Lexington Woman’s Club 40th Annual Golf Tournament
Lexington Woman’s Club (LWC) is a local organization that is part of the international organization, the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, which spans all over the globe. The LWC stems from its South Carolina chapter, with its main headquarters in downtown Columbia, nestled within a historically rich building dating back to the 1800s.
The LWC began on April 7, 1958, with twenty-one charter members, one of whom, Vie Sandifer, is still a member. Currently, it consists of 48 members from various walks of life, ranging from stay-at-home moms to working women and retirees. “These women are united in common goals to make Lexington a better place to live,” says Connie McFarland, former President, and current member. Their motto is “Work Today for a Better Tomorrow”, which they do through friendship, elite loyalty, support, and service to others. These women strongly desire to impact Lexington in significant ways by supporting programs and activities that benefit the people in the community.
“We participate, support, and encourage the needs of our community throughout each year,” says McFarland. “Just since September, we have worked with the Pink Bags of Hope, sponsored World Food Hunger Days, collected and delivered clothing to Midlands Orphan’s Relief, donated to Operation Smile, donated to misplaced veterans, supported the workshops at Lexington County Museum, donated to Ezekiel ministries, provided Thanksgiving cards to nursing homes and Christmas cards to veterans, placed wreaths on cemeteries at Fort Jackson, and decorated Lexington Medical Center for Christmas.” They also offer scholarships to students in the Lexington School District One planning to attend a South Carolina college.
In addition to smaller projects they do throughout the year, the LWC votes on a Community Impact Project to focus on for two years. In the past, they have supported the building of the Lexington Public Library, Camp Kemo, and Mission Lexington. They established a childcare center at Lexington Technology Center to assist in childcare for adults going to school who require childcare during class time.
They have supported Lexington Children’s Shelter, Lexington Recreation and Aging Commission, the Association for the Protection of the Elderly, the Sexual Trauma Center of the Midlands, Central Midlands Transitional Retreat, Samaritans Well, and Chris Myers’ Children’s Home. They helped bring awareness to breast cancer by funding the mammography van for Lexington Medical Center. The Club has decorated, furnished, and purchased supplies for shelters that assist broken families in crisis, purchased bulletproof vests for the sheriff’s department, and updated the new training facility for the Town of Lexington Police Department. This year, they are supporting Hunger No More of the Midlands/Lexington Community Garden, which provides fresh produce and food education to those who otherwise may not have access to healthy food choices.
How does the LWC fund all of these incredible projects? It all started in a member’s kitchen back in 1984. McFarland and two co-chairs, Sue Wharton and Sheri Kimball decided a golf tournament fundraiser could be a great way to gather the community to raise money for various needs. The first tournament started with only eight players. Most of those players were members’ husbands. Funds were short during this time, so they raided their husbands’ bars and prepared the food themselves. The winner won a visor, and the losers received boxes of tissues. The ladies had a sense of humor and enjoyed the camaraderie among the players. It was a golf pro, Norman Flynn, and assistant pro, Will Branham, that set this event apart. Their impact continued to spark enthusiasm in future tournaments and helped make it what it is today. The men were able to give guidance to players and help build the event into what it has become.
“From 1984, when we were raiding our pantries with meager resources, we are now blessed to have loyal sponsors who assist with food, beverages, gifts, and auction items to help offset tournament costs so more money can be put towards all of our worthwhile projects,” said Sarah Weiss, Treasurer of LWC. She continues, “It is a special day full of fun and fellowship. We are thankful for our donors and community partners who help make it all possible.” This year’s Annual Golf Tournament takes place on Monday, March 25, 2024, at the Country Club of Lexington. Registration and breakfast will begin at 10:00 am with a shotgun tee-off at noon. Jennifer O’Neal at 803-673-1335.
Lexington Woman’s Club is more than just a club, they are a long-standing beacon of light in the community.
Lexington Woman’s Club
803-673-1335