Fundraising Events and Opportunities

Ownership and Maintenance of the SWC Historic Buildings Includes Upkeep and Repairs

Thanks to a legacy from early member Minnie Breuckman, the Saugatuck Women’s Club owns its historic clubhouse (built in 1935) and the Breuckman House (currently the Owl House Gift Shop), which dates to the 1860s. Both are located at 303 Butler Street.

The Saugatuck Women’s Club owns both buildings debt-free and has managed them well over the years. Our income derives from Dues, Rentals, Interest, and Donations.

Traditionally, our fundraising efforts have benefited scholarships, the community, and club events. The Saugatuck Women’s Club and its partner, Friends of the Saugatuck Women’s Club (FSWC), have had no problem supporting those efforts.

While our finances are strong, thanks to the good work and management of past treasurers and board members, it would be unwise to exhaust our capital funds in five years.

5-year Planning for Building Rehab

We now face some significant expenses; reinforcing the floor of the Breuckman House, repairing the clubhouse front doors, waterproofing the basement, replacing the shared foundation wall, and upgrading roofing and gutters.

In addressing some obvious age-related problems, we hired the engineering firm RESTORE Consulting to assess our needs and recommend solutions.

Following their recommendation, we have instituted a five-year plan which starts with the biggest, most needed and expensive projects being done first.

The first phase of our 5-year plan for building repair costs

  • 2026—Roofs and Gutters--$35,000
  • 2027—Basement-$23,000 and Masonry-$15,000

The total cost for the first two years is $72,000. For all five years, it is $172,000
Please consider a contribution to our Building Rehabilitation Campaign

Any and all contributions are welcome

Learn Ways to Give

Fundraising Events and Opportunities for 2026-2027

We welcome your participation in our fundraising efforts this year, whether through donations, volunteering, or joining a committee.

Support in any form is appreciated but not required. Choose the opportunities that suit you best. Enlist a friend and have a good time while helping your club.

If you would like to join a dedicated group of women and men by serving on this important Fundraising Committee; Please contact Karen Wessel at karenw41352@gmail.com or (843) 301-2802.

We always need volunteers to help with the SWC sponsored events. Thank you!

We continue to research and apply for grants, some of which require us to demonstrate our own fundraising efforts as well as how we add value to the community at large.

To this end, the Board of Directors has approved a slate of fundraising events and opportunities for 2026, and the start of 2027 provided below.

Fundraising Menu

Noble Twist Pizza Night

March 2026. Thank you for participating! We raised almost $700

Saugatuck Mini Golf

April through September 2026. We are once again partnering with Saugatuck Mini Golf, 3460 Blue Star Highway. Tickets are $20 each and can be used at any time between late May (check exact opening day) and September 30 of this year. Lora Keller sells tickets at all our regular meetings, or you can contact her at ldkeller5@gmail.com or by phone or text at (765) 438-4188. This is a fun way to raise money for the club while having a good time with family and friends this spring and summer.

Coffee Service at the Art Fairs

Coffee Service at the Art Fairs; July 4th and 25th.  For the past several years, the Saugatuck Douglas Art Club donates $500 to the FSWC for the SWC to provide and serve coffee to their vendors on the mornings of the summer Art Fairs.  In addition, the FSWC fundraising committee raised an additional $215 in sales. 

 We need a few volunteers each morning. We are considering extending the coffee sales to the public attending the fairs or the July 4th parade.

Charleston Wrap

Starts August 2026. Charleston Wrap (charlestonwrap.com) offers over 2,500 premium products such as gift wrap, cards, bags, candy, and more. You and your friends, family, and neighbors can shop online and receive orders directly. Our club earns 30%–40% on all sales. Catalogs will be available soon to preview fall and holiday offerings. This is a great opportunity to shop from home for all your holiday needs.

SWC Wrap Details

Festival of Trees

November 2026. We plan to host a November event displaying and selling Christmas trees and holiday table centerpieces contributed by members. Visitors will be invited to join this community event where they will find hot chocolate, coffee, and other festive treats while viewing and perhaps purchasing our work. It will be open to the public for no charge, but with a free-will donation box.

We are asking for commitment from members interested in taking part in this new event. Saugatuck Women's Club members can collaborate with area decorators and businesses to craft a tree or partner with another member or friend for this initiative. We will have a detailed instruction sheet with information links available to those who wish to participate. This is a great opportunity to show your creative side.

Volunteer Form

An Evening of the Arts

Late Spring 2027. The Saugatuck Women's Club will collaborate with the Saugatuck Douglas Art Club for this event. An Evening of the Arts will be a community fundraising affair, with silent and live art auctions featuring artworks, artisan items, and art-related experiences such as lessons and private tours. Contributing artists will receive up to 50 percent of the proceeds from their pieces. Current plans are for this to be an evening cocktail reception.

Legacy Bricks/Pavers

Ongoing. Legacy bricks or pavers provide a simple fundraising option for members and the community. These customized outdoor bricks can be engraved with your name or message or to honor individuals such as deceased Saugatuck Women's Club members. They will be installed outdoors in alcoves, walkways, or borders. A subcommittee is currently in the process of reviewing purchase and installation options.