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Message from the President
Dear Esteemed Members and WCCG Friends,
April has arrived, and with it, our beautiful theme: “Blossom Where You Grow.” This sentiment could not be more fitting for our Club. At our recent luncheon, we conducted a survey and discovered that an incredible 75% of our surveyed members at our lunch actively volunteer. That number speaks volumes about who we are—women rooted in service, compassion, and
community. Each act of giving, no matter how big or small, helps our Club and our community flourish.
This Saturday, we are proud to sponsor a Community Conversation on Freedom and Justice at Macedonia Baptist Church, featuring Ms. Bea Hines and Dr. Marvin Dunn in conjunction with Macedonia Baptist Church and We The People of 305. This important event reflects our ongoing commitment to meaningful dialogue, education, and community engagement.
From April 16 to 19, we will host the Coconut Grove Theatre Festival, a signature event that highlights the arts and brings vibrant energy to our community. Additionally, on April 16, our Club will be honored at the 2026 Annual Meeting and Preservation Awards—recognition that reflects the dedication and passion each of you brings to our shared mission.
Last evening was a wonderful reminder of the power of connection. We welcomed Chamber South along with other city chambers for a cocktail hour filled with conversation, collaboration, and new relationships. It was a pleasure to network and meet so many inspiring individuals, further strengthening our ties within the broader community.
As we move through this month, I encourage each of you to continue to blossom right where you are planted. Your contributions, your energy, and your commitment make this Club the extraordinary place it is. Together, we are not just growing, we are thriving.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Illine Davila
President
Woman's Club of Coconut Grove
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2026 Calendar
April
Environment Committee Meeting
Tuesday, April 14th
Clubhouse & Zoom (1pm)
Artists' Day
Wednesday, April 15th
Clubhouse (10am to 2pm)
Coconut Grove Theatre Festival
Thursday, April 16th to Sunday, April 19th
Clubhouse (as per schedule)
Artists' Day
Wednesday, April 22nd
Clubhouse (10am to 2pm)
Ladies of Legacy Fundraiser
Thursday, April 23rd
Clubhouse (6pm to 8pm)
Book Club Meeting
April 27th
Coconut Grove Library Branch (1:30pm to 3pm)
Qigong Class
Wednesday, April 28th
Clubhouse (9:30am)
Artists' Day
Wednesday, April 29th
Clubhouse (10am to 2pm)
May
Clarington Island Clean-up
Saturday, May 2nd
Coconut Grove Sailing Club (8:30am to 11am)
Dolce & Gabbana Exhibit
Tuesday, May 5th
Institute of Contemporary Art (10am)
Arts & Culture Committee
Wednesday, May 6th
Clubhouse (10:30am)
Artists' Day
Wednesday, May 6th
Clubhouse (10am to 2pm)
Membership Meeting - May We Bloom Together
Thursday, May 7th
Clubhouse (10:30am)
Community Life Committee Meeting
Thursday, May 7th
Clubhouse (10am)
HTAP End of Year Gathering
Friday, May 8th
Location TBA
Environment Committee Meeting
Monday, May 11th
Clubhouse & Zoom (1pm)
Artists' Day
Wednesday, May 13th
Clubhouse (10am to 2pm)
Book Club Meeting
May 18th
Coconut Grove Library Branch (1:30pm to 3pm)
Artists' Day
Wednesday, May 20th & May 27th
Clubhouse (10am to 2pm)
BINGO
Thursday, May 28th
Clubhouse (6:30pm)
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Celebrating Our Future Educators:
Taylor-Riley Hall Scholarship
Each year, the Woman's Club of Coconut Grove proudly awards the Taylor-Riley Hall Scholarship to outstanding Miami-Dade County students committed to becoming future educators. Last year, Yaretzy Martinez and Gabriela Gutierrez were each awarded $2,500 — recognized for their academic excellence, extracurricular involvement, and passion for teaching.
This year's recipients will be announced and celebrated at the May Member Meeting — one of the highlights of our meeting and year.
