OUR HISTORY:

Just as someone who knew Wellington only in the late 1970’s might not recognize our village today, an original member of what grew to be the Women of the Western Communities would be amazed to see how far the organization has come.

Nearly fifty years ago, in 1977, when Wellington was very young, new residents were greeted by Nan Boss, a hostess for Welcome Wagon. In that capacity, Nan arranged to visit a new resident of The Twelfth Fairway, Joan Manning, who assembled a group of neighbors for Nan’s call. The gathering was so well received that Nan contacted 300 households and invited the women to become part of the Welcome Wagon Club. By the end of 1977, under the direction of its first President, Joan Manning, the association had a membership of nearly 100.

The Club’s activities were largely social, with monthly luncheon meetings at the Palm Beach Polo and Country Club. When the group outgrew those facilities, meetings were rotated among area restaurants. Get-acquainted teas were held at various members’ homes, and on occasion, business sponsors of Welcome Wagon would speak to the attendees.

The Village of Wellington’s first mayor, Kathy Foster, served as President in the early 1980s, during which time the group began meeting at the original Wellington Club (now the Wanderers Club) and shifting its focus towards charitable endeavors, including an annual fashion show. The name of the organization was officially changed to the Wellington Women’s Club in 1983-1984. In 1994, President Jo Cudnik began the scholarship program, awarding college scholarships to local high school seniors to continue their educations.

Over the years, the Club has supported the YWCA Harmony House, a safe area shelter for women and their children who have been affected by domestic abuse. In 2010, the Club adopted one of the resident apartments at the facility, and continued their ongoing care for many years. 

The name of the group was changed again in 2011 to incorporate the changing and growing membership, who now reside in Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, the Acreage, Loxahatchee, Arden, Westlake and western Lake Worth. The Women of the Western Communities kept the same initials as the original group, as well as all of the social philanthropic works. In 2012, the WWC added monthly donations to the YWCA Harmony House, of much needed items, such as cleaning supplies, health and beauty aids, and diapers.

The members of the WWC took a three year hiatus due to the Covid-19 health crisis, to keep our membership and guests safe. The ladies reunited in April 2023, and continued the mission of “women helping women”. The scholarship program focus has changed, and the group is now awarding college scholarships for qualified women to return to school, or continue their education journey, to help their families thrive. 

The Women of the Western Communities has several charitable beneficiaries this season. Our Community Cares (please add link) is a community based organization that helps senior citizens in the Western Communities age in place and offers transportation services, light maintenance, and caring volunteers. They also contribute to Meals On Wheels, (please add link) an organization that works to combat hunger and isolation of senior citizens in the local community. Other beneficiaries for the 2024-2025 season include Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, Dress for Success, and Prom Beach. (please add links). 

The Women of the Western Communities continues their generous monthly donations, powered by the amazing members and guests. The WWC meetings are held once a month, and feature local speakers and fun activities. 

Come join us!