Kelly Imbody GFWC-HB President kevnkell@hotmail.com
GFWC of Holden Beach All about our "Charity Gala"
March 2026
Member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs
The Communique`
Volume 21, Issue 3
Page {{page}}
President Kelly Imbody
The phrase “the luck of the Irish” became popular in the 19th century, particularly during the California Gold Rush, when many Irish immigrants struck it rich in gold and silver mining. Their success was attributed more to luck rather than skill and the term was initially used sarcastically or as a mild insult implying that only by sheer luck or fortune could the Irish achieve such success. Over time however, the phrase has evolved into a compliment! Ironically, the Irish have historically faced significant hardships including famine, oppression, civil wars and mass emigration. Their ability to thrive and survive despite these challenges is often interpreted as a form of “luck” born from resilience and perseverance. I’ve not researched my lineage through Ancestry or otherwise, but I’m told that I have Irish blood running through my veins. I think at this time of year, we can all claim that we have a bit ‘o Irish in us! Like the Irish, our club has persevered through some hardships such as the tragic loss of a President and COVID. But we stayed the course! We are lucky too! We have great community support for our endeavors, and our membership is beyond fabulous! We don’t give up. We keep trying new ideas and tweaking old ones to benefit the community we serve. We work hard to reap the rewards. The Irish were and are hard workers. So put on some green and let’s celebrate our efforts! With a bit of luck and continued hard work, our successes will continue.
Text
GFWC of Holden Beach Page {{page}}
GFWC of Holden Beach
The Luck of the Irish
Message from our President Kelly - page 2
Calendar - page 4
March Meeting - page 5
February Meeting - page 6
Club Information - page 7
Congratulations - page 8
All About Our Gala - pages 9-12
Gala Fashion Show - page 13
Gala History Timeline - pages 14-15
Arts & Culture CSP - page 16
Education & Libraries CSP - page 17
Environment CSP - page 18
District Arts Meeting Wrap-up - page 19
GFWC Convention News - page 20
This is What We Do! - page 21
To see any photo larger, Just CLICK on it!
Click on at the bottom of any page to return here!
Table of Contents
Click on any Title to go directly to that page.
Holden Beach Chapel 6:15 pm refreshments & Club Chatter 6:45 pm meeting hosted by Executive Committee/ Leadership Advancement Plan
GFWC-HB Charity Gala
Club Meeting
Mark your calendar
10:30 am - 2:30 pm Tickets $65.00
Mar 7
Mebane, NC
Mar 17
St. James Event Center
GFWC-NC State Convention
May 19
Holden Beach Chapel 6:15 pm refreshments & Club Chatter 6:45 pm meeting hosted by The Gala Committee
Holden Beach Chapel 6:15 pm refreshments & Club Chatter 6:45 pm meeting hosted by Past President's Committee and Installation of Officers
GFWC-NC Arts Festival
Apr 24-25
Durham, NC
Apr 11
Apr 21
Charity GALA
THINGS TO REMEMBER: All silent auction items need to be to Holly Coleman by March 28th. A basket making session will be March 31 at 11 am at the Holden Beach Chapel. RSVP for tickets by March 30th. REMEMBER: All members need to purchase a ticket. Set-up for Gala is Friday 4 - 8 pm. On Saturday everyone should arrive at the hall by 8:30 am for last minute setup and group photo. Bring your unwanted baskets to the meeting, they will be reused and repurposed for Gala Auction items!
The March meeting will be hosted by the Charity Gala Committee. They will take the time to explain to you the event and how each member plays an important part to make this a success!
March Meeting
Quarters for the Monument
February meeting
So far the state has collected over $2,000 toward the Woman's Suffrage Monument, with our club donating a total of $595.
Suffragist shared quotes to celebrate the Woman's Suffrage National Monument in DC. We had visits from: Abigail Adams (Ann Landis); Sarah Moore Grimke (Nancy McDevitt); Elizabeth Cady Stanton (Linda Sturgill); Susan B. Anthony (Amanda Rollins); Alice Paul (Sharon Pope); Lucy Stone (Dee Lail); and Sallie Southall Cotton (Karen Kennedy). Everyone received a yellow rose pin that symbolizes the suffrages right to vote and a small piece of mosaic that will surround our time capsule. As Alice Paul stated: "I always feel the movement is a sort of mosaic. Each of us puts in one little stone and then you get a great mosaic at the end."
