St. Clair Women’s League to host community fundraiser event at Rivercrab restaurant

According to Cindi Trombly-Martin, it was 51 years ago that the former St. Clair Junior Men’s League disbanded and turned their seed money over to a group of seven young women who founded the St. Clair Women’s League. 

Serving her community as the current president of the Women’s League for the past two years, Trombly-Martin says the group’s mission is to collaborate with local organizations in an ongoing effort to support their local community and surrounding area charities.

Consisting of 40 to 50 members yearly, residents join the group because they want to be involved in their community and find meaningful ways to support local causes. Trombly-Martin says the Women’s League is the best way to get associated with the City and make some new acquaintances for new residents of St. Clair. She adds “Lifelong friendships are formed here.”

“St. Clair Women’s League gives anywhere from $30,000 to $40,000 back to the community each year in a variety of ways, and give a lot to people - that’s for sure,” says Trombly-Martin.

With yearly fundraising efforts including home tours for the past 25 years, geranium sales, a lottery game, and a fall benefit dinner, donations make it possible for the League to provide financial assistance for places and organizations such as city parks, St. Clair Police Foundation, Kids in Distress, Harbor Impact Ministries, St. Clair Library, Washington Life Center, St. Clair Art Association, Shine on Me Youth Baseball Association, and the Hunter Hospitality House in Port Huron.  
Flats of Geraniums at the St. Clair Women's League annual Garden Sale.
"The St. Clair Women's League has been a contributor when Harbor Impact's needs have been the greatest, providing financial assistance in the most difficult times for us to get from A to B, often several times throughout the year, and ultimately contributing to the well-being of our entire community," says Barb Hanneke, founder of Harbor Impact Ministries.

The League also provides yearly College Scholarships to five graduating high school seniors and gives back to US Veterans with a free dinner at the American Legion. In addition, funds have been provided to Ascension River District Hospital for breast cancer screenings, and they provide support for activities of the local Rotary, the Art Association, St. Clair Garden Club, and the Chamber of Commerce.

Members meet monthly, but the League holds their yearly budget meeting each January where board members consider each request. Trombly-Martin says that most requests are accepted,  some as one-time donations, and others as organizations the League chooses to support every year. 

This year’s big event will be held at the River Crab Restaurant in St. Clair on November 7. All are invited, with event tickets on sale in September for $70 each, available on the website, through any member, or at Hers Boutique in Riverside Mall. Raffle tickets for the prizes are available to the general public, and attendance at the Fall Benefit Dinner is not required to win. 

With an expected 250 in attendance at this year’s event, Trombly Martin says some of the anticipated prizes include a $2000 gift card to the Mackinaw Island Grand Hotel and a variety of “Fabulous Five” raffle tickets that include a fish dinner for 20 people, and a $300 jewelry gift card and others. 

“It’s a really nice evening,” says Trombly-Martin, “All kinds of raffles, giveaways, and silent auctions.”

Learn more about the St. Clair Women’s League on their Facebook page or contact stclairwomen@gmail.com.