By Tamas Mondovics
Members of the Brandon-based senior ladies social group Newcomers Club were once again pleased to be able to demonstrate their commitment to the community by supporting a local charity.
Club Vice President MaryAnn Clark, joined by a large group gathered during the club’s most recent meeting, presented a check for $3,500 to the Seffner-Brandon Relay for Life, which was voted as the winner of this year’s donation.
“We have enjoyed a very successful fundraiser held last November which gave us a chance to seek out a local recipient,” Clark said. “The decision was not easy, but at the end Relay for Life won out.”
Last year the Newcomers raised and donated $2,167 to a local charity.
Clark emphasized that the club, which meets once a month on every third Wednesday at the Brandon Recreation Center on 502 Sadie St., also supports many other charities throughout the year including donating toys in November to the Sheriff’s Department to distribute to kids for Christmas.
Donations also include gift baskets, food, dental services and many other contributions for members of the community.
This year, the club felt the money generated from items donated by and then auctioned off to the members and visiting guests will have a great impact on the efforts of the American Cancer Society.
“We’re very proud to have raised this much from about half our membership present, and with the grace of God hopefully we can do more next year,” Clark said, adding, “We are always trying to help in the community whenever we can.”
Representatives from the American Cancer Society, including Regional Directors Wendy Johnson and Allyson Martinez, were on hand to accept the check and personally thank the Newcomers Club for its generosity.
“We are very thankful and appreciate the Newcomers Club for their kind donation,” Johnson said. “We enjoy a lot of support from the community including the Newcomers Club, whose members are clearly committed in working on our behalf.”
The now 115-member-strong Newcomers Club, which has been functioning in the community since 1961 under the direction of its first president, Donna Hilbrands, is planning its next membership luncheon in May led by current President, Donna Libershal.
The community is welcome to attend Newcomer Club’s events, whether new to the area or longtime residents. Membership is $15 per year. For more information call 643 3281.
