Palm Cove Women’s Club board members present a check for $16,200 to the Gertrude Walden Child Care Center in Stuart. Shown are Janis Swenson, left, Care Center Board Chair Wendell Cave, Trish McCluskey, Sue Ericson, Care Center Executive Director Thelma Washington, Carol Geeson, Shirley Cage, Joanne Rykowski, Debi Bacchiochi, Cathy Hudzina and Suzanne Vosbikisn. They’re joined by some of the students of the Child Care Center. (Photo: Provided by Gertrude Walden Child Care Center)

The Palm Cove Women’s Club is 92 members strong and comprised of residents of the Palm Cove Golf and Yacht Club in Palm City.

The club’s purpose is to foster camaraderie among the residents of the community and to grow the friendships through meetings and social, charitable and fundraising efforts.

On Nov. 3, the Palm Cove Women’s Club held a Casino Night fundraiser to benefit Gertrude Walden Child Care Center in Stuart.

As a result of the successful evening, the Women’s Club board presented a check for $16,200 to Thelma Washington, executive director of the Child Care Center, on Nov. 13.

The Child Care Center provides for children between 14 months to 5 years old. Its primary mission is to offer a safe and nurturing learning environment for economically disadvantaged and special-needs children in Martin County.

2018 Gertrude Walden Child Care Center Thanksgiving Dinner

The Casino Night fundraiser, held in the club house, offered Black Jack, Roulette, Texas Hold’em and Craps.

Table winners were given tickets for baskets that were raffled off. Chances also were sold for a restaurant tree and guests bid on a host of great silent auction items.

Generous and event sponsors helped underwrite the cost of Casino Night. Basket contents, restaurant tree and silent auction items were donated by residents of the community and several local businesses.

Adding to the evening’s highlights was passed hors d’oeuvres, an array of cheeses and fruit and homemade desserts. 

Every spring, the Palm Cove Women’s Club Board researches and gathers information on charitable organizations to find those that meet their criteria. Board members vote on the organization to which they will be donating the money that is raised at its annual event.

During the recent past, the club also held a Sip N’ Shop fundraiser. Additionally, they also hold an annual Holiday Party to benefit the White Doves Toys for Tots. Other fundraising events include a School Supply Drive for Warfield Elementary School and food drive for Dale Cassens Educational Complex in Fort Pierce.

Nonprofits that have been recipients of fundraising efforts include Hibiscus Children’s Center, Molly’s House, Caring Children Clothing Children and SafeSpace.

Raffles are held at the club’s monthly luncheons and monies raised have gone to support the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast, Treasurer Coast Hospice, Mary’s Shelter, Caring Children Clothing Children, House of Hope and Warfield Elementary School, among others.