WELLS — After 98 years of service to Ogunquit and the southern Maine community, the Ogunquit Women’s Club has disbanded as of June 30. As a final gift, the club will donate the balance of its treasury – $5,876.21 – to continue its scholarship for women at York County Community College.
The Ogunquit Women’s Club/Phyllis B. Norton Scholarship for Women at YCCC was established by the club five years ago in tribute to its late president. The scholarship has provided funding each year for two semesters of study for a female student selected by the college. The final contribution is earmarked to continue the scholarship for at least five more years.
The decision to dissolve the club was finalized by a vote of the membership at the club’s final meeting on May 18. At the same meeting, the club also presented smaller donations to 10 additional charities and nonprofit organizations from the area, along with the annual gift of $1,000 to the scholarship foundation, as it has done every May for decades.
According to club President Cathy Wilson, “The club has suffered the fate of so many social and charitable organizations. The world has changed, and far fewer women are able to donate the time and effort which is needed to make the club successful. However, the club has supported the importance of education throughout its history, and is glad that education will continue to be its living legacy.”
Founded in 1918 as a literary club, early programs reflected current and historical topics, including studies of the recent First World War. As time went by, the club’s original mission of self-improvement for members changed to one of mutual friendship and community service. Financial donations were made to relief efforts during WWII, as well as donations to meet local needs. Over the years, the club led the way in promoting civic improvements and took a special interest in children, funding their individual needs and high school scholarships. More recently, annual donations have gone to help local organizations and charities, supporting food banks, medical aid, fuel assistance programs, conservation, animal rescue and wildlife, senior needs, libraries and the arts. All Ogunquit Women’s Club historical items will be preserved at the Ogunquit Heritage Museum.
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