November 2025 Newsletter
- Dana Point Women's Club
- 2 days ago
- 9 min read
Our November newsletter features the latest updates on Club activities:
Honoring Those Who Serve
A Holiday Shopping Extravaganza
Dana Point Turkey Trot to Benefit Project Foster
Project Foster's Pajama Party
Philanthropy Update
Rising Stars and Guiding Lights
Book Club News
Save the Dates
Wednesday 11/26 12PM to 6 PM         TURKEY TROT - PF Booth Â
Thursday 11/27 6 AM to 11 AM       TURKEY TROT - PF Booth  Â
Thursday 12/4Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 10:30 AM to 1 PMÂ Â Â Â MINGLE & JINGLE
Friday 12/5 10:00 AM to 2 PMÂ Â Â ANGEL TREE WRAPPING EVENT
Thursday 1/8 Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 10:30 AM to 1 PM Â Â JANUARY GENERAL MEETINGÂ
Honoring Those Who Serve
With flags from every branch of the military hanging overhead, Community House was transformed into a lively space to celebrate female veterans. Two historical reenactors from the Historical Unit of Southern California read personal stories written by actual army nurses during their time serving in World War II and the Vietnam War.  Presenters Carli Holland and Lori Ann Rodriguez wore authentic vintage nurses’ uniforms from the era in which these women served, highlighting the contrast between the more stylized versions portrayed in movies. These heart-wrenching stories reminded DPWC members of just how remarkable these women were and made us very grateful for the service of our veterans and those who serve today.
In a spirited tribute on behalf of our Project Military philanthropy, the Dana Point Women’s Club joyfully donated $5,000 toward an inspiring new bronze statue, Returning Home, which captures the heartfelt moment of a military family reuniting. DPWC will also be recognized with a plaque on a the "Wall of Honor" for decades to come. Terry Rifkin, dynamic President and CEO of the Dana Point 5th Regiment Support Group, has been passionately leading efforts to raise funds for this meaningful monument, soon to be a proud centerpiece in Dana Point's Heritage Park.
As we eagerly awaited lunch, our members wrote and signed thank you letters which will be sent to military personnel at Camp Pendleton. The delicious meal did not disappoint—fresh turkey and cranberry sandwiches paired perfectly with warm, savory tomato and butternut squash soups, all thoughtfully prepared by Donna Childress, our dedicated treasurer, and Toni Nelson, our PR Director. The culinary experience reached its festive peak when dessert arrived: Donna's decadent pumpkin spice cupcake that brought smiles all around and capped off the afternoon on a sweet, celebratory note.
A Holiday Shopping Extravaganza !
Ways & Means Director, Marla Freeman along with popular Fashion boutique, Cozzena held a pop-up Holiday Clothing Boutique on Friday November 7th, with 20% of the sales benefiting DPWC philanthropies.
Cozenna showcased racks of fashionable clothing, gifts and accessories, ideal for gifts or festive attire. Attendees enjoyed snacks and a glass of champagne, browsing and socializing with friends while shopping for a Cause! Read more about this fun day on our Facebook Page.
Appointment of 1st Vice President
We’re excited to share that Toni Nelson, who’s been our awesome Public Relations Director, is stepping in as 1st Vice President! In this new role, Toni will manage Project Foster along with all our philanthropy programs and will also support our Board members as they take turns hosting our monthly luncheon meetings.
Toni’s no stranger to this job—she’s actually done it before and brings a ton of experience with her. She’s truly passionate about our philanthropic projects and can’t wait to keep making a difference.
While Toni assumes the duties of 1st Vice President, she will also continue to fulfill her current responsibilities as PR Director until a new appointment is made. Her dedication ensures a smooth transition and continued excellence in both roles. We are confident that Toni's leadership and commitment will lead to continued success for our philanthropy programs and Hospitality Committee. We look forward to all that she will accomplish in this position.
