The Women’s Club of Spring Lake

The Women’s Club of Spring Lake is an organization dedicated to service and philanthropy in the community. It exists to serve the community, its members, and to contribute to a prosperous future for women of all ages. With a rich history in Spring Lake that spans more than 100 years, the club played an instrumental role in the formation of the Spring Lake Library and Community House, which opened on Nov. 14, 1919. Today, its mission continues to focus on supporting local organizations, providing scholarships, and promoting civic, cultural, and environmental initiatives. Through these efforts, the club helps open doors to new opportunities and makes a lasting difference in the lives of those in the community.

Community Involvement

What makes the Women’s Club of Spring Lake unique is the visible presence of its members throughout the town in a wide range of volunteer roles. “We contribute to all first responders and have close relationships with the Borough Council, Mayor, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Mountz School. And we hold events for veterans, focusing on women veterans,” says former WCSP President Dr. Kathleen Reddick. Members are consistently active in service across the community. They have created strong local connections by being committed to helping local needs.

Fundraising is an essential part of supporting scholarships and local charities. The club raises funds through events such as fall luncheons and theater fundraisers, as well as selling baked goods at the Spring Lake Irish and Italian Day festivals. Additional efforts include selling pies at Thanksgiving and selling jewelry donated by members during the Christmas season. Throughout the year, the club also organizes member events that further support its philanthropic mission. They love to be involved while having fun in the process.

The Women’s Club of Spring Lake also works closely with the community to support and strengthen local initiatives. The Borough Council has supported the efforts of the WCSL by facilitating the administration of their licenses and permits. The Breakers-by-the-Sea and the Spring Lake Bath and Tennis Club host events and provide accommodation for their events. Local businesses contribute with donations, gift cards, floral arrangements, gifts, and baskets to support the raffles. They have access to the Borough Council Chambers, Marucci Recreation Center, the Spring Lake Community House, and Duggan Hall for meetings and fundraisers. The WCSL is a vital asset to the Spring Lake community because of its collaboration with other nonprofits to improve the quality of life.

Scholarship Program

Among its most impactful efforts is its scholarship program, which provides financial assistance to high school senior girls and women returning to college to further their education. The mission statement of the Scholarship Committee is to empower women through further education, promote personal growth, and foster a lifetime of community engagement. The purpose in donating to High School Seniors is to honor those young women in the community who demonstrate a commitment to academic achievement and a passion for community service. As examples, past recipients volunteered to teach dance to underprivileged children through the Red Bank Salvation Army. Another spent her ‘spare’ time volunteering to help children with special needs learn to ride horses. Through these awards, the Women’s Club hopes to send a message about the importance of women giving back to their communities and inspire a life-long commitment to service.

The SLWC is also very proud to offer scholarships to honor women who, due to life’s challenges, have had to delay their formal education. Through their scholarships, the WCSL acknowledges the courage and fortitude of these women. They support their desire to improve their lives and the lives of others within the Monmouth County Community through their education.

The Spring Lake community supports the Scholarship Fund in many ways. The Women’s Club Annual Fall Luncheon in November is the largest fundraiser of the year, with all the profits from this luncheon going directly into the scholarship fund.

Maureen T. Cooney, current WCSL President, says, “For as long as I have been a member of the club, many downtown businesses have donated items, gift cards, and baskets to be entered into our raffle. It is not unusual to have local community members purchase tickets to attend, as well as make outside anonymous donations to the fund.”

Everyone shows their support by purchasing 50/50 raffles and taking chances on gift baskets to help the awards fund grow. In addition, through the generosity of Pat Barry and the Spring Lake Theatre, they raised almost $3,000 for the scholarship fund at the dress rehearsal of “The Sound of Music” last summer.

“The most rewarding part for me,” says Cooney, “is the satisfaction in knowing that we are helping local organizations and encouraging young women to pursue their dreams of completing their educations. The future for our club is bright as long as we continue to grow and welcome members who want to give back to our wonderful community.”

The luncheon at the Breakers honors the recipients with presentations. Linda Foy, First Vice President, says, “Our theme this year is ‘Planting Seeds and Growing Futures’. We’ve planted the seeds. I wish the recipients continued success in growing their futures.” Members feel proud of the work they do for scholarships. There is tremendous appreciation of the students, which inspires the members to reach new heights in raising funds and preserving the tradition of scholarships. They work tirelessly on fundraisers and the logistics of events. Their only reward is the pride that they feel in contributing to the future success of our scholars. Cooney adds, “It is a wonderful feeling to look in the audience and see these ‘significant others’ beaming with pride. Committee members also share their pride and happiness! This is the most rewarding part of this journey.”

Photographs courtesy of the Women’s Club of Spring Lake