Student applications are open now — if you have a student that you think would be deserving of this scholarship, please direct them to the WCCG website - Education Committee to apply. For more information, contact Carol White at whitetigermia@gmail.com.
| | Culture Shock Miami Brings Theatre Buzz to the Club | | |
On Thursday, April 2nd, the Woman's Club of Coconut Grove buzzed with creative energy as theatre fans, community members, and local luminaries gathered for an intimate fireside discussion — a sneak peek into the making of the 2nd Annual Coconut Grove Theatre Festival.
Presented in collaboration with Culture Shock Miami, the free panel event gave attendees a rare backstage look at the creative process behind CGTFest 2026, with playwrights, directors, actors, and producers sharing their stories and vision for bringing live theatre back to the Grove.
The conversation was lively, the passion was contagious — and the excitement is only building. CGTFest returns April 16th through April 19th, and there's still time to get your tickets but don't hesitate as rumor has it that it will be a sold out event! Visit www.cgtf.org
| | WCCG Honored with City of Miami Proclamation | |
The Woman's Club of Coconut Grove was recently recognized with a City Proclamation honoring 135 years of service to the Coconut Grove community.
A heartfelt thank you to Commissioner Damian Pardo and Mayor Higgins for this meaningful acknowledgment of our Club's legacy and enduring commitment to the neighborhood we love.
135 years of sisterhood, service, and impact — and we are just getting started. We have a lot to celebrate!
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Carrying the Legacy Forward
Coconut Grove Woman's Club - April 16th to April 19th
From Walter De Garmo's 1920s amphitheater to the U.S. premiere of Waiting for Godot at the Coconut Grove Playhouse, Coconut Grove has always been a home for theatre that shapes culture. The Coconut Grove Theatre Festival carries that legacy forward — one play reading at a time.
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Celebrating Mentorship, Honoring Impact: Ladies of Legacy
The Woman's Club of Coconut Grove and the Coconut Grove Negro Women's Club are joining forces once again for the Ladies of Legacy Scholarship Fundraiser — and this year, they're aiming to top last year's impressive $2,500 raised.
Join us Thursday, April 23rd from 6pm to 8pm at the Woman's Club of Coconut Grove Clubhouse located at 2985 S. Bayshore Drive for an inspiring evening with featured Legacy voice, Leigh Cooper Willis, a former scholarship recipient turned community leader and advocate for women's empowerment.
Proceeds benefit the Ladies of Legacy Scholarship Fund, supporting scholarships for young women pursuing higher education and meaningful careers. Light bites and a cash bar will be available.
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Free Qigong Class Coming to the Woman's Club
Looking for a new way to nurture your mind and body? Join us on April 28th at 9:30am at the Woman's Club of Coconut Grove for a free Qigong (pronounced chee-guhng) class led by club member Carol White.
Rooted in ancient Chinese wellness tradition, Qigong combines slow, flowing movements, deep rhythmic breathing, and focused meditation to cultivate and balance Qi — the body's vital life energy. The practice is known to reduce stress, improve balance, increase flexibility, and support pain management, making it accessible and beneficial for all ages and fitness levels.
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A Celebration of Sisterhood: YWPA Tea Social Honors
Women's Month at Coconut Grove Woman's Club
On Sunday, March 8th, the Coconut Grove Woman's Club welcomed students from the Young Women's Preparatory Academy for the YWPA Tea Social — an elegant celebration of Women's Month, International Women's Day, and 20 years of sisterhood, hosted by YWPA PTSA.
The event, co-sponsored by White Tiger & Dragon Martial Arts Academy, was brought to life by the Human Trafficking Awareness & Prevention Committee, who served as gracious hostesses for the morning. Our Juniorettes rose to the occasion, taking the floor to speak and showing the community what young women of character and purpose look like in action — a true reflection of the difference the Juniorettes make as a club.
A special touch of Coconut Grove Woman's Club style came courtesy of club member Diana Ramos, who provided 60 beautiful tea cups and saucers — elevating the occasion with an authentic and elegant flair.
Thank you to everyone who made this celebration possible, and to the young women who remind us why this work matters.
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Arts and Culture at the Norton!