Dana Point Turkey Trot to benefit Project Foster
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DPWC is honored to have been selected as one of 3 beneficiaries of the Chamber of Commerce 48th annual Dana Point Turkey Trot! Thank you to all those who signed up to man our booth in two hour shifts on Wednesday, November 26th (12 PM to 6 PM) and Thursday November 27th (6 AM to 11 AM). Proceeds of this annual Thanksgiving race traditionally yield significant donations to local philanthropies.
Booth volunteers will have a chance to talk with members of the public about Project Foster, and will be accepting donations of pajamas of all sizes in response to our Pajama Drive. 11,000 people attend the Dana Point Turkey Trot each year. Please Note: DPWC members who would like to participate in the (walk/run) race, can purchase tickets at Turkeytrot.com, using promo code Project Foster25 to save 10%.
Project Foster's Pajama Party
Project Foster Founder and Program Chair, Debby Thrailkill recently decided to enhance the duffle contents by adding pajamas to the packing list for foster and other at-risk kids served by the program. At this point, we are limiting pajamas to boys and girls only, sizes 3T to child XL (16-18). We are looking for non-holiday PJs if possible, since the kids will be wearing these year round.
There are several pajama drives underway at the following locations:
Dana Point Turkey Trot
City of Dana Point staff drive
Palisades Elementary School
Barre 3 San Clemente
South Coast Singers Rehearsal
Our heartfelt thanks is extended to all these sponsors for helping us add a little more comfort to our duffles! Interested DPWC members can drop off PJs at the warehouse, at the turkey trot, or bring them to our 12/4 meeting. Please email Project Foster if you'd like to add a drive for pajamas or other items at your church, club or business, and we'll send you a flyer.
Philanthropy Update
Project Foster:
Project Foster now has several trained leads who are starting to set up work sessions where DPWC members can volunteer by sorting incoming donations of clothing and other items, making hygiene or clothing kits and carefully packing duffle bags for shipment to the kids and teens we serve.
From left, Denise Laurent, Cyndy Bloch, Isabel Bloom and Denise Alvarez sort a generous donation of new donated t-shirts Venee Tysler is sending out sign up opportunities periodically on Sign Up Genius. Thankfully, our members are eagerly signing up. Go to SIGN UP GENIUS to sign up for available open slots in January.
The warehouse is getting organized into defined sections for boys, girls and teen clothing, hygiene and comfort items, with extra space for overflow items so that leads can maintain order and quickly access stock for volunteer sessions.
Project Foster is very grateful for our recent generous cash donations from the Newport Exchange Club, the Santa Elks Club, Rotary Club of Laguna and Woravka Family Children's Foundation. In addition, we continue to receive many in kind donations including major donations from the Slovenian Union of America, Beach Angels, and many individuals including our own generous members. It would be impossible to finance more than 1,000 filled cases per year without enormous community support. Cash donations help us fill the holes in our donated inventory so that we can supply clothing in the right sizes to each foster or at-risk child we serve. Thank you!
Project Foster has new Facebook and Instagram pages which are being monitored by new member Katie Horelick. Thanks Katie! Please check them out and be sure to LIKE and FOLLOW our pages to help increase community awareness.
Project Angel Tree:
At our November 6th meeting, Ways and Means Director Marla Freeman assigned Project Angel Tree cards to members willing to purchase gifts for needy children at our two local elementary schools. A total of 70 children from 32 families will have a brighter Christmas thanks to their generosity. In addition, the Board approved $100 grocery gift cards for each family for a total of $3200. We are truly fortunate to have such a supportive membership, enabling us to assist so many families this year without needing help from outside philanthropies. Those who wanted to help but were unable to obtain an angel card are encouraged to support our Project Foster pajama drive instead.
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Please bring your unwrapped presents in a bag or box with the Angel Tree card securely attached to our Mingle & Jingle December 4th meeting. If you would like to help gift wrap on December 5th, or if you are not attending the luncheon, please email Project Angel Tree coordinator, Marla Freeman to arrange a drop off of your gifts. Presents will be wrapped and delivered to Palisades and RH Dana Elementary Schools on December 5th.
