March 2026 Newsletter
- Dana Point Women's Club
- Mar 22
- 9 min read
Join us for our 75th Anniversary Event
Our 75th Anniversary Event is coming April 24th— tickets are officially on sale!
Picture this: you, your best crew, and a night that channels glamour and vintage vibes! And let’s be honest—this is just the perfect excuse to break out the makeup bag, pile on some glitter, and dress up for a Friday night that’ll make your Instagram followers wonder if you moonlight as a movie star. And let's not forget the live entertainment, followed with some afterparty surprises that will keep the excitement going!
But don’t delay—tickets are on sale now and this is shaping up to be our biggest fundraiser yet. In other words, if you wait too long, you may find yourself like Don Draper of Mad Men… staring at an empty glass and wondering what happened.
Have you heard whispers about our secret after party? Keep this between us—the details remain shrouded in secrecy. The full story will be unveiled at our April 2nd General Meeting, so don’t miss your chance to be in the know! Plus, members will be given the chance to receive exclusive tickets to a mysterious party attraction. The question is: will you be one of the winners?
Grab your tickets now—before they disappear faster than a 1950s office happy hour. 🍸
All proceeds benefit our Project Foster philanthropy—where together, we're making a difference and bringing smiles to children in foster care! We count on ALL our members to help with our annual fundraiser. Can’t make it to the event? No worries. You can still join our fun ‘Buy A Bag’ campaign —with a $250 donation, you’ll fund a duffle bag packed full of essentials and deliver a little happiness to a foster child’s day.
Or make it a team effort and ‘Split A Bag’ with a friend! Share the giving, share the joy!
Looking for an Exciting Way to Get Involved in the event?
Join the fun by volunteering! Be part of something historic—volunteer with us and turn your time into an adventure! Whether you’re looking to make new friends or simply have a blast, there’s a role for everyone. Dive into the excitement, help create lasting memories, and experience the energy of our remarkable community— Don’t miss out on the fun!
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.
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!
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.
Come for the cause-stay for the party! Shhh!!!
March Meeting-Bloom into Spring!
Bloom into Spring was the theme of our March General Meeting, and the Community House looked like the happiest Flower Market in town! Blooms of every color transformed the space into a fragrant wonderland. Monique Wolff, President, envisioned filling the space with flowers and led the meeting by encouraging members to reflect on how they can “bloom” this season. As a bonus, each member got to choose a flower to wrap and take home—a little spring magic for the road. And with ‘Bloom’ cards in hand, everyone scribbled down a word or two about their hopes for blooming this spring.
The fun continued with Julie Aros, our in-house florist extraordinaire, dazzling us with a live flower arranging demonstration. With flair and laughter, she showed just how easy it is to turn a handful of stems into something stunning—no magic wands required! Thank you, Julie!
Honoring Project Foster's "Comfort Angels"
The Community House hosted a traditional English Tea to celebrate and recognize our dedicated ‘Comfort Angels.’ These remarkable women generously devote their time and talents to support our Project Foster program. Their contributions include quilting, sewing, knitting and crocheting distinctive blankets, hats, and pillowcases which are thoughtfully included in our duffle bags for foster and at-risk kids. The handcrafted items add a special touch, making each duffle bag unique and meaningful. Other "angels" assist by handwriting notes of encouragement, assembling school supplies pouches or embroidering uplifting quotes on the throws that are included in every duffle.
About 20 Comfort Angels joined Board members and Project Foster leads and joyfully shared their tips, tricks and talents while enjoying a lovely lunch in their honor. These ladies sprinkle the "magic" in our duffles, investing their time, talent, resources and LOVE making wonderful items that say, "I made this for you. You matter. " From the bottom of our hearts... Thank You! from all of us at DPWC's Project Foster.
How to Sign Up on SignUpGenius
1. Open the Sign-Up Link
• Click the link shared with you (email, text, etc.)
• It takes you directly to the event page
2. Find Your Slot
• Scroll through the list of items, dates, or time slots
• Choose the dates and time slots that suit you
3. Click “Sign Up”
• Check the box next to your chosen slot
• Click the “Submit & Sign Up” button (usually at top or bottom)
4. Enter Your Info
• Fill in required details:
• Name
• Phone #
• Click “Sign Up Now”
5. Confirmation
• You’ll see a confirmation screen
• You may also get a confirmation email
⸻
How to Cancel Your Sign-Up
Option 1: From Confirmation Email (Easiest)
1. Open the email from SignUpGenius
2. Click “View Sign Up”
3. Find your name/slot
4. Click “Delete” or “Cancel Sign Up”
5. Confirm
6. Email or text the Lead to let them know you cancelled.
Option 2:
Go to www.signupgenious.com and sign in
Click on the icon for your name
Click on Sign Up Dashboard
Click on trash icon to delete your sign up
Click "yes. Delete" to confirm
Email or text the Lead to let them know you cancelled.
Another SOLD OUT Event!!
Our sold-out event was packed! The agenda: Paint and Sip (aka, paint something that vaguely resembles art while sipping something that vaguely resembles wine). Our members had a blast, armed with snacks and fun conversation. Each masterpiece was unique. It was amazing to see the differences in everyone's paintings. Until the next one-Cheers to colorful canvases and great friends!
Sip and Snip?? Ladies, would you be interested in a Sip and Snip flower arranging event hosted by our lovely Julie Aros? Please contact Marla Freeman so we can build an interest list.
