WCCC Vision & Mission Statements

We are an active and engaged club as the largest GFWC Woman’s Club in Maryland. Throughout the history of the Woman’s Club of Chevy Chase, our mission has been to promote the welfare of the community in our corner of the State of Maryland. Our philanthropy focuses on support for women and children, with a particular interest in education and professional advancement for young women.   During the 2022-2023 club year WCCC contributed a value of over $250,000 to non-profit groups.

WCCC holds events that are open to the community as well as fundraising events throughout the year to generates funds for grants to non-profits and community groups. Annual events include luncheons organized by our International Affairs, Literature and Music Sections, all of which feature guest speakers. The Club also organizes a French Club Cabaret, the Community Art Show & Sale, Santa’s Workshop, a Craft Show and Sale, and the Halloween Mystery Mansion. 

WCCC’s philanthropy is expressed in sustained community engagement. This activity connects interests and programs, represented by our various sections, with both ongoing service as well as special events and projects. Our philanthropy is broadly expressed through:

• Direct Grant Making to Non-profits
• Educational Scholarships
• In-Kind Donations
• Clubhouse Use by Non-profits
• Community Events 
• Members’ Volunteer Service

Direct Grant Making to Non Profits

Financial grants from WCCC in the 2022-2023 Club Year were awarded to: 

• Bethesda Cares, Inc.
• Chevy Chase Fire Dept 7
• Hearts & Homes for Youth
• Helping Hands
• House of Ruth
• Interfaith Works
• Jubilee Jobs
• Manna Food
• Rainbow Place Shelter
• Ronald McDonald House
• Charities of WDC
• Save the Bay
• Shepherd’s Table
• Stepping Stones Shelter, Inc.
• Camfed, via the Literature Section Fundraiser 
• Doctors Without Borders, via the International Affairs Section Fundraiser
• Fresh Start, via the Literature Section Fundraiser
• World Central Kitchen, via the International Affairs Fundraiser and also by the Literature Section Fundraiser

Educational Scholarships

The WCCC administers and grants several scholarships that each assist individual college students. In 2023, scholarship awards totaled nearly $40,000.

• The Louise Ogle Scholarship was awarded in 2023 to 1 senior from B-CC High School and 3 seniors from Walter Johnson High School of high financial need who demonstrated academic excellence and community service. 
• Laura Patrick Scholarship Award. This scholarship supports an adult woman who is returning to college at Montgomery College. 
• WCCC Arts Scholarship is awarded to a Community Bridges senior or alumna student majoring in Fine Arts, funded by the Arts Sale.
• Mystery Mansion Patron fund is awarded to Community Bridges to supplement their “last dollar” scholarship fund for graduating seniors. 
• Scholarships for Music, granted to MC to be allocated to music majors, via the Music Section’s musical programs and speakers. 

In Kind Donations

WCCC donations, purchases, and projects contribute to physical donations utilized by charities throughout the region.

• Shepherd’s Table receives 50-60 packed lunch donations from WCCC members each month
• Professional clothing donated to Community Bridges, Inc Alumnae (June 2023)
• Infant care products drive to benefit the DC Diaper Bank (May 2023)
• Heart shaped pillows donated through hospitals for women who have undergone breast surgery (April 2023) 
• “Mardi Bras” donations to help women in local shelters. (March 2023) 
• Bethesda Cares collection for “Warm Socks for Cold Feet” (February 2023)
• Collection of gift cards and sundries for hospitalized members of the military at Walter Reed (January 2023)
• “Angel Tree” style winter gift project for family members of six Community Bridges, Inc. families (December 2022)
• A Wider Circle sponsored winter coat drive (December 2022) 
• Thanksgiving Food Drive (November 2022)
• Backpacks for Students drive (September 2022)
• “Go with Purple” drive for items needed by victims of domestic violence at the Betty Ann Krahnke Facility (planned for October 2023) 

Clubhouse Use by Non-Profits

The WCCC Clubhouse provides space suitable for meetings, activities, and social events of all kinds. WCCC donates or subsidizes consistent use of the Clubhouse in support of local non-profits including the 

• Red Cross
• BCC Rotary Club
• First Church of Christ Scientist
• Troop 8 of the Boy Scouts of America

This repeated use represents a substantial donation of rental hours. 

In addition, non-profits who received subsidized or donated rentals in 2022-2023 include:

• Bethesda Garden Club 
• Children’s National Hospital 
• City Choir of Washington
• Folklore Society of Greater Washington
• James Renwick Association
• Maryland Youth Ballet
• Rollingwood Neighborhood Association
• Wilderness Leadership & Learning

Community Events

The Club hosts several events open to the public which enrich the offerings of the surrounding community.

• Speakers. The Club hosts notable speakers throughout the year, with attendance open to members, guests, and the wider community. This year we welcomed Congressman Jamie Raskin, Russian Ambassador James Collins, author Susan Coll, and many additional notable speakers at our monthly General Meetings.
• Community Arts Show & Sale. Submissions are open to artists in the community for a small application fee and no commission on sales. Viewing the show is free of charge to the public. Club members serve as Patrons for the event and fund MC arts scholarships with proceeds.
• Mystery Mansion. The Clubhouse is transformed into a haunted house and fall festival designed for families with children ages 12 and under. Entry fees help the Club fund our Philanthropy programs including scholarships.
• Santa’s Workshop. A special appearance by Santa Claus is balanced with holiday crafts, cookie decorating, a train exhibit, and refreshments for young children and their families. 

Members’ Volunteer Service

Members of the Club assist with the Red Cross Blood Drives held monthly at the Clubhouse. In addition, the Community Services Committee meets monthly to assemble, pack, wrap and deliver the monthly projects.