Summerlin women work together to help charities

By Jeff O'Brien

Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2008 | midnight

Over the past 13 years, the Women's Club of Summerlin has grown from a small social club into a thriving organization dedicated to helping charities across the Las Vegas Valley.

What began as a networking group of five women now has more than 150 members including soccer moms, homemakers, grandparents, single women and everyone in between.

"We're a very diverse group," said club member Laurie Heggemeier. "We have ages ranging from 21 to 85 and all races, creeds, religions and political viewpoints."

The roots of the Women's Club of Summerlin can be traced to 1995, when the Summerlin Council assisted a small group of women in founding what was then known as the Summerlin Women's Club. Irene Olender, Carol Amaker, Lezlie Barnson-DeNardin, Rodina Garrett and Gail Hinshaw were the original members. The Summerlin Women's Club later changed its name for administrative reasons.

As the number of members began to multiply, the group's focus began to shift — beginning with a fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association in 1996.

"The socializing aspect is a big plus, but our main goal now is to raise money for charities and support those less fortunate than ourselves," said Club President Doris McNally.

The Women's Club of Summerlin officially became a non-profit organization in 2001. Since then, the group has raised more than $350,000 for a variety of charities including the Las Vegas Rape Crisis Center and the Shade Tree Shelter, which provides shelter for homeless and abused women and children.

Last year, the club's annual fundraiser raised more than $30,000 for Child Haven, which temporarily houses children who have been taken away from their families due to neglect or abuse.

Members of the Summerlin Women's Club have also donated a variety of items to Child Haven, including clothes, toys and stuffed animals.

"With the economy the way it is, facilities like Child Haven have been seeing even higher numbers than normal," Heggemeier said. "There are more children who are coming in from impoverished families or are victims of domestic violence. For many of these kids, getting a new pair of shoes or even taking a bath is like royal treatment."

The club's members have also purchased gift cards for movies, restaurants and retail stores to give to the Family Readiness Program at Nellis Air Force Base, a program that supports military families living on base while their spouses are deployed overseas.

"At each of our monthly meetings, we pick a different organization or charity and ask them if they need any supplies," McNally said. "They create a wish list and we try as best we can to help them out."

The Women's Club of Summerlin meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in The Trails Community Center, 1910 Spring Gate Lane.

Membership is $35 annually for individuals and is open to residents of any of the Summerlin Villages, Sun City Summerlin, Desert Shores, South Shores, Queensridge, Peccole Ranch, Canyon Gate Country Club, The Lakes, Red Rock Country Club and Siena and Shadow Hills.

Group business memberships, which cost from $50 to $150, are open to any businesses or organizations operating within Clark County.

When newcomers walk through the door at their first group meeting, it's easy for them to fit in, Heggemeier said.

"Once they hear the laughter and see the smiles, they're hooked," she said. "We have a very warm and welcoming environment."

The monthly meetings often include guest speakers who discuss everything from health care to public safety and law enforcement. The ladies also put on an occasional fashion show or cooking demonstration.

"The women in our group are from all over the United States, but we still mesh together," McNally said.

Judi Booe, a resident of Desert Shores, joined the Women's Club of Summerlin eight years ago after moving from Washington, D.C.

Last year, she founded CHANGE, or Child Haven Advocacy Network Giving Enterprise — a group that is dedicated to providing funds for the supplies and needs of children who are living at the Child Haven campus on North Pecos Road.

"I was looking to do something that would give back to the community and I was very impressed with the women's club," Booe said. "It's a very diverse group with so many layers."

The Women's Club of Summerlin is hosting its annual fundraiser from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 15 at the JW Marriott in Summerlin.

The event will include a luncheon, silent auction and a live performance by the singing duo Zowie Bowie. Mayor Oscar Goodman and his wife, Carolyn, are also scheduled to attend.

Tickets are $75 each and must be purchased by calling 360-6512 or 243-1987. For more information visit www.womensclubofsummerlin.org.

Jeff O’Brien can be reached at 990-8957 or [email protected].