The night of May 1 was a glow as the Woman’s Club of Larchmont, Inc. celebrated their Centennial at Orienta Beach Club in Mamaroneck. Was it due to the background music provided by Mamaroneck High School students Leo Federspiel, Samba Seck Justin Zambrano and Theo Kornblum of Edgemont High School?  Or the glimmering lighting and decor provided by Club members Theresa and Peter Fanelli’s United Stage Associates? Could it have been as members and guests mingled with each other and local dignitaries Congressman George Latimer, Mamaroneck Town officials Jaine Elkind Eney, Robin Nachinsky, Sabrina Fiddelman, Anant Nambiar, Allison May, Jean Marie Brescia and Ronald Meister, and Larchmont Village officials Peter Fanelli, Brigid Brennan, and Dana Post? Well, all of these contributed to the start of a wonderful gala night organized by the Centennial Committee under the chair Anne-Mieke Smeets.

Founded in 1925 by twelve women with the objectives of philanthropy, fellowship and service, the Club has supported the community throughout the years. All were welcomed by Club President Anne McAndrews who shared that on the 75th Anniversary, then Club President Helen Bonardi was asked about the direction of the Club going forward. She responded that members would continue to help organizations in the community but “while we are reaching out to these challenges we have an additional goal-to care more for those around us.” McAndrews added “Since we can’t tell the future, we can at least plan for it,” and proposed a strategic plan with alliances with other community groups and to continue the Club’s mission with the help of all present. Former Town Supervisor, Dolores Battalia, also spoke on the Club’s mission and the need to give comfort and dignity to those who are underserved. 

Town Supervisor Jaine Elkind Eney and Board members by way of a proclamation thanked and honored the Club “for their countless contributions over ten decades to the Larchmont and Mamaroneck community, and throughout Westchester County, and we congratulate them on their 100th anniversary and wish them another 100 years of making a wonderful difference.” 

New York Assemblyman Steve Otis in a proclamation acknowledged the Club: “On the occasion of its 100th Anniversary of providing fellowship, service and philanthropy and inspiring and exemplifying the very best in our community. From its support of the early Larchmont Library and Flint Park Day Camp, its Women’s Exchange during the Depression, its Red Cross and War Bond drives of the 1940s, to its Food Pantry Drives of today, the Woman’s Club of Larchmont has shown its readiness to serve the community. Thank you to all its members for making a difference in the lives of so many.” 

New York State Senator Shelley Mayer’s proclamation stated: “It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of the great State of New York, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 100TH Anniversary of The Woman’s Club of Larchmont.”

Fundraising is an integral part of the Club for the purpose of supporting local organizations. There were more than 40 local sponsors and the night was successful in raising additional monies from the raffle of some 28 fantastic baskets. 

The night was topped off with a performance by singer and entertainer Bonnie Rap who presented a Broadway song from each decade beginning with “Second Hand Rose.” Along the way “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” “Hello Dolly,” and “What I Did for Love” were some of the tunes ending with songs from The Little Mermaid, Anastasia and A Wonderful World. But perhaps the show stopper was an original song with words written by Club member Dorothy Rainier to the tune of “500 Miles.” All were invited to join Dorothy and Bonnie and sang “So now we’ll make a toast to the club we love the most and raise our glasses to the NEXT 100 years!”