What an extraordinary evening it was! The audience was captivated by the impressive talent and versatility displayed by just two actors. Playwright and actress Debra Ehrhardt and Christopher Grossett delivered a stunning performance, seamlessly portraying multiple characters throughout the play. Their dynamic stage presence and ability to bring various personalities to life made the show both engaging and memorable. Mango Tree was directed by famous actor/composer/singer Paul Williams who was in attendance. The play was thoroughly enjoyed by a large audience, and its success extended beyond the stage, benefiting both the Jamaica Cultural Alliance and Project Foster. Read more in the Dana Point Times HERE.
Philanthropy Update
Project Foster News
We were honored to host Director of Orange County Social Services An Tran, along with
Chief Deputy Director Veronica Rodriguez, Child and Family Services Division Director Loan English, and CFS Deputy Director Rita Rangel for a tour and meeting at our San Juan Capistrano warehouse in early March. These senior officials were delighted to pack their own duffles and see our operation firsthand. We are very grateful to be partnering with these experienced professionals who clearly care deeply for the youth they serve.
We learned some interesting facts in the meeting including the number of reports of suspected neglect or abuse that are reported each year in Orange County (30,000) and the number of kids who suffer from mental health disorders as a result of the trauma they often experience (80%). The contents of our duffles are specifically curated to assuage some of that trauma, providing dignity, comfort and hope to the extent we can. We also learned that OCSS/CFS, along with foster care agencies nationwide, are working hard to prevent the need for fostering by supporting families and offering parenting skills training and other assistance to keep kids in their homes wherever possible. We are grateful for this thoroughly enjoyable and informative meeting.
Project Scholarship Underway
Project Scholarship Co -Chairs Betty Hill and Carol Kelly and their committee are hard at work reviewing scholarship applications that are starting to come in from local high school graduates. The Board voted unanimously to increase scholarship awards to $2,000 each from $1,500 in the last few years.
We are offering 3 scholarships to female DHHS grads and one to a Capistrano Beach resident through the Ann Romano Memorial award. A fifth scholarship may be offered by the Tina and Bernie Fornadley Giving Fund to an applicant pursuing a non -traditional education such as plumbing or electrical training (subject to an applicant coming forth). Read more details in the flyer at left. Scholarships will be awarded at our very popular May 7th meeting when you'll get to hear from our impressive scholarship recipients.
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!
Rising Star Michelle Trosset is bringing fresh energy and enthusiasm to our DPWC community. After her husband recently retired, the couple made the joyful decision to return to South Orange County, where he grew up. Michelle was quickly drawn to DPWC because of its inspiring commitment to community service and meaningful friendships—two things she values deeply. Professionally, Michelle is an Executive Administrative Business Partner and Project Manager at Cisco, the global technology company behind Webex. She works primarily from home, with occasional trips to San Francisco for quarterly meetings. The flexibility of her role allows her to maintain a wonderful work–life balance, which is especially important as she supports her daughter in college and her son at Dana Hills High School. Before embracing the busy and rewarding life of motherhood, Michelle channeled her drive and determination into participating in triathlons across California—a testament to her adventurous spirit and dedication. Some members bring energy. Others bring expertise.
Guiding Light Roxanne DiMaggio will take center stage as the Master of Ceremonies for our DPWC 75th Anniversary Gala on April 24. A dedicated member of DPWC since 2013, Roxanne brings warmth, charisma, and years of experience to the podium. She has masterfully emceed beloved community events, including Taste of Dana and gatherings at El Niguel Country Club. Roxanne’s commitment to community shines brightly. She has served as a Girl Scouts leader and PTA President, roles that reflect her passion for uplifting families and inspiring the next generation. Some of Roxanne’s most cherished DPWC memories capture the spirit of friendship and fun that defines our club—earning 2nd place at a spirited Chili Cook-Off, supporting Cocktails for a Cause fundraisers, and sharing meaningful conversations through the DPWC Book Club. At her core, Roxanne believes in the power of connection. Her joy comes from meeting new people, building lasting friendships, and being a steadfast pillar in the communities she loves.
We are working hard finding and writing grant requests to support both Project Foster and our proposed renovation of Community House. We could use more womanpower on finding and writing the grants, each of which has a different format. If you have writing talent and love our philanthropies, please contact Toni Nelson who will show you the ropes.
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.
April's selection is The Correspondent, by Virginia Evans. This is also a best seller and highly recommended novel about Sylvia, a 70-plus retired lawyer who tries to make sense of the world and confront her painful past through writing letters - some she sends, many she never does. Several news organizations have claimed this to be the BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR.
For those who are ahead on the reading schedule, here is May's selection. The Brain that Changes Itself, by Norman Doidge, M.D. This nonfiction book is also a NY Times bestseller. This book is about neuroplasticity - the idea that the human brain can reorganize and change itself throughout life - even after injury and in ways scientists once thought impossible!
Book club meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of the month from 1-3 PM at the clubhouse. **Note April's has been changed to Tuesday, April 21.
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 4/2 11AM - 1 PM APRIL GENERAL MEETING
Tuesday 4/21 1PM - 3PM BOOK CLUB
Friday 4/24 5PM - 8PM 75th ANNIVERSARY FUNDRAISER
Thursday 5/7 11AM - 1 PM MAY GENERAL MEETING
Thursday 5/28 1PM - 3PM BOOK CLUB
Be sure to LIKE and FOLLOW our DPWC and Project Foster Facebook Pages and check out
our Instagram Pages @communityhousedp
and @projectfosteroc
