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PRESIDENT'S WELCOME |
As President of the University Park Women’s Club, it is my pleasure to introduce you to our organization. We are an energetic and active group of women who continue the legacy of the Club’s founding in 2001 by a small group of women. These women were eager to bring together the women of the community, in a spirit of friendship and inclusion, to socialize and be of service to each other and the wider community. This year, in 2026, we celebrate our 25th Anniversary year.
Our ever-growing membership of 450+ women enjoy opportunities for friendships and shared interests through participation in group activities and social events within the “Park” and the wider community. An equally compelling part of our mission is to improve the welfare of others through community service.
Our Women’s Club offers a wide range of activities for you to consider:
The Special Interest Groups, which number 23 and growing, offer opportunities for women to get together informally to enjoy similar interests such as birding, book clubs, gourmet cooking, play reading, wine discovery, games, fiber arts, art and design, and more. In addition, members can sign up for community outreach opportunities through the SIG event posting system.
Our Social Committee plans trips to museums, tours, and special events. Marvelous Mondays occur monthly to provide an opportunity for members to gather in a convivial setting to socialize and learn from invited guests.
Four Luncheon General Meetings with thought-provoking speakers in varied venues throughout the wider community are a UPWC tradition. A Fashion Show or other Special Event is a major fundraiser for our Outreach Partners in season.
Our mission to improve the welfare of others is fostered by the Outreach Committee and funded through the Ways and Means Committee. Our Outreach Partners in 2025-2026 are the Women’s Resource Center of Sarasota and Manatee, which provides a multiplicity of services to working women, and Feeding Empty Little Tummies (FELT), dedicated to feeding Manatee County’s most needy students.
Please explore our website: www.universityparkwomensclub.com.
I welcome you to contact me with any questions or just to say hello!
It is my pleasure to be a member of this organization of caring, generous, and energetic women and we hope you will join us.
Daria Charlesworth
President 2025-26
Information about UPWC |
UPWC was founded in 2001, beginning with 89 members. In 2026 we will be celebrating our 25th Anniversary, with 485+ members. Our purpose is to provide opportunities for friendships through group activities, social events, and community outreach. Our event filled year includes: ● Four General Meetings/Luncheons with interesting programs and a “happy hour” to get to know each other before lunch. This year these occur in October, December, March and June. ● An Special Event or Fashion Show in season, with the purpose of raising funds for our community partners. ● Twenty-two Special Interest Groups (SIG’s) that meet regularly to enable members with similar interests to gather, learn, have fun, and participate in meaningful activities. ● Three or four social events are held each year, including trips to the theater, art museums, community architecture tours, backstage tours, and many more. Each year we review the many organizations in our area and decide how best to focus our Outreach efforts. The two charities in the 2025-2026 year are the Women’s Resource Center of Sarasota and Manatee (WRC), and F.E.L.T. (Feeding Empty Little Tummies). The Women’s Resource Center provides scholarships and other support for women who have experienced trauma at various points in their lives, and F.E.L.T. provides weekend food for the most needy children in Manatee schools. In 2024-2025, the UPWC donated over $16,000 to these local outreach partners. For more about past recipients of UPWC outreach, click here. To see the list of Past Presidents, click here. |
MISSION STATEMENT
- Provide members with opportunities for friendships and shared interests through group activities and social events.
- Welcome new residents and provide helpful information about the Club and their community.
- Promote awareness of the social and cultural offerings of the surrounding community through planned activities and outings.
- Provide opportunities to improve the welfare of others through community service activities.