In Celebration of our GFWC-NC Arts theme, the WBHS Choral Group entertained us in song. Afterward we presented them with a check to their group.
January's Gem of the Month, Cindy Lee presented the Gem for February to Linda Sturgill. Linda has been a member for over 15 years. She has held several club office positions, Gala Co-Chairman, holiday party hostess and spends countless hours at her computer creating our award-wining Communique. Cindy said, "Linda is my friend, neighbor and fellow home state steamed crab loving girl."
Gem of the Month
If anyone has unwanted beach toys, the Environment committee will reuse them in their beach toy box. Please bring to future meetings or call Cindy Lee or Pam Foertsch for pickup.
March heralds the arrival of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s named for Mars, the Roman god of war, as this period once marked the start of the military campaign season. March is also notable for the vernal equinox, when day and night are nearly equal in length. St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th sees the world bathed in green, with rivers dyed emerald and parades from Dublin to New York. Yet, March is also Women’s History Month in many countries, spotlighting the achievements of women across time.
ESO & Beanstack
On February 12th “membership moments” had us lunching together and then visiting our local Brunswick County Library Rourk branch. Interesting and informative presentation about the Cardinal system and Libby. Check out books from over 200 libraries across NC! Want to know more? Go to... brunswickcountync.gov/library
Club information
March Birthdays
Thanks to Carolyn Sweatt - our newest participant in the Heifer/ESO Project!! And a big thanks to Cindy Lee who has joined with 500 hours of audio books. Yes - audio books count as well and her car keeps track for her!! That's 15 more flocks of chicks. For more information and how to get started, contact Judi Stankowich at judistankowich@gmail.com. We can get you started over the phone in 5 minutes.
Denise Mirandola—March 9 Holly Coleman—March 11 Diane Caprio—March 16 Theresa Nelson—March 22
Amanda Rollins
Our Club nominated Amanda to be our representative for the "Clubwoman with Heart" Award at the state Convention. She has been a member since 2022. She currently serves as the District Education & Library CSP Chairman. As our Membership VP she has demonstrated her leadership by organizing social activities for our members to get to know each other. Amanda actively ensures new members feel welcome and included by organizing coffee chats, phone calls, and emails. Congratulations Amanda.
Kandace Hill
Congratulations to . . .
Our Club nominated Kandace to be our representative for the "Club Woman of the year" Award at the state Convention. She has been a member since 2022. She is actively involved at the International, State and District levels. Kandace is currently the GFWC-NC President's Special Project Chairman. She has played a significant role in our club with Federation Day projects, Festival of Trees at the Museum of Coastal Caroline in OIB , our Time Capsule, CSPs and much more. Congratulations Kandace.
Judi Stankowich
Our Club nominated Judi to be our representative for the "Citizenship & Patriotism" Award at the state Convention. She has been a member since 1974. She was Pennsylvanian State President before moving to NC. She currently serves as Parliamentarian for our club, District, and the State. She is always encouraging us to enroll in the GFWC Legislation Action Center to voice our opinions. She currently serves on the GFWC by-laws committee, and she is part of the presentation teams for GFWC-NC and GFWC SER LEADS. Want to know something about GFWC?... ask Judi! Congratulations Judi.
The Silent Auction is divided into 8 categories with numbers assigned to each. (Golf, Trips, Home & Garden, Health & Beauty, Restaurants, Specialty, Sports & Adventure & Jewelry.) Each auction item is given a number. In addition, bid sheets, which have a description of the item and its number, are prepared to go along with the item displayed. Each category is assigned a “Lead” set up person. They display the items on the tables with matching the bid sheets and a pen. Flyers are made by Judi Stankowich and placed in acrylic holders for gift certificate items.
Charity Gala
Master Solicitation list - Holly Coleman
silent Auction - Debbie Yorio & Amanda Rollins
Chairman - Julie Lopez
Solicitation begins early January when the Gala Letter and Solicitation Form are ready for our donors and sponsors. Solicitation members/teams then get to work contacting their respective donors and arranging for collection of silent auction items. Teams are set up by geographic area. Silent Auction items in the past, included original artwork, golf packages, jewelry, trips, gift certificates for restaurants and health and beauty items, etc. Sponsorship opportunities include donations of $100-Daisy, $250-Gardenia, $500 Magnolia, $750-Rose and $1000-Orchid and NEW this year Special Named Sponsors, $1250.
