's lives."
Daniel and Gio, drivers for the Priority Center, enjoyed some of our homemade muffins while we finished up so they could load the bags in their truck. They said these deliveries are the favorite part of their job. Daniel said the kids are always jazzed to get so many new items at once, and our bags really make a difference in their lives. Check out our short interview with both gentlemen HERE.
If you missed this fun activity, don't worry. We're planning another on August 18th and will likely plan a DPWC packing event each quarter going forward. Smaller events with girl scouts, church and corporate groups will regularly take place at Community House. Thank you all for embracing Project Foster!
Rising Stars and Guiding Lights
This monthly section highlights some of our new members, "Rising Stars," and our seasoned members, "Guiding Lights". Please read the brief bios below and get to know some of the amazing women in our midst. Thank you to Febyolla Goss, editor of this section of the newsletter for Membership Chair, Pearl Zimmerman who was on vacation.
Guiding Light – Karin Marsh, likes "to put the fun in philanthropy.” Karin has called South Orange County home since 1976, residing in beautiful Laguna Niguel. A devoted mother and proud grandmother, Karin cherishes the time she spends with her children and grandchildren—often gathered in a lively household full of love, kids, cats, and dogs. For over nine years, Karin has been a beloved member of DPWC, where her heart for service and community shines. She finds great joy in supporting the women around her, whether it’s helping set up meetings, arranging flowers, planning parties, or lending a hand at events of all kinds. Karin’s enthusiasm and willingness to help with everything she can has made her a cherished presence at DPWC gatherings. Working alongside the incredible women of DPWC has given her countless treasured memories—ones she holds dear. Previously, Karin served as Co-President with Betty Hill and she has served as Hospitality Chair for years, roles she embraced with love and dedication. Her warmth, energy, and generous spirit continue to light up the community she so deeply cares about.
RisingStar - Debby Thrailkill is the Founder and Chair of Project Foster. She has received many accolades for her philanthropic work, including being honored as one of Orange County's 2025 Women of the Year. A South Orange County resident since 1975—from Dana Point to Coto de Caza, Debby is the proud mother of four and grandmother of seven adorable grandchidren. Passionate about staying active, Debby enjoys working out, golfing, and cooking.
After retiring from several businesses and philanthropic pursuits, Debby founded "My Own - a Case for Kids" (now "Project Foster") in late 2022, a nonprofit that has so far provided more than 2,700 suitcases and essential supplies to Orange County foster children. Debby joined DPWC after receiving incredible support from our members over the past two years. In order to gain more access to volunteers, expand the charity's impact, and benefit from becoming part of an established 501(c)(3) entity, Debby and the DPWC Board mutually and unanimously agreed to fold the charity into DPWC. On June 1st,"My Own- a Case for Kids" was renamed "Project Foster" and was formally adopted by DPWC. It promises to be one of our major philanthropic programs. According to Debby, “DPWC feels like a loving home for Project Foster.”
Shop for a Cause!
DPWC's Project Foster will earn $25 for every ticket purchased for the 11th Annual San Clemente Outlets' Shopping Extravaganza to be held Saturday, September 27th from 10 AM to 5 PM. Each $40 ticket (plus a $2.99 Eventbrite fee) buys:
Lunch catered by Ruby's Diner
Wine Tasting
Discounts throughout the mall
A $25 tax deductible donation to a worthy charity
When you select DPWC as your designated charity at check out, $25 goes directly to Project Foster and we can earn extra awards if we sell more than 100 tickets. DPWC will have 3 volunteers helping at the event as required by the Outlets.
PLEASE BUY A TICKET AND ENCOURAGE YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILIES TO SHOP FOR A CAUSE! Be sure to pick DPWC (fifth charity listed) to direct your donation to Project Foster!
Book Club News
DPWC's book club meets every 4th Wednesday of the month at 1 PM at Community House. Next up is: Wednesday 7/23 1 PM to 3 PM Horse by Geraldine Brooks presented by Shelly Currie. If you'd like to participate, please email Karen Lamie. Karen will be sending a punchbowl invitation to all members for the August book club meeting to make sure our many new members are aware of the club. Please simply respond yes or no to let Karen know if you're interested. We won't bother you with future invites unless you let us know that you'd like to be included. The book for Wednesday August 27th will be The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali. An excellent read!
Upcoming Events
Wed Aug 13 5 to 8 pm -Mid-Summer Chill & Grill!
Grab your partner, friends, family and neighbors and head on over to Community House for our mid-summer Chill & Grill event, Wednesday, August, 13th 5 to 8 PM. Please be sure to register now for this fun event! $20 per person includes one drink ticket, one raffle ticket and fun line dancing instruction with Anne Leslie. Enjoy a no host bar and purchase your dinner at a parking lot BBQ station manned by Orange Pig Smokehouse. Contact Marla Freeman if you'd like to help with this event. See you there!
Monday Aug 18 10am-12pm Project Foster Packing
Please join us as we pack bags for young boys and girls at Community House. We'll also be preparing a stock of school supply pouches donated by DPWC. This event will be limited to 30 people. REGISTER HERE.
Project Foster's current wish list includes the following items if you'd like to bring them as a voluntary contribution to the event (or drop them off if you can't attend)
Girls pull on or yoga style pants sizes 6/8/10/12/14
Women's pull on or yoga style pants sizes XS, S and M
Kids 3 in 1 shampoo (conditioner, shampoo and body wash in one)
Toothpaste (full size)
Hoodies (all sizes)
Men's and Women's Deodorant
Adult PJs
The best place to find affordable toiletries is Dollar Tree or WalMart.
Sunday Aug 24 10am-3pm Dana Point Car Show
DPWC will be hosting a pop up booth at the Dana Point Car Show. We'll offer tours of Community House every 30 minutes and will be promoting our Club membership and philanthropies. Contact Marla Freeman to volunteer for a 2 hour slot.
Wednesday August 27 1 to 3pm - Book Club (see details above)
Thursday Sept 4 11am to 1pm Member Meeting
CLICK HERE for details and to register for our September member meeting. We have two wonderful speakers and will be collecting books for a Palisades Elementary School book drive. Click here to order books from their Project Literacy Amazon WISH LIST. If you are attending the meeting please bring the books there. If not, you can choose the option to deliver them directly to the volunteer librarian.
Friday Sept 12 5pm to 8pm Evening in Tuscany
Stay tuned for more details as Community House is transformed into a garden in Tuscany for a delicious four course homemade Italian dinner. Our amazing Treasurer, Donna Childress. is making her incredible scratch lasagna with homemade noodles along with other wonderful courses. Not to be missed! Seating will be limited. Net proceeds will benefit DPWC philanthropies.
Saturday Sept 27 10am-5pm Shop for a Cause
(see more details above)
NEW DATE! Thursday Oct 9, 5pm-7:30pm Polished with a Purpose
Our beauty expert, Gwen Regan has recovered from her illness and this fun event is back on! Those who purchased a ticket for the original event have been registered for this one. Click HERE to RSVP.
Save the Dates
We will be enjoying our usual summer hiatus and will see you in September, but watch for news of the following fun events:
Thurs October 2 11 AM to 1 PM Halloween Meeting
Thurs October 9 5 PM to 7:30 PM Polished with a Purpose
Thurs October 23 2 PM to 4 PM Telestrations Playdate
Sun October 26 4 PM to 6 PM Do Tell Storytelling Event*
* benefiting Project Foster
Hope to see you at our Chill & Grill Event!
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