On March 11th, WCCG members ventured to the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach for an afternoon among the Masters. Organized by the Arts & Culture Committee, the outing centered on the extraordinary exhibition Art and Life in Rembrandt's Time — a stunning immersion into Dutch Golden Age artistry well worth the drive.
Next up, join us on May 5th at 10am at the Institute of Contemporary Art Miami's expansion space in the Miami Design District for the highly anticipated Dolce & Gabbana exhibit. Tickets are self-purchased — simply meet the group at the museum at 10am. For more information or to RSVP, contact Julie Press at jepress@gmail.com.
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Norma Jean Abraham is a Miami-born philanthropist and civic leader with over four decades of community service. Currently serving on the board of the Adrienne Arsht Center, her past board service includes Zoo Miami, Honey Shine Mentoring Program, Leadership Learning Center, Plaza Health Network, the BBBS Women's Committee, and more.
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Sofia Hedstrom De Leo is a sustainability consultant for the United Nations and former Head of Sustainability at the Swedish Consulate in New York. Her initiatives have earned recognition from Forbes and Vogue, and she has established an SDG Hub in Gothenburg championing sustainable tourism.
| | Elizabeth Liza Fitzpatrick | | |
Elizabeth Fitzpatrick is a retired Bank of America attorney and Connecticut native who has made Miami her primary home. She has been married for 46 years and is the proud mother of two sons, Liam and Luke, and grandmother to Teddy, Eloise, and Caroline.
| | PHOTO above: Thea Thompson for Coconut Grove Magazine - all others by Patrick Farrell | | A Record-Breaking Year for the Young Artists' Gallery | | |
The Woman's Club of Coconut Grove is thrilled to celebrate the extraordinary success of the 2026 Annual Young Artists' Gallery. This year, we didn't just meet expectations — we shattered every record in our history.
"Thanks to the heartfelt generosity of Club members, sponsors, and art lovers throughout our community, more than $45,000 in scholarships and prizes were awarded to Miami-Dade high school art students and their teachers—in greater amounts, than ever before.
Each scholarship represents a dream nurtured and a young artist given the chance to grow and be seen. Big up Judge Emily MacDonald-Korth who had the honor of selecting this year's deserving recipients and everyone else who made this milestone possible. The exceptional team of volunteer members made this event come off without a hitch!
I am grateful for everyone's support that made this spectacular event possible, I couldn't have done it without you!"
Lisa Remeny,
YAG Coordinator
PS: We will update the WCCG website over the summer with more YAG '26 winners and follow up with their trajectories as they graduate.
| | Winner of Curator's Choice Scholarship - Nathalie Berthin | | First Place Mixed Media Scholarship - Lucas Lafaurie | | First Place Painting Scholarship - Gabriela Crump | | |
2026 Scholarship Recipients
Best in Show: Jorge Martinez · 1st Place Painting: Gabriela Crump · 1st Place Drawing: Olivia Colon · 1st Place 3D: Ana Blanco · 1st Place Digital /Photography: Camila Canizo · 1st Place Mixed Media: Lucas Lafaurie · Outstanding – Painting: Nicole (Ray) O'Brien · Outstanding – Drawing: William L'Ecuyer · Outstanding – 3D: Brianna Alvarez · Outstanding – Digital/Photography: Arantza Cribas · Outstanding – Mixed Media: Alessandra Pelegrino · Curator's Choice: Nathalie Berthin
...and a host of Honorable Mention Recipients
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Giving Back: How You Can Support Our Community
At the Woman's Club of Coconut Grove, community stewardship is at the heart of everything we do. The Community Life Committee collects donations that directly support those in need right here in our neighborhood.
Bring your contributions to the May Member Meeting and help make a difference close to home.
Coconut Grove Food Pantry: Non-perishable food/goods
Table of Kindness: Purses, scarves & jewelry
St. James Baptist Church: Men's clothing and toiletries
Optimist Club: Healthy snacks
Tip: Amazon carries bulk socks and underwear —
a great and easy way to contribute!
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Join Us for Clarington Island Clean Up!
The Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove Environment Committee invites you to help protect Biscayne Bay at our Clean Up on Clarington Island on Saturday, May 2nd. For over a century, our members and community volunteers have removed tons of debris from this spoil island, preserving a vital habitat for wildlife and our sailing community.
