|
Carolina Women's Club
Newsletter for
December 2025
| | | |
Message From Our President
Laurey Cosentino
| | |
Hello CWC Members!
As we wrap up another wonderful year together, I find myself reflecting on how much this club thrives because of you. The energy, time, and care that so many of you pour into CWC is what makes our community truly special. Whether you serve on the Executive Board, support our Vice Presidents, chair a club, help lead philanthropic opportunities, or volunteer behind the scenes in countless ways, please know how deeply appreciated you are.
November was filled with joyful moments across our club—from a lively Simply Social with more than 30 attendees to a warm and memorable Friendsgiving. Our many game and social clubs have also been buzzing with activity, giving members a chance to connect, laugh, and enjoy one another during this busy season.
We also had meaningful opportunities to support Safe Alliance, including decorating the women’s shelter for the holidays and creating a heartfelt craft project for the children. Your enthusiasm and generosity during these activities set a beautiful tone as we continue our support of Safe Alliance into December.
I can’t wait to gather with all of you at our December 3rd Holiday Brunch at Longview Country Club. This annual tradition is always a highlight, and this year promises to be no exception. We’ve expanded our lineup of wonderful vendors so you can enjoy even more holiday shopping, and—building on the work we began in November—we will once again be supporting Safe Alliance through the fundraising portion of the event. Your participation directly helps women and children in Charlotte who are affected by domestic abuse, and I’m grateful for everyone who is able to attend and lend support.
Wishing each of you a peaceful, joyful holiday season surrounded by the people who mean the most.
Warmly,
Laurey
| Volunteer Events & Happenings in Philanthropy |
PROMISING PAGES
On November 6th, our CWC Philanthropy Committee welcomed a special guest, Anna Graham, Community Engagement Coordinator from Promising Pages. Anna shared exciting upcoming projects in our community and expressed her appreciation for our continued commitment to Promising Pages. During the meeting, we created bookmarks for children living in Charlotte’s “book desert”—a simple but meaningful way to help spark a love of reading. Thank you to everyone who attended and supported this effort!
Want to help a child fall in love with reading?
Join us for our next volunteer visit to Promising Pages:
January 19
⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
We hope to see you there!
Sign up online!
Ceci Robinson & Dorinda Jenkins
|  | |
TURNING PENCILS INTO POSSIBILITIES
At Classroom Central, we believe every child deserves a great education. Through supporting teachers and students in need, we at Classroom Central ensure that every class has the resources needed to become world-class. Our programs empower educators and students in 227 schools in Charlotte!
JOIN OUR CWC VOLUNTEERS on Wednesday, January 14th from 9am to Noon
to help restock free teaching supplies at Classroom Central and be a part of providing a great education for the children of Charlotte. YOU can help turn pencils into possibilities!
Questions? See Barbara Hambacher. Register online. | | |
SHARING SOME VERY Bright Blessings
| |
CWC will be collecting items for Bright Blessings in January. Bright Blessings began in 2005 as a monthly birthday program for children staying at the Salvation Army Center of Hope in Charlotte. Their mission is to bring joy, care and hope to homeless and impoverished children by mobilizing community volunteers like us! Today, Bright Blessings impacts more than 30,000 children annually. During our January Drive we will be supporting Bright Blessings by collecting baby bottles, teethers, and toys. More details about specific items needed and an Amazon wish list will be provided in January. Questions? See Beth Daniels or Gayle McKearin. | | |  | | Dress For Success recently celebrated 25 years in Charlotte. The anniversary celebration brought together an incredible community of supporters who believe in the power of investing in women.
Speaking of the future: Dress for Success Charlotte is stepping into our forever home on Remount Road in the 28208-zip code- the very neighborhood that has accounted for 24% of the women served over the past five years. This isn't just a new address; it's a transformation. With two and a half times the current square footage, this space will allow DFS to evolve into a true community hub where women can access job training, wellness programming, wraparound services from nonprofit partners, and everything they need to thrive, all under one roof.
