The Millersville Woman's Club (MWC) will host its annual Card and Game Party on Tuesday, Oct. 24, at St. Philip the Apostle Church, 2111 Millersville Pike, Lancaster. From 7 to 9 p.m., enthusiasts of card games, board games and puzzles are invited to bring their favorite tabletop activity to play with others in the church gymnasium. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are available to purchase at a set price for the event, which will feature door prizes, a prize drawing and complimentary desserts and beverages. The door prizes and items that are available in the drawing will comprise a variety of donated goods from local businesses, such as handmade jewelry and gift baskets. The value of door the prizes will equal the cost of a ticket at minimum. To purchase a ticket or request additional information, call 717-397-7965.

MWC has been hosting the card and game party for many years, recently moving the event from St. Paul Lutheran Church in Millersville to St. Philip in order to accommodate its growing number of players. Each player may choose a table in the gymnasium, and the event often has upward of 50 tables of board gamers and puzzlers.

For many members of the community, such as MWC member Pat Seibert, the game night has become a beloved tradition and a setting to catch up with friends. Every year, Seibert, who is a retired educator and avid mahjong player, participates in the event with her former colleagues. Many of her fellow Mahjong fans travel from other parts of the county to reunite. "When people come in, everybody knows everybody," Seibert said. "It's a great way for people to catch up with those from around the area."

The proceeds from the card and game party will support MWC's community service initiatives, which include scholarships for students at Penn Manor High School and Lancaster County Career & Technology Center. The club annually offers three $1,000 academic scholarships and various achievement awards to students who excel in art, mathematics, English, music and social studies. In addition to MWC's work with local schools, the club financially contributes to organizations such as the Millersville Lions Club, Blue Rock Fire Rescue, Mennonite Central Committee and Loft Community Partnership. On holidays, MWC members organize festive parties and make cards for residents of local nursing homes who may not be able to spend the day with relatives.

This year is MWC's 66th year as a civic organization. The group was formed by local women for the purpose of serving the community in a number of ways. MWC has continued to achieve its founding goal through its many projects over the decades. Seibert became involved with the organization as a young adult, and she remained active for six years prior to becoming an educator in Warwick School District. Seibert retired 10 years ago, and promptly became a dedicated member once more. "I knew what the club was all about, so I joined as soon as I retired," Seibert said. "I had been involved with the Lititz community as a school librarian in Warwick, but I've always lived in Millersville and wanted to get involved here."