Selected by the President, and leader of the entire Gala event. Responsible for all the committees and identities chairman/s. Work with the committee members to prepare the hall for the event. Schedule committee meetings as needed. Create a budget with the Executive Board. Create a timeline for the gala event and manage those timelines. Select a caterer and work with the president to create a menu for the event. Prepare and distribute meeting minutes as needed. Write articles for the Communique.
On the following pages you will learn all about the Gala and how it all comes together
Check-out - Debbie Yorio & Linda Sturgill
runners - Robin Langley
Maintain an invitation guest list from year to year which is reviewed and updated every year. After printing and mailing the invites, the fun begins as RSVP cards and checks are returned and guests are anxiously waiting for the gala. A spreadsheet is created to keep track of who is attending and who they want seated at a table together. Create a seating arrangement for the room, placing a high priority to seat our sponsors and guests of honor close to the front of room. At Check-in, a greeter will welcome attendees and direct them to the check-in tables. Each check-in station will have a list of attendees in alphabetical order for easy check-in. The alphabet will be divided to form two balanced groups. Each check-in station will be a two-person team. They will check off the name on the list to show they attended, and give each guest a slip of paper with their assigned TABLE NUMBER and BID NUMBER on it.
Invitation & Check-in - Ann Landis, Peggy Schiavone & Teresa Nelson Co-Chairmen
The purpose of the gala check-out is to be as accurate and efficient as possible when guests are ready to pay for and claim their purchases at the end of the gala. The check-out process starts behind the scene when the silent auction closes. The bid sheets are bundle together by guest bid numbers, receipts written then the bid board is created that informs the bidders if they won something. The guests that won proceed to the checkout tables organized by bid numbers. After the guest has paid for her items, she is directed to the clubwomen runners that will help them locate their items before leaving the Gala.
Flyers are created using the information supplied by the Silent Auction Chairman and placed in acrylic holders.
silent Auction flyers - Judi Stankowich
After check-out, each guest will be met by a clubwomen runner who will make sure the paper work is in order, help her find her auction items, and escort her from the auction area.
Heads & Tails Game - Page Blackwelder
Club members are asked to donate a bottle of wine or spirits valued at $25.00 or more. Club members are asked to sell tickets for the raffle to their family, friends and neighbors. The tickets are $20.00 each, and you do not need to be present to win. Tickets will also be sold the day of the gala to guests. There are two baskets of cheer that guests could win.
wine & spirits Raffle - Pam Foertsch & Gail Clarke
Decorations - Cindy Lee
The decoration committee is responsible for coming up with a theme for that year’s gala. Supplies are purchased, and the group begins to assemble the table décor and surrounding areas including the auction tables, entry way, and stage. The finished decorations are all set in place the evening prior to the Gala by the committee members. Also responsible for ordering all of the tablecloths, napkins, and bar ware and setting those in place the day prior to the gala. The committee also creates some sort of embellishment for each clubwoman to wear on the day of the event.
3 strands of beads are sold. $5 for guests to play the game. Before each coin toss, guests choose heads or tails by putting their hands on their heads or their behinds (tails). With each successive toss, participants are eliminated if they didn’t choose correctly removing a strand for each incorrect choice. The last guest standing wins 50% of the total bead sales, the other 50% will go to our charities.
50/50 raffle - Marie-Pierre Fletcher
Tickets are sold to guests. 30 tickets for$20 or 5 for $5 50% of the money taken in is given to the drawn ticket winner, the other 50% will go to our charities.
Bar & Licenses - Jeri Bills
Fashion Show - Kandace Hill
Composes and submits press releases and notices publicizing the gala for submission to local newspapers and community newsletters.
Thank you Notes - Patti Hogan
A Special One -Time Permit to sell alcohol is obtained through the NC Alcoholic Beverage Commission (NCABC). A cash bar of red & white wine along with Mimosas are sold for $5.00/glass.
