The club now boasts more than 150 members from all over South Jersey.
WASHINGTON TWP. -- Fifty years ago, it started as a simple ladies club in a suburban development of two-story homes.
In the '60s, it was a way for women to socialize with their neighbors.
But a half-century later, the WedgWood Women's Club has evolved into something different, something more reflective of the times.
"It started out in the development of Wedgewood in Washington Township. That's how it got its name," said Annamarie Lucca, Vice President and 20-year member.
"It was a little ladies club," said the club's President, Sue Zeller. "Wedgewood wanted to unify their community. They would plant flowers and beautify the community, and they would hold dances and all little things to raise money to be able to do it."
The club kept its name but eventually absorbed members from the multiple women's clubs that started in the '60s. Today -- as they celebrate their 50th year -- the club boasts 158 members.
"We now have members that come from as far as Philadelphia and Wildwood," Lucca stated.
And the special bond between the women has continued to grow.
They meet at the Wedgwood Country Club from September to June, on the second Tuesday of each month. Each meeting is an opportunity to enjoy each other's company, and features a special guest that provides an insightful experience. Previous meetings have hosted guests ranging from psychics, to health experts, to wine connoisseurs.
Aside from attending monthly meetings, members have the ability to partake in several trips a year. The WedgWood Women's Club has taken approximately 300 day-trips and a large quantity of over-night trips. The club has also cruised to Bermuda, Europe and the Caribbean.
While the ladies celebrate positive experiences together, they also assist one another in times of need.
"I have worked very hard for the club and never asked for anything in return," Zeller said. "I had a back operation and they came and they gave dinners to my family for three months... We have had so much fun with this stuff. It's very hard to pick one thing that sticks out, but I would have to say it's the friendships that really touches me."
While this remains a social club, as it was originally intended to be, the women have taken their dedication to community service to a higher level over the years.
"Each club wanted to do a little more than beautify the area. They wanted to give a scholarship. We started with awarding a $500 scholarship to nursing to Gloucester County Community College. That was the first scholarship we gave," Zeller said.
Ever since, the members of the WedgWood Women's Club has made it their mission to provide funding for higher education. As of now, the club has provided $100,000 in scholarships to Washington Township High School students, $78,000 to women returning to school at Rowan College at Gloucester County and $21,000 in textbooks.
The educational funding is made possible by several fundraisers hosted by the WedgWood Women's Club, which include their annual Designer Bingo, Christmas House Tour and more.
Those who are interested in applying for a WedgWood Women's Club scholarship are encouraged to visit the scholarship foundation office and fill out an application. Applicants must be women from Gloucester County who are returning to school after a hiatus.
In regards to interested, future members, Zeller stated, "There's somebody in the club that can relate to whatever you're going through. You're not alone. Members come and they forgot their problems for the day. We all understand each other, we've all been through life and we understand. There's been 50 years of friendships."
For more information about the WedgWood Women's Club, visit wedgwoodwomensclub.com.