Submitted by the Woman’s Club of Sanford
The Woman’s Club of Sanford (WCOS) celebrated a year of service, fundraising, and community impact during its recent “Aloha” Luncheon, honoring scholarship recipients, local charities, and newly installed officers while bringing members together for one final gathering before the summer break.
Hosted by incoming President Victoria Huggins, the festive luncheon embraced a Hawaiian theme as more than 100 members and guests gathered to celebrate the club’s accomplishments and look ahead to a new year of service. The event featured the installation of the club’s 2026-2027 leadership team, scholarship presentations, charitable donations, entertainment, and a community luncheon.
The newly installed board includes President Victoria Huggins, First Vice President Dr. Laura Bedard, Second Vice President Karen Adam, Third Vice President Christina Hollerbach, Treasurer Joanne Jordan, Recording Secretary Nancy Groves, Corresponding Secretary Gwen Viccaro, Arts Department Chair Sally Dehler, Education Department Chair Linda Hollerbach, Home Life Department Chair Judi Schuyler, and Public Affairs Department Chair Latisha Howard.
The luncheon opened with a stirring rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” performed by members of St. Alban’s Anglican Cathedral in Oviedo, including Mark Helwig, Bailey Helwig, Debbie Helwig, and Clare Helwig. Sister Linda Burns, OBS, offered the blessing before guests enjoyed a catered lunch provided by Chianti’s.
Adding to the celebration was a surprise “Dancing Queen” flash mob that quickly drew much of the room to its feet, creating a joyful atmosphere that reflected the club’s spirit of friendship and fellowship.
One of the highlights of the afternoon was WCOS’s annual scholarship presentation. The organization awarded nine scholarships valued at $2,000 each, recognizing students and adult learners pursuing careers in fields ranging from occupational therapy and media communications to construction management, nursing, graphic design, education, engineering, architecture, and law. Recipients included Bailey V. Helwig, Sarah Ross, Jahliyah Beckford, Harmoni McQueen, Michaela Johnson, Jeanette Scheuring, Shanice Alphonse, Milaena Johnson, and Kaily Calvo.
In addition to supporting education, WCOS continued its longstanding commitment to community service by presenting five charitable organizations with $1,500 donations each. This year’s recipients were Angels of Mercy Ministries, Glorious Hands Inc., Arts for Kids at the Hopper Academy, Quilts of Valor–Seminole County, and the (Center of Recovery & Exercise) CORE Florida Foundation. The selected organizations serve a wide range of community needs, including housing assistance, youth mentoring, arts education, veteran support, and rehabilitation services for individuals living with spinal cord injuries and neurological conditions.
“This special luncheon is always my favorite event of the year,” Huggins said. “It represents the culmination of all the hard work our members have invested through fundraisers, community projects, and volunteer efforts. It is incredibly rewarding to see that work translated into scholarships for students and support for organizations that are making a difference in our community.”
Founded on the motto “Not for self, but for all,” the Woman’s Club of Sanford has spent generations supporting education, civic engagement, and charitable initiatives throughout the Sanford community. The annual scholarship and charitable giving program remains one of the organization’s most meaningful traditions, helping local students achieve their educational goals while strengthening nonprofit organizations that serve residents across Seminole County.
As members begin their summer recess, WCOS leaders say they look forward to continuing their mission of service and community involvement when meetings resume in September. Interested in becoming a member please visit https://www.womansclubofsanford.com/
