Women’s Club Celebrates 70 Years of Service

For 70 years the Women’s Club of Costa Rica has been dedicated to giving to communities in need. One of the oldest continuously operating service organizations in he country, the group has an amazing history that will be celebrated at a luncheon Feb. 10 at the Aurola Holiday Inn in San José. A specially produced documentary will chronicle seven decades of the club’s good times and good works.

What began as a small social club quickly turned to more serious projects with the advent of World War II, when the club helped establish first aid stations and air raid shelters. The stories are legion through seven decades of dedication and contributions in excess of $500,000 in hospital equipment, nursing grants, rehabilitation centers, scholarships, library programs and more.

Two of the Women’s Club’s proudest achievements are raising $50,000 to bring the first mammogram to the country in 1980 and sponsoring production in 2000 of an award-winning radionovela on the subject of domestic abuse, which has since been aired in 25 countries.

The club boasts a membership of 250 women, from 20-somethings to age 95. The English-speaking women hail from all corners of the globe: Central and South America, North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. The club is a virtual melting pot of nations, all drawn together by the motto “Friendship Through Service.”

And the men have not been forgotten. Last year saw the initiation of an auxiliary group called Amigos Asociados to recognize and thank those men who provide substantial support year-round to the club’s fundraising endeavors.

The public and members are welcome to join in the celebratory luncheon to be held Feb. 10 at 11 a.m. on the 17th floor of the Aurola Holiday Inn at Calle 5, Avenida 5. Tickets cost ¢10,000 (about $18) and must be bought in advance by calling 2268-3748 or 2249-2345.

Monthly meetings of the Women’s Club, with guest speakers, are held the second Wednesday of each month. For more information, visit www.wccr.org.