Lake County Women’s Club turns socializing into social engagement and helps child protection center

LEESBURG, Florida. – When the Lake County Women’s Advocates meet each month, there is lots of hugging and catching up with friends.

But that’s just one reason why they keep coming back.

This week’s Getting Results Award winners transform their social event into social awareness and action.

Lu Giordano, club president of the Lake County Women’s Advocates (LCWA), arrives early and greets everyone who arrives. A line forms in the hallway of the Chesapeake Bay Grill in Arlington Ridge as the women, mostly retirees, check in and find a table with friends.

“It’s my baby,” Giordano said. “I’ve been with the organization since 2007. We dedicate our time, our service and our talents to advocacy.”

The organization began as a social club (Leesburg Newcomers Club for Women) in 1999, but has evolved over time to include fundraisers. The meetings are now a way to raise money for the Lake Sumter Children’s Advocacy Center in Leesburg, the nonprofit they have taken over.

The center is part of the National Children’s Alliance and provides comprehensive, trauma-informed services at no cost to children who are victims of crime. The Lake Sumter Children’s Advocacy Center partners with law enforcement, the Department of Children and Families, and the District Attorney’s Office to provide victims of child abuse with all the services they need in one location.

Through raffles, donations and special events, the women raised more than $28,000 last year.

“The children leave home with absolutely nothing. All their clothes can be confiscated as evidence. They may not even get the chance to return home,” Giordano continued. “Our mission is to support these children.”

The money is used to finance all kinds of things, from hospital beds to clothing and toys to school supplies.

Brenda Crellen, the center’s executive director, says the women’s club is her largest donor.

“We really depend on groups like this and this group has been with us for 10 years. I’ve been with the agency for 10 years and they’ve been with us even longer. So they’re phenomenal,” Crellen said. “What these women do and how dedicated they are is invaluable. We’re so blessed.”

Barbara Hutten became a member about three years ago. “One person joins and then tells someone else what we do and then they join,” Hutten said. “Once you see what the organization does for the kids, you realize it’s incredible. You just want to keep coming back and donating.”

Margie-Ann Feczko is a community liaison for LCWA and a retired nurse. “When you’re retired, you play mahjong and shuffleboard, but I think you need a goal.”

Feczko has been a member for years, but recently took on a leadership role in the club to spread the word about its mission.

“I think there are fun things and important things in life. Here you can do a little bit of both,” said Feczko. “It’s important to give back and share the good things in life.”

The women here will tell you that when you join their group, you will not only find new friends, but also your purpose.

The LCWA meets every fourth Thursday of the month for a luncheon, which may include lectures, special programs, field trips, or a fashion show. New members are welcome. For more information, visit: lcwadvocacy.org

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