Islands Women's Club reaches out to community

For nearly 20 years women in the Islands Women's Club have laughed together, learned together and formed lifelong friendships.

A non-profit organization, the Islands Women's Club brings women from all facets of life together to serve the community and build relationships among the Islands neighborhood.

The nearly 50 members have played bunco, gone to lunch and served diligently in a number of charity events over the years.

Recently, Kevin Cherilla spoke to the group about scaling some the world's most dangerous and challenging mountains.

"It was very inspirational. The fact that he's becoming involved with charities was interesting to us because we're always looking to help the community," said Marjorie Combs, who has been a member of the IWC since its beginning.

Cherilla often travels with Erik Weihenmayer, a fellow adventure seeker who is blind. Their Everest expedition in 2001 was featured in Time and the Oprah Winfrey show. He also has some exciting climbs planned for 2009 including Machu Picchu and Mount Kilimanjaro.

Cherilla's concern for others, including his work with organizations that help disabled people hike mountains, was impressive to the group.

"We select two charities every year to focus on," said Beverly Lewis, club co-president. "This year, we selected My Sister's Place and Hospice of the Valley. Then throughout the year, we hold events to raise money for these two charities."

Fun is frequently a by-product as these women organize cook-offs, fashion shows, and silent auctions to raise money for charity organizations. They also organize events to bring the Islands community together.

One of the group's most highly anticipated events is the Easter egg hunt. Each year, the group orders 12,000 eggs and has a volunteer dress up as the Easter Bunny.

IWC member Marilyn Fry says she loves the Easter egg hunt so much that one year she even volunteered to be the Easter Bunny's "assistant."

"That was so much fun because for the kids, it's kind of like seeing Santa Claus," Fry said. "The Easter Bunny arrives by boat to see the kids. We have well over 700 kids come to that and all our members are there to help out."

With all that they do for the community, this diverse group of women is also grateful for what the group has done for their individual lives.

"One of the best things is just getting to know our neighbors and becoming friends. It's nice to have events where we're pursuing a common goal," Combs said. "It's a lot of work, but that's how you develop the deepest and most meaningful friendships."

E.J. Anderson and Lindsey Walker are mother and daughter. Send comments and story ideas to ej5kids@cox.net.