Women's Club of Inverness: Serving, supporting, giving back

Our recent world pandemic has been a time to reflect on who we are and where we are headed.

Over the last 55 years, the Women's Club of Inverness, a 501(c) (3) organization, has demonstrated a generous resolve of aid to those in need within our communities. Through two annual fundraisers and continuously participating in community outreach, the Women's Club of Inverness serves women, children and seniors in Inverness and the surrounding communities. Women from many communities selflessly volunteer their time, energy and financial support to make a difference in the lives of those in need.

The Women's Club of Inverness began with meetings in women's homes in 1963, when 12 women got together with intent to build friendships and address community needs such as beautification of the area. Inverness neighbors also welcomed newcomers from adjoining suburbs to join. The club's regular meetings began in 1965, with the objective to promote and coordinate good cultural and educational activities in the community, as well as to support a variety of charitable organizations.

The nonprofit club has held true to its mission and the vision of its first president Jessalyn Nicklas, a founding leader in establishing the Palatine campus of Harper College was. Her objective to promote and coordinate good cultural and educational activities in the community and to support a variety of charitable organizations continues to this day.

Since then, Women's Club of Inverness has grown exponentially in members. Building legacy is at work as daughters of current and former members are joining to continue making a difference.

"Although some years I have been a less active member, I have maintained my membership since 1998," says Eileen Kohne, club president from 2016-2018. "Being a Women's Club of Inverness member keeps me connected to serving my community, provides a vehicle to give back, and makes me part of creating random acts of kindness. I am proud to have been part of the Women's Club of Inverness mission for 22 years, as well as the 55 years of Women's Club of Inverness giving that has supported 368 students in their education dreams and more than $1.3 million invested in our community of the Northwest Corridor."

The focus of philanthropy is on nonprofit organizations serving school districts 211 and 220. Each spring, the Education Committee reviews scholarship applications and awards grants to deserving local undergraduate college students. Grant applications are mailed to local organizations in late January. Completed applications must be returned to the Philanthropy Committee by the middle of March. The Philanthropy Committee reviews requests and presents its recommendations to Women's Club of Inverness members for approval at the May General Meeting.

A range of community outreach projects are supported by Women's Club of Inverness, including: Shoe Box Express, which mails packages to military personnel serving overseas; Make a Difference Day; Appletree project; Blessings in a Backpack; Adopt a Family at holiday time; and PADS dinners.

Fundraising events hosted by Women's Club of Inverness are put together with months of planning with the intent to delight guests and supporters as they contribute. In the past years, events have included a Sip and Sparkle wine tasting, a A Wee Bit of Fashion Show, a look into Memories of Christmas Past, and a Halloween-themed Witches and Broomsticks fundraiser. All events are planned with a central theme, including the one to come later this year - "The Greatest Show," which will feature an aerialist, soloists, and magician. Our events are planned around vendors for shopping, silent auction and raffle baskets, 50/50 drawings and delicious luncheons. Ticket purchases and donations fuel our philanthropic gifts at the end of each year.

In light of our current situation, the spring fundraiser, "The Greatest Show," has been postponed until later in the year.

"As president for the last two years, I am very proud of the ladies in this club for their diligence, dedication, and generosity in fulfilling our philanthropic goals," says current President Karen Spering. "Many friendships have been formed while working toward our common goals."

General membership meetings are held monthly September through May at the Inverness Golf Club, 102 N. Roselle Road, Inverness. Guests are always welcome at meetings by contacting Jen DeFranco at WCI.vicepres@gmail.com.

For information about joining, donating to, and supporting Women's Club of Inverness, go to www.womensclubofinverness.com.