Publicity - Kandace Hill
Program - Linda Sturgill
A combination of the program, describing the events of the day, and a list of all our Donors & Sponsors. This is placed on the table at every setting for the guess. guest.
Island Breeze sponsors our clothing showing the unique and trendy fashions for any age or size.
A hand-written thank you note is mailed to each sponsor, donor and provider of silent auction items. The note cards include our beautiful lady who is the symbol of our Blooming for a Cause Gala. Also included is a tax receipt for the donation.
Fashion shows evolved from 1860s Parisian "fashion parades" using live models, pioneered by Charles Frederick Worth, into high-tech global spectacles. Originally, small, private, and anti-photography, they expanded to include public, theatrical, and live-streamed events, with key milestones including Christian Dior’s 1947 "New Look" the 1943 birth of New York Fashion Week, and the 1990s supermodel era. While our celebration may not be as dramatic or global in scale, we will commemorate 250 years (the Semiquincentennial) since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Seven club members will model attire from Island Breeze, featuring patriotic colors of red, white, or blue. Our emcee is a proud member of the GFWC North Myrtle Beach Women’s Club and the proprietor of a wig boutique. Her charitable organization, Bold & Beautiful Wigs for Cancer, provides complimentary wigs to individuals undergoing cancer treatment nationwide. As a performer, she has appeared alongside prominent artists such as the internationally renowned beach music band The Embers, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. of Age of Aquarius, The Tymes, The Coasters, and Grammy and Emmy Award winner David L. Cook.
Submitted by Kandace Hill
Our Gala Fashion Show
Marissa Small
Continued on next page
Gala History Timeline
Submitted by Kelly Imbody
A 30-year member of GFWC, Ann Landis moved from North Wilkesboro, NC to Holden Beach in 2000. She joined the closest GFWC club which was South Brunswick Islands. By 2006, Ann felt that she could muster enough interest to form a new club closer to home…Holden Beach. And the rest is history! 2007 GFWC-NC President-elect Beverly Lassiter came to Holden Beach to install officers and charter 55 new members. Ann Landis was installed as President. The women of South Brunswick Islands approached the women of GFWC of Holden Beach to participate in a fashion show fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Home of NC. $8,831 was given to the Boys and Girls Home. The event was held at Sea Trail. January 2008 — Unanimous vote to have a Garden Party/Fashion Show as fundraiser. Helen Stead installed as President. January 2009 — A garden party/fashion show called “Blooming for a Cause” was born. Proceeds enabled $4,500.00 to be given to Hope Harbor Home, and $3,500.00 given to Lower Cape Fear Hospice. Dana Baker and Cecelia Weston were event Co-chairs. January 2010 — BJ Stephens installed as President. Event Co-chairs were Helen Stead and Cecelia Weston. Hope Harbor Home and Providence Home each received $5,000. January 2011 — Event Chairman was Julie Wolfe. Hope Harbor Home and Providence Home each received $6,000. January 2012 — Peggy Schiavone installed as President. Event Chairman was Julie Wolfe. Hope Harbor Home and Providence Home each received $6,000. January 2013 — Event Chairman was Karen Throckmorton. Hope Harbor Home and Providence Home each received $7,500. January 2014 — Julie Wolfe installed as President. Event Co-chairs were Karen Throckmorton and BJ Stephens. Hope Harbor Home and Providence Home each received $9,500. January 2015 — Event Co-chairs were Donna Geise and BJ Stephens.Hope Harbor Home and Providence Home each received $9,500. January 2016 — Karen Throckmorton installed as President. Event Co-chairs were Donna Geise and Pam Burris. Hope Harbor Home and Providence Home each received $14,000. January 2017 — Event Co-chairs were Pam Burris, BJ Stephens and Karen Throckmorton. Hope Harbor Home and Providence Home each received $15,000. January 2018 — Judy Brock installed as President. Event Co-chairs were Karen Throckmorton and BJ Stephens. Hope Harbor Home and Providence Home each received $15,000. January 2019 — BJ Stephens elected President to complete Judy Brock’s term. Event Co-chairs were Linda Sturgill and Kelly Imbody. Hope Harbor Home and Providence Home each received $15,000. Event moved from Sea Trail to 101 Stone Chimney. January 2020 — Holly Coleman installed as President. Event Co-chairmen were Kelly Imbody and Linda Sturgill. Gala cancelled due to COVID-19. Almost all donors, sponsors and ticket holders opted out of refunds. Hope Harbor Home and Providence Home