Details:
- Check-in: 8:30–8:45am downstairs at Coconut Grove Sailing Club
- Departure to island: 9am
- What to bring: Closed-toed shoes, sunblock, reusable water bottle, and gloves if you have them
- Extras: Gloves, trash bags, and a light lunch provided
- Participants: Children 12+ welcome; students can earn 5 community service hours
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Make a difference in preserving Biscayne Bay and enjoy
a morning of stewardship and community spirit!
| | Interview Room Unveiling Set for April 15th | | |
Thanks to your generosity, the HTAP committee has transformed the interview room at the Human Trafficking Processing Center — turning a once cold, institutional space into one that offers warmth, dignity, and compassion for survivors.
We will be delivering all collected donations at the unveiling this Wednesday, April 15th at 1pm, joined by Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle who is extremely grateful for all the support we give.
This has been a true team effort. A special thank you to Carol White, Andrea Zuker, Debbie Dalal, Wendela Schoonbeek, Lynne Cameron, and Robin Regensburg for your dedication in making this project so impactful — this is community stewardship at its best.
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Book Club Read: Mom & Me & Mom by Maya Angelou
The Woman's Club of Coconut Grove (WCCG) Arts and Culture Committee, in collaboration with the Coconut Grove Branch of the Miami-Dade Public Library System, invites you to take part in our next Book Club meeting on April 27th from 1:30 to 3pm at the Coconut Grove Library Branch located next to the WCCG Clubhouse (2875 McFarlane Road).
This month's read Mom & Me & Mom, a memoir by Maya Angelou, is about Maya's complicated childhood and her reconciliation with her mother, exploring themes of forgiveness, resilience, and the power of maternal love.
The Book Club unites our community through engaging literary conversations and a love of reading. We are looking for volunteers to lead the book discussions, to volunteer contact Julie Press at jepress@gmail.com.
To register or learn more, contact the Coconut Grove Branch Library at 305-442-8695 or visit mdpls.org/events.
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Have Your Say: By-Law Review Now Open
This is your opportunity to help shape the governance of the Woman's Club of Coconut Grove (WCCG). All members are invited to review the Club's by-laws and submit their suggestions for consideration. (Login to your members only section of the WCCG website to review the WCCG by-laws.)
The By-Law Committee — Emily Boland, Charity Johnson, Illine Davila and Alice Hector — welcomes your input. Please submit all suggestions by April 30th directly to Charity Johnson at charity_j@bellsouth.net.
| | Environmental Committee Takes Action at Bill Baggs | | |
On Thursday, March 26th, eleven members of the Woman's Club of Coconut Grove Environment Committee rolled up their sleeves for a morning of meaningful conservation work at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.
Volunteers gathered to remove invasive snake plants, which spread aggressively in the wild, displacing the native plants that birds and butterflies depend on. A hands-on reminder that real environmental impact starts right in our own backyard.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came out and made a difference — and to Becky Adkins for organizing such a rewarding morning. To join the Environment Committee email wccgenvironmentcommittee@gmail.com.
Stay tuned for more Environmental Committee events
and opportunities to get involved.
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BINGO Success!
While our March BINGO was a ton of fun we also raised $2,583! We would like to send out a special thanks to our volunteers and members who donated food and the fabulous prizes that got everyone's attention. Your efforts made this event a huge success. Fabulous job team!
Save the date, the next BINGO fundraiser will be held on Thursday, May 28th. We are always seeking additional prizes, finger foods, desserts, appetizers, or cash toward pizza. BINGO prizes can be brought to our May 7th Member Meeting and food dishes can be dropped off prior to the event.
Your support is greatly appreciated and needed to continue making this an amazing WCCG fundraiser.
Coordinate your donations with Greg Breidenbach at gregb1765@hotmail.com.
| | "I can't thank everyone enough for coming through and restocking our supply of gifts for the BINGO table. The table had an abundance of gifts and there was lots of chatter about how great it looked. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. BINGO could never be a success without all the kindness shown by all its members," exclaimed Greg Breidenbach, BINGO Chairman. | |
Juniorettes in Action: March Highlights
After warming up at the Club's 135th Anniversary Gala in late February, the Juniorettes hit the ground running in March.