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 our Membership Chair and 2nd VP Pearl Zimmerman who is the editor of this section.
Guiding Light Monique Wolff was the very first member of the Dana Point Women’s Club that our Membership Chair, Pearl Zimmerman, ever met. According to Pearl, "from that moment, I knew I was encountering someone extraordinary. I will always be grateful that she was the one who welcomed me in—her enthusiasm, warmth, and genuine passion for service made joining the Club, and later the Board, feel not just natural, but fulfilling."
Monique embodies the heart of what women can accomplish when they come together with purpose. She has an infectious energy that inspires others to step up, get involved, and discover the joy of giving back. As the Facilities Director for our Community House as well as our new Project Foster warehouse, Monique takes on challenges with creativity and determination. She also has a secret superpower: her husband, Mike—a talented contractor and award-winning chili chef—who often lends his skills to transform our ideas into reality.
Most recently, Monique poured her talents into planning, organizing, and beautifully decorating our successful September 2025 meeting. She is also trying her hand at newsletter writing, and is the author of the first three articles above!
Rising Star Susie Nielson is one of four retired Bathgate Elementary teachers who recently brought their warmth and talent to the Dana Point Women’s Club. After 28 years of inspiring third graders—and 11 years dedicated to raising her own children—Susie now pours her creativity into new passions.
A gifted seamstress, she’s already set to sew pillowcases for Project Foster, stitching comfort and care into every piece she makes. And if that weren’t enough, Susie is also a legendary baker: each winter holiday season, she prepares an astonishing 5,000 cookies to share with family and friends. While the cookies bake, you’ll find Susie cheering enthusiastically for her favorite college football teams—USC and the University of Oregon—adding even more spirit to her already lively home. Susie has been married for 43 years, with two married children. She treasures babysitting her three grandkids weekly! Susie brings heart, talent, and enthusiasm wherever she goes, and we’re delighted to welcome her into the DPWC community.
Cathy Sherburne is another of the four retired Bathgate Elementary teachers who recently joined DPWC. Cathy brings with her a blend of creativity, enthusiasm, and truly remarkable life experiences. Cathy loved teaching third graders—an age she describes as magical—when students take their first big steps toward greater responsibility, organization, and academic independence.
One of Cathy’s greatest joys in the classroom was nurturing a love of art. Her passion began in childhood, when her father—an automotive designer for Ford and later Toyota—would hold Cathy's hand, guiding her to add a few special brushstrokes to his paintings at home. Those small moments became treasured memories and helped shape her lifelong appreciation for art and creativity. Since joining DPWC, Cathy has jumped right in, helping organize books and training as a Project Foster packing lead. Her energy, artistry, and spirit of service make her a wonderful addition to our community.
Book Club News
DPWC's book club meets every 4th Wednesday of the month at 1 PM at Community House. We're meeting early this month due to Thanksgiving. On Wednesday, November 19th, we'll be discussing The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman.  Â
We'll be skipping December due to the holidays. The book for Wednesday, January 28th will be a beloved classic, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith.
The discussion will be led by Cynthia Kartman. Another excellent read! 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
Wednesday 11/26 12PM to 6 PM TURKEY TROT - PF BoothÂ
Thursday 11/27 6 AM to 11 AM TURKEY TROT - PF Booth  Â
Thursday 12/4 10:30 AM to 1 PM MINGLE & JINGLE
Friday 12/5 10:00 AM to 2 PM ANGEL TREE WRAPPING EVENT
Thursday 1/8 10:30 AM to 1 PM JANUARY GENERAL MEETING
Hope to see you at the turkey trot. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Be sure to LIKE and FOLLOW our DPWC and Project Foster Facebook Pages and check out
our Instagram Pages @communityhousedp
and @projectfosteroc