each received $6,500. January 2021 — Reverse Raffle due to COVID-19. Event Co-chairmen were Pam Hutchison and Bronwyn Megginson. Hope Harbor Home and Providence Home each received $10,000. January 2022 — Pam Hutchison installed as President. Event Co-chairmen were Debbie Yorio and Bronwyn Megginson. Hope Harbor Home and Providence Home each received $14,000 January 2023 — Event Co-chairs were Christine Hudson and Cindy Chu. Hope Harbor Home and Providence Home each received $13,500. January 2024 — Kelly Imbody installed as President. Event Co-chairmen were Robin Langley and Michele Skultety. Hope Harbor Home and Providence Home each received $13,000. Event moved to St. James Community Center. January 2025 — Event Co-chairmen were Robin Langley and Julie Lopez. Hope Harbor Home and Providence Home each received $13,000 Over $350,000.00 has been donated to our charities! This is what we can accomplish when we all work hard together! Brunswick Beacon Press release March 5 Wilmington Star News Press release 1st week of March Southport State Port Pilot Press Release 1st week of March WWAY & WECT April Events Calendars Facebook – Save the Date posts weekly in March EXCITING NEWS – Thanks to Karen Kennedy’s husband 2 billboards — one on Hwy 17 near Calabash and one on 211 by Stone Chimney
Look for our Gala Marketing News
GALA
The Importance of Gala Events Gala events have become an integral part of social culture, serving not only as a means of celebration but also as platforms for fundraising and awareness. As societies evolve, the role of these formal gatherings—often characterized by their elegance and purpose—continues to grow in importance. With the resurgence of in-person gatherings post-pandemic, galas are making a substantial comeback, ensuring that their relevance remains intact in the fabric of community engagement. The Current Landscape of Gala Events In recent months, a variety of gala events have been held across the world, supporting causes ranging from health research to the arts. Such events not only generate funds but also create an environment for networking among influential members of society. According to recent surveys, attendance at local gala events has increased by 30% since last year, reflecting a growing enthusiasm for high-end social gatherings. Significant Issues and Expectations The significance of gala events does not end with fundraising; they also highlight pressing societal issues. Looking ahead, industry professionals predict that the popularity of gala events will only continue to rise. As people seek to reconnect after extended periods of social distancing, the demand for grand gatherings is expected to grow. Moreover, corporate sponsorships for these events have been on the rise, with many firms recognizing the value of associating their brands with charitable causes. Conclusion: The Future of Gala Events As we move towards a more socially conscious landscape, gala events will likely evolve further, blending luxury with social responsibility. For communities, these events serve as crucial conduits for change and conversation. Whether attending a charity gala or a fundraiser, individuals participate in something larger than themselves, making these gatherings significant for personal connections and societal impact.
Arts & Culture CSP
Submitted by Michele Skultety
Nancy McDevitt & Kandace Hill Co-Chairman
Dr. Seuss Day
The Education and Libraries CSP will participate in Read Across America on March 6 by celebrating the birthday of Dr Seuss with kindergarten students at Bolivia Elementary. This has become an annual tradition for our CSP and this year, Colleen MacDaniel and Jenny Stoner will read Dr Seuss books to the kindergarten children. Additional members of our CSP will be present to hand out wrapped Dr. Seuss books to each child. Dr. Seuss Day is an annual celebration honoring Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, one of America’s most beloved children’s authors. This day encourages children and adults alike to embrace the joy of reading, creativity, and imagination through the whimsical worlds Dr. Seuss created. The goal of this day is to promote literacy among children and inspire a lifelong love for books. Schools, libraries, and communities across the United States participate in activities that bring Dr. Seuss’s stories to life. It highlights the importance of reading and the power of imagination. Dr. Seuss’s stories are known for their unique rhymes, imaginative characters, and moral lessons. This day serves as a reminder that reading can be fun, engaging, and transformative for children of all ages. By celebrating Dr. Seuss, educators and parents foster a love for books and encourage literacy skills that last a lifetime.
