Dana Point Women’s Club Celebrates 75 Years

The Dana Point Women’s Club (DPWC), originally established as the El Camino Real Woman’s Club in 1951, held its Diamond Celebration last Friday, April 24th. The sold-out event benefiting Project Foster was held at the Club’s Community House facility which was transformed into a 1950s elegant cocktail lounge.

Ways & Means Chair, Marla Freeman and her team added a tent on the back lawn and draped the vintage cinder block walls in black and white chiffon, adding period sofas and chairs, along with tables and high tops with beautiful florals created by talented designer and Club member Julie Aros. A two-piece band played classic tunes as more than 120 guests wearing pearls and skinny ties perused silent auction offerings, a fun diamond earring pull and two elegant gift card tree raffles curated by Community House Director Venee Tysler. A storage unit was transformed into the VIP “Diamond Club” serving top brand whiskeys and liqueurs and hammered chocolate covered toffee. “This whole event was a team effort”, according to President Monique Wolff. “Our Club planned this evening for over a year and our efforts clearly showed.” Guests enjoyed elegant passed hors d’oeuvres, signature cocktails, and decadent homemade desserts lavishly displayed under the direction of Treasurer Donna Childress.

Project Foster Founder, Debby Thrailkill spoke about the event’s heartwarming beneficiary, Project Foster, which supplies wheeled duffle cases filled with clothing, hygiene essentials and comfort items to foster and at-risk kids and teens. “Our mission is to supply each child with the dignity of their own filled suitcase and a clear message that they matter. This is conveyed through our thoughtfully curated contents - clothes for both genders in a total of 24 sizes, and hygiene items, sheets, toys, books, and many other items handmade by our wonderful “Comfort Angels.”

Since inception 3 years ago, over 3,500 cases have been distributed to youth who often leave their homes with a trash bag filled with meager belongings. According to 1st Vice President, Toni Nelson, 1,000 cases have been distributed since the original grass roots charity, (previously called “My Own-A Case for Kids”) was adopted by DPWC on June 1, 2025. “We are budgeting to distribute 1,500 cases in FY 27.” she said. “We are deeply grateful to our sponsors and the hundreds of community partners and individuals who make this possible.”

Event sponsors included Diamond Sponsor Rainbow Sandals Foundation, Platinum Sponsor Sonance Cares, Gold Sponsors Alliant, City of Dana Point, 5th District County Supervisor and Vice Chair Katrina Foley, Silver Sponsors Keith & Michelle Slattery and Sundrop Vintage, and event sponsors Gaetano LoGrande Real Estate and Rosskopf Design Studios. “We are enormously grateful to our event sponsors, including several who chose to remain anonymous”, Nelson said. “Project Foster’s mission is dependent on the generous ongoing support of our cash and in-kind donors. We simply can’t do this good work without their commitment and generosity.”

To donate cash or new in-kind clothing or other items and learn more about Project Foster go to https://www.danapointwomensclub.org/projectfoster.

Dana Point Women's Club has served the South Orange County community since 1951. Its philanthropic programs aim to honor its motto - strengthening community - focusing on the needs of local South Orange County women, children and families by addressing poverty and child neglect and abuse and promoting literacy and education. Visit the website at: https://www.danapointwomensclub.org