Charity group brews up donations

Noaki Schwartz

LIDO ISLAND -- In 1948, the Lido Island Woman’s Club started as a monthly

luncheon group where ladies in hats would chat over fragile cups of tea

held delicately in white gloved hands. Times certainly have changed.

These days, the group manages only three luncheons a year. And their

focus has expanded from being primarily a social organization to becoming

a philanthropic group.

In the past three years, the club has been instrumental in raising

$10,000 for various local schools. This year, they gave their hefty

donation to Ensign Middle School.

While the club’s board has made donations to schools in the last few

years, the group has also given money to Hoag Hospital, the Salvation

Army and other local organizations in the past.

Most of the group’s funds are raised through the annual Home Tour each

spring, said former president Sonya Gray. The tour offers the public a

peek into four pristine homes on Lido Isle, followed by tea at the

clubhouse.

“The committee tries to get two homes on the bay and two that are inland

to show the island,” Gray said. “I would say that they range in price

from $700,000 up to $10 million.”

This year, they sold a whopping 600 tickets to curious onlookers.

The club also organizes a number of other local events for Lido Isle

residents.

“We do other parties, such as an annual luau and a Halloween parade,”

Gray said.The upcoming Halloween party will feature a parade of children

in costume, as well as a visit by Darth Vader, Peter Pan and Captain

Hook, Gray said.

“The kids make crafts and play games,” Gray said. “It’s really fun.”