Submitted by Colleen MacDaniel
Education & Libraries CSP
Up-cycling, also known as creative reuse, is a “Buzzword” in applications such as clothing and is an upcoming aspect in fashion! Up-cycling is a way to break the repetition of environmental waste buildup by taking old worn out or damaged clothing and transforming them into something new! It is a method of breathing new life into articles of clothing by using patches, stencils, and trimmings. Check out your closet and drawers to stained, torn or just out of style clothing and gather scissors, needle, thread, and fabric glue. Up-cycling reduces waste and saves natural resources, as well as money by limiting the demand for new clothing products. Take your pre-existing or damaged clothing and transform them through up-cycling into new garments or accessories. It is a sustainable approach to fashion and promotes creativity, saves money, and reduces waste. When you up-cycle your old or damaged garments, new creations get a second chance to shine. Links for more information and examples of Up-Cycling: permies.com bluejeansgogreen.com
Submitted by Christine Hudson
Cindy Lee & Pam Foertsch Co-Chairman
Environment csp
District 7 recently convened for a meeting in Calabash, hosted by the GFWC of Holden Beach with over 80 Federation members in attendance. A hands-on ZENTANGLE art workshop gave each member the opportunity to create an ink and pencil floral piece. The agenda included significant announcements: winners of the art project competition, included many of GFWC of Holden Beach’s submissions. Honorees of the Sallie Southall Cotten Scholarship, and recipients of the LEADS award were all recognized. Ayla, our club candidate, won the scholarship and will represent the district at the State level, and Jenny Stoner, our LEADS nominee, was acknowledged as the representative for the district. News at the state level was provided by GFWC NC President Karen Throckmorton and President Elect Cindy Hewett shared our new name for the District along with other changes that will be upcoming in the next 2 years. Nominations for district committees were voted on and approved. There was a power point highlighting Federation Day (April 24th) as well as updates on the President’s Special Projects, and the QuARTer campaign.
District meeting update
Call to Convention Find all the most important details on this year's GFWC Annual Convention. Preliminary Agenda Tour Options Proposed Bylaws & Resolutions Candidates for Election Meal Packages Hotel Booking
View the Call
The 2026 GFWC Convention
CLIMBING TOGETHER, SHAPING TOMORROW: EXPERIENCE THE 2026 GFWC ANNUAL CONVENTION
The 2026 GFWC Annual Convention will take place June 26-29, 2026, in vibrant Scottsdale, Arizona. Against a backdrop of sun-drenched vistas and breathtaking sunsets, GFWC members will be Climbing Together, Shaping Tomorrow.
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa 6902 East Greenway Parkway, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA, 85254 TEL: 1-800-354-5892 Website: Westin Kierland Resort & Spa Reserve Your Room GFWC’s Group Rate ($209 for King, double/double)inclusive of a discounted Resort Fee. Guestroom Rates apply to single or double and triple occupancy, exclusive of applicable state and local taxes. The room block closes on June 1, 2026, at midnight. Room reservations can be canceled up to 72 hours before scheduled arrival. Please help GFWC deliver the best hotel experience by not holding multiple rooms under one name.
We Start With Heart We’re not just throwing a party — we’re rallying around a cause that matters. Everyone knows why we’re doing this, and that shared spark keeps us glowing from start to finish.
How We Pull Off a Fabulous Charity Gala — Together!
This is what we do!
We’ve Got Each Other’s Backs Need help? Ask. Got an idea? Share it. We cheer each other on, laugh through the chaos, and celebrate every win — big or small.
Committees = Superpowers Activated We divide and conquer like pros. Each committee brings its own magic: Decorations – Making it gorgeous Program & Entertainment – Keeping it lively Hospitality – Serving up warm welcomes Silent Auction / Raffle – Wrapping up the goodies Marketing & Communications – Spreading the buzz Sponsorship & Donor Relations – Building the love Invitations / Check-in / Check-out – Keeping it all in sync
We Make Guests Feel the Love From the moment they walk in, guests feel the warmth, beauty, and purpose we’ve poured into every detail. It’s not just an event — it’s an experience.
We Wrap It Up With Gratitude After the last person has checked out, the hall is cleaned and the final thank-you is sent, we take a moment to smile, reflect, and say: We did that. Together!