May 2025 Newsletter
- Dana Point Women's Club
- May 14
- 4 min read
Our May newsletter features the latest updates on Club activities:
May Meeting Celebrates Project Scholarship
Book Club News
Shop- A- Rita Day
Successful 4th Cocktails for a Cause
DPWC Adopts Project Foster
Upcoming Events
Wednesday 5/28 1PM - 3PM BOOK CLUB
Thursday 6/ 5 10:30 AM- 1PM CHEERS TO 75 YEARS!
Thursday 6/12 2PM - 4PM BUNCO MEMBER PLAYDATE
Save the dates
May Meeting Celebrates Project Scholarship
This year's scholarhship meeting was heartwarming and wonderul and double the fun! We expanded our scholarship awards from the usual 3 to 6, thanks to two scholarships funded by the Tina and Bernie Fornadley Giving Fund and dedicated to girls pursuing higher education in engineering, and one funded by the Ann Austin Romano Memorial Scholarship Fund directed to a girl who resides in Capistrano Beach. This is one of our members' favorite meetings! It was delightful to hear from these amazing scholars and to meet them and their proud parents. The Scolarship Committee Co-Chairs, Betty Hill and Carol Kelly plus a few committee members will join the girls again at their DHHS award ceremony. Toni Nelson will attend the SCHS award ceremony to honor Kristel Donis, the Ann Romano award winner. Read more HERE.
Book Club News!
by Karen Lamie
The DPWC Book Group’s inaugural meeting was a huge success!
The group met on April 23 to discuss “Crying in H Mart" by Michelle Zauner.
Although the book itself was not a group favorite, there were many lively discussions and great camaraderie amongst the group. Thank you to all who attended and engaged in the discussion!
Our next book selection is The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. Toni Nelson will lead the discussion on May 28th, 2025 at 1 PM.
As a reminder, our book group meets the fourth Wednesday of each month from 1-3pm at Community House. All members are welcome! Please contact Karen if you'd like to be added to the Punchbowl invitation.
Shop - A - Rita Day Sizzled!
This was our largest Cozzena event ever. Guests enjoyed a complimentary margarita and snacks while perusing Cozzena's beautiful new spring collection of clothing, jewelry and accessories. And best of all, 20% of sales proceeds ( about $1400) was donated to DPWC philanthropies! A huge thank you to Marla Freeman and our adorable model, Febyolla Goss,for making this a great event!
Successful 4th Cocktails for a Cause!
by Febyolla Goss
Cheers to another unforgettable night! The 4th Annual Cocktails for a Cause hosted by the Dana Point Women’s Club was a huge success! Thanks to our sponsors, donors, members, volunteers and guests, we were able to raise $32,000 for United Way's Spark Point South OC.
We gathered at the beautiful Aventura Sailing Club in Dana Point Harbor to raise funds for SparkPoint OC — Helping local families build financial stability, and this year, extending support to survivors of exploitation.
From delicious salmon, chicken, and sides topped off by delightful desserts, to silent & live auctions, raffles, and wine pulls, guests enjoyed a lively event. A highlight was the fun photo booth packed with smiles and most wonderful were the warm welcoming speeches from Marla, Kathy & Toni.
Nearly half our guests walked away with a prize—and everyone left with a full heart. THANK YOU to all who attended, supported, and volunteered, and especially to our sponsors shown at left. We’re grateful for the love and can’t wait to see you in 2026! Click HERE to read more about this successful event.
DPWC Adopts Project Foster
Effective June 1st, Project Foster (previously known as "My Own - A Case for Kids", the brainchild of founder and new DPWC member, Debby Thrailkill, will be officially adopted as DPWC's in house charity. Project Foster is a heartwarming grass roots charity founded in 2022 to provide suitcases filled with basic belongings to some of the 3,400 kids in Orange County Social Services' foster care system.
DPWC has supported this charity since its inception, referring to it as "Project Foster", a name that Debby and her team have chosen to adopt as a new, shorter name for the cause. To date, Project Foster has delivered over 2,600 bags filled with clothing, linens, hygiene items and a handwritten note of encouragement to foster kids. The cause has grown to a point where Debby recognized the need to either form a separate 501 (c) (3) entity, or seek an established entity under which to operate. We are thrilled that she chose DPWC.
Please join us for our free, members only, June 5th meeting, "Cheers to 75 Years!" to hear more about Project Foster and celebrate the launch of our new fiscal year - our 75th year serving South Orange County.
Upcoming Events
Wednesday May 28th, 1 PM to 3 PM - BOOK CLUB - The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon.
Thursday June 5th, 1O:30 AM to 1 PM - CHEERS TO 75 YEARS - A FREE members only luncheon to launch our 75th year!
Install our new Board and hear a brief recap of our amazing fiscal year
Welcome Project Foster and meet Debby Thrialkill and her team of new DPWC members and seasoned volunteers
Champagne toast to 75 years of serving Orange County!
Delicious Board prepared lunch (you'll love it!)
Fun raffle drawings
Exciting brainstorming session - help us plan our anniversary year activities!
Register HERE.
Thursday June 12th 2 - 4 PM MEMBER BUNCO PLAYDATE - Community House - Look for Punchbowl Invitation
Save the Dates We will be having our usual summer hiatus and will see you in September, but watch for news of the following fun events:
Thursday July 10th 5 PM to 7 PM Telestrations Member Play- date ( hilarious game!)
Wednesday August 13th, 5 PM to 7PM Line Dancing @ DPWC
Sunday August 24th, 10 AM to 3 PM Dana Point Car Show Booth
Thursday September 4th, 11 AM to 1PM Back to School Meeting
Friday September 12, 5 PM to 8 PM Evening in Tuscany Dinner
Have a wonderful summer!
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