The University City Women’s Group Lunch Bunch visits an local restaurant.

One of University City’s first civic organizations, the University City Women’s Group, invites past, present and potential future members to help it celebrate 30 years of fun, fellowship and community service. The group will hold its 30th anniversary luncheon on May 11 at the Oasis Shrine headquarters at University Place.

The Women’s Group began in May 1987 with the explosion of new neighborhoods throughout University City as a way for women to find friends and help shape their new community. Thirty years later, UCWG continues to offer both.

The organization has 20 interest groups ranging from day and evening book clubs to a lunch bunch and Single Ladies Day (or Night) Out.

“It is a great thing to be part of a group like this, because you make so many friends, and these friends are there when you need support,” says President Jeanne DeMello. “If you have just moved to this area and you need to meet people, this is a wonderful way.”

3 decades of community service

As for community service, the UCWG has raised money for dozens of causes ranging from the University City Regional Library and numerous programs benefiting children to the USO and the Salvation Army 9/11 Fund. In February, the group donated $4,000 apiece to Communities in Schools, Assistance League of Charlotte and Charlotte Family Housing.

“We really have a good time meeting and participating in all of our social activities, but we’d like the community to know we are up to over $206,000 raised (since 1987),” DeMello says, “and all of it has been given to local charities.”

The group holds general lunch meetings on the second Thursday of each Month at the Oasis Shrine headquarters, 604 Doug Mayes Place in University Place. Activity groups meet throughout the month at various homes and other locations. (Visit the group’s online calendar for upcoming activities.) http://ucwg.org/home/calendar-2

May 11 celebration details

The 30th Anniversary celebration will take place on May 11 as part of the UCWG’s monthly meeting at the Sands Restaurant in the Oasis Shrine headquarters. Three past presidents plan to come, DeMello says, including co-founder and first president Debi Thomas.

Check-in will start at 9:45 am with tea and coffee, followed by a general business meeting, election of the executive board for the coming year, and a special 30th Anniversary program. Cost of $22 includes lunch.

Want to help celebrate?

Make reservations to the May 11 event by May 8 by emailing Jean Kern, the group’s vice president, at luncheon.ucwg@gmail.com. Reservation deadline is Monday, May 8.

Learn more about University City Women’s Group at ucwg.org, or email Jeanne DeMello at ademello2@carolina.rr.com.