Since 1937, the Women's Club of Manheim has been striving to promote friendship, community service and civic responsibility. As the organization celebrates its 85th year, it continues to thrive, said Shayna Sharp, club member.

"We're very passionate about what we do," she stated. "We know what we do is important to the community."

The club is active throughout the school year, meeting on the second Tuesday of most months at 7 p.m., and the location varies. "We had been meeting at St. Paul's Church on Main Street, but we've started meeting at some local businesses," Sharp shared, noting that meetings have been held at Glasshouse Wineworks in Manheim as well as at Twisted Sisters Ice Cream and Handmade Chocolates. "Meeting at other locations has been a way to support local businesses and be a little more welcoming to new members. We're always looking for new members."

The women's club holds a variety of fundraisers throughout the year, including hosting a stand at the Manheim Farm Show, organizing the Holiday Tour of Homes and selling Christmas cookies in early December. The group's annual designer purse bingo will be held on Saturday, Feb. 4, and the event is sold out.

"One hundred percent of everything we bring in goes back to the community," Sharp commented, adding that the club contributes more than $10,000 annually through programs including Secret Santa for children in Manheim. The club also awards grants of up to $1,000 to nonprofit organizations serving Manheim and the Manheim community. The application for 2023 grants is now open, with a submission deadline of Wednesday, March 15. More information and an application can be found on the club's Facebook page or by emailing Kathy Bower at wcgrants@gmail.com.

The club also supports a variety of Manheim Central School District programs and activities, including post prom and the Run for Fitness, and sponsors a Girl of the Month at the high school. Scholarships are provided by the club for senior girls pursuing postsecondary education. "We usually give out three $1,000 scholarships, but in the past two years, we've been able to give out five," Sharp said.

Members of the Women's Club range from women in their 30s to retirees. "We have a handful of lifetime members," Sharp remarked, explaining that lifetime members are over the age of 75. She encourages anyone with an interest in helping the Manheim community to consider joining the Women's Club. "We offer a variety of different activities, and there's something for every interest," Sharp stated. "You can pick and choose what you'd like to help with. Some of our members come to every meeting, and some don't come to any meetings, but they help when they are able to help."

For more information on the Women's Club of Manheim, contact Karen Lewis, membership chair, at klewis1835@yahoo.com or visit the club's Facebook page.