CWC looks forward to our next project at the beautiful new home this Spring. In the meantime, if you have donations or gently used clothing, purses or shoes you would like to donate, please contact Marda Kornhaber (mjkornhaber@yahoo.com; 704-502-4759) Thank you for all you do to support this wonderful outreach.
|
News from our Social Corner . . .
| | SAFE ALLIANCE HOLIDAY BRUNCH
DECEMBER 3, 2025
10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Longview Country Club
|
This year we’re featuring an expanded selection of vendors, including some returning favorites, perfect for your holiday shopping. Each vendor has generously donated a $100 basket or gift for our raffle. You can purchase raffle tickets online for a chance to win. We encourage you to invite your friends to join us for this wonderful celebration in support of Safe Alliance.
Our delicious brunch menu includes:
scrambled eggs, buttermilk biscuits, sausage gravy, applewood bacon, pork sausage, fresh fruit platter, assorted Danishes with whipped butter and local jam, roasted turkey, beef flank steak, roasted potatoes, vegetable medley along with salad and dessert!
We will also have a Mimosa station where you can purchase Mimosas for $12 each which will include a variety of juices and sliced fruit.
CWC is shining brightly this season, and one way we will be shining our light is by supporting Safe Alliance as they serve those impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault. Our speaker will share a little of her story with us, helping to heighten our own awareness of domestic violence needs. Please bring personal checks made out to Safe Alliance, or gift cards in denominations of $10, $20, or $25 to the luncheon. Gift cards should be from Walmart or Target, as they have much-needed pharmacies. Bring as many gift cards as you would like in these denominations, so the ladies at Safe Alliance can purchase what they need for themselves and their children over this holiday season.
Thank you in advance for your shining generosity.
|  | Visit the CWC Homepage to find all members celebrating November birthdays! | We care about our CWC members.
If you know of a member in need of sympathy e-card or a get well e-card, or even a "we are thinking of you" e-card, let Donda Thomasson know at CWCWelcomecommittee@gmail.com.
Donda sends out birthday e-cards and membership anniversary e-cards, too.
About 10% of members don't view their personalized cards. Please open, because we care about you, too! |
Club Corner . . . TRAVEL focus
|  | |
The Travel Club has been putting together some exciting adventures for 2026.
In the spring let's spend three days in the “Big Easy” New Orleans. Known for it's around the clock nightlife, vibrant live-music scene and spicy, singular cuisine reflecting its history as a melting pot of French, African and American cultures. There are lots of activities to choose from during our visit. Just to name a few; walking tour of the French Quarter, learn about the area's history, architecture, and local legends. Historic Voodoo Museum for a unique cultural experience. Stroll along the riverfront of Woldenberg Park. Visit the New Orleans Museum of Art in City Park for a dose of culture and beautiful sculpture gardens. City and Cemetery 2h bus tour, a Jazz show at e.g. Preservation Hall, cooking class to learn the secrets of Cajun and Creole cuisine, explore the Garden District with its beautiful mansions and lush greenery. Stop for lunch at Coquette, a stylish bistro with Southern flair.
Summer 2026 Quebec City which sits on the Saint Lawrence River in Canada’s mostly French-speaking province. Dating to 1608, it has a fortified colonial core, Vieux-Québec and Place Royale, with stone buildings and narrow streets. This area is the site of the towering Château Frontenac Hotel and imposing Citadelle of Québec. The Petit Champlain district’s cobblestone streets are lined with bistros and boutiques.
Finishing off the travel season with a 8-day cruise through the French Bordeaux region hub of the famed wine-growing region. Discover the ports, vineyards, farms, and forests of Aquitaine, once Europeans richest kingdom. See Bordeaux’s fountains and cellars. Savor France’s finest oysters fresh from the bay at Arcachon. Sip Saint-Emilion, Medoc and Sauternes.
We are already soliciting for the fall cruise. Keep an eye out for New Orleans and Quebec.
. | Visit the CWC Calendar to sign-up for upcoming events! | All payments are final. Cancellation made after registration closes will not be refunded or credited. Members who cancel prior to close of registration will receive a club credit. We do not provide refunds or credits for membership dues or donations. | |