On March 8th, they stepped into the role of hosts at the International Women's Day Tea Social — greeting guests, serving refreshments, and pouring tea alongside powerful speakers sharing their journeys of growth in Miami. Between the teacups and treats, there was no shortage of inspiration.
From the Gala to the Tea Social, the Juniorettes continue to embody what community stewardship looks like in action — giving back to a Club that has served Coconut Grove for 135 years.
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E-Recycling Day Success
The Environment Committee of the Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove once again made a huge contribution to the environment by participating in the April 4th Electronics Recycling Day held in Regatta Park next to Miami City Hall.
This event, co-sponsored with City of Miami's Department of Solid Waste, once again made a huge impact by collecting materials that would normally land in our landfill. This event not only supported sustainability but educated the community about the importance of recycling and maintaining a healthy environment.
If you’re interested in being part of the Environment Committee or would like to learn more about their great works, email wccgenvironmentcommittee@gmail.com.
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Join fellow members at Siempre Famenco being held this Friday, April 10th, from 7pm to 9pm (doors open at 6pm) at the Barnacle State Park located at 3485 Main Highway in Coconut Grove.
Siempre Flamenco has been praised with rave reviews and has won the hearts of all who have seen them. From the joyous Guajiras and Tangos, to the soulful lament of the Soleares, and the dazzling footwork of the Alegrias, Siempre Flamenco takes you on an exotic journey to Andalusia, Spain.
The trilogy of guitar, song and dance is in constant dialogue, and the spontaneity of each moment is interpreted by the intricate rhythms of flamenco. Moving and mesmerizing, the passion that emanates from flamenco song unites with the intricate fury of dance in an unforgettable performance.
Picnics and BYOB welcome. No pets, please.
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Don't Miss Artists' Days at the Club
All members and prospective members—no matter your skill level—are invited to enjoy Artists’ Days at the WCCG Clubhouse. Held every Wednesday from 10am to 2pm, this welcoming gathering is the perfect opportunity to connect, create, and unwind in a relaxed, artistic setting.
Participants are encouraged to bring their preferred art medium, a bagged lunch, and a $10 donation (collected upon arrival).
Need more information?
Contact Sally Willits at sallygrove22@gmail.com or 786-512-6336 and she will fill you in on the details including any venue changes.
Don't miss this opportunity for some artsy fun!
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Woman's Club of Coconut Grove
2026 Officers
The Woman’s Club is honored to be led by volunteer members who bring dedicated leadership, energy, and a strong commitment to our mission. Their shared vision sets the stage for excellence.
President - Illine Davila
1st Vice President - Greg Breidenbach
2nd Vice President - Lara Gallardo
Corresponding Secretary - Lynne Cameron
Recording Secretary - Sonya de Long
Treasurer - Fan Zhang
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Growing Our Environmental Impact Together
The Plastic-Free Initiative (PFI) was formed by the Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove Environment Committee to help reduce plastic pollution by encouraging the elimination of single-use plastics. While PFI operates as a stand-alone organization, the Environment Committee proudly continues to support its mission as part of our ongoing environmental efforts.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Environment Committee is preparing to expand its initiatives and create even more opportunities for member involvement. This month we welcome you to join the Clarington Island Clean Up on Saturday, March 17th, and on Saturday, April 4th, we will be working hand-in-hand with City of Miami's Solid Waste Department collecting recyclable electronics during our E-Recycling event.
Visit our PFI website to learn more, get involved, and help us build a cleaner, healthier future. To get involved, please contact Kat Sitton at wccgenvironmentcommittee@gmail.com.
We extend our sincere thanks to Priscilla Rhew for her leadership in advancing the Environment Committee and are pleased to welcome Lynne Cameron as Co-Chair, alongside Kat Sitton who also Chair PFI, as the work continues.
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Reminder: Club Parking is Reserved
Parking at our Clubhouse is limited - spaces are reserved for the elderly, disabled, or those involved with the day’s program. If you want to reserve a parking space, please contact Illine Davila at illineadavila@gmail.com.
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