Founded in 1948, the Boca Grande Woman’s Club (BGWC) has a long tradition of service and contributions to the Boca Grande Community. Through the Club’s Community Grant and Scholarship Programs, the organization impacts the lives of those living, working and visiting Boca Grande and the surrounding area. Our members give generously of their time, talents and funds to ensure the success of the organization’s goals and programs. With over 350 members, we are deeply intertwined in all phases of life in our community.
BGWC at Work in the Community
Emergency Relief Fund Provided Financial Assistance to Local Workforce and Businesses
In early April, 2020, the Boca Grande Woman’s Club established an emergency relief fund to provide immediate, short term relief for the economic hardships incurred due to the shuttering of businesses and social activities to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus. The pandemic and subsequent quarantining struck at the height of Boca Grande’s seasonal business activity thereby causing a severe economic impact on both individuals in the workforce and local businesses.
With $250,000 in initial funds provided by the Woman’s Club, the Emergency Relief Fund was quickly augmented by many generous donations from members of the Boca Grande community. An anonymous matching challenge was issued along with a friendly challenge to the Men’s Club. Over 250 members of the community demonstrated their commitment to Boca Grande by making generous gifts amounting to over $500,000 to the Fund. As President Vicky Winterer stated, “the generosity of so many surpassed all our expectations. People care deeply about the fabric of the community and are committed to preserving it as the special place it is.”
A Task Force was created and consisted of Fr. Jerome Carosella of Our Lady of Mercy Church, Dr. Ray James of the Boca Grande Health Clinic, Mary O’Bannon of the BGWC, prominent landlord Bayne Stevenson, and Hudson’s Grocery owner Emily Wise.The Task Force received confidential applications for assistance from restaurant wait staff, caterers, bartenders, house cleaners, fishing captains, salon employees, limousine drivers, tour guides, retail sales clerks, exercise therapists, construction workers, and local business owners. When the May 1 deadline for applications arrived, over 200 individuals and 30 local businesses had applied for and received financial assistance. Hudson’s Grocery Store delivered food boxes to 170 families during this time as well.
The Boca Grande Woman’s Club is proud to once again be able to serve its community during a time of unprecedented challenges.
Watch the Dog Gone Wild West Spirit Day and Dog Show!
Appreciation for Woman’s Club Scholarship Program
As a parent of a player on the LBHS girls basketball team, I would like to Thank You for your donation to them. They are a great group of girls and can use the support from some great role models! Thank you again, David Orris Don DeWitt and Associates
2020 Christmas Tree Lighting
The Woman’s Club opened the 2020 Christmas season by honoring our pandemic heroes, who officially opened the Christmas season by turning on the lights of the 1954 tree across from Hudson’s grocery. Children from The Island School followed with a retelling version of the Christmas story, Boca Grande style. More photos on the Tree Lighting page.
