Our History

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The Mission Beach Women’s Club is dedicated to educational enrichment, community service, social opportunities and charitable giving. The MBWC was organized on November 4, 1926 when ten ladies, mostly Navy wives, gathered together by our founder, Mrs. Olive Van Dorsten, to form a club devoted to the ideals of community service. At first, members met at each other’s homes. 

Eventually the club took over the cottage known as “The Shirley House", built in 1918, which we purchased in the early 1930's and has been the base cottage structure of our historic venue.

Throughout the years, MBWC has played an irreplaceable role in the community. For instance, in the early years the club sponsored the first “Tot Lot” park at the Santa Clara Recreation Center, lobbied for trash pickup in the alleys of Mission Beach, and arranged for the palm trees to be planted along Bayside Walk. Our fundraisers have allowed us to fund World War II veterans in San Diego to travel to the Washington DC Memorial, to purchase additional lighting for beach area parking lots, a portable lifeguard tower for Mission Beach, a thermal image camera for Fire Station #21, a police dog for the San Diego Police Department, musical instruments for Mission Bay High School, new equipment for the San Diego Junior Lifeguard Program and a license plate reader for the Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol.

In the Spring of 2014, we raised money to fund Fire Station 21 in Pacific Beach, giving them $31,000 for much needed equipment. We give away $25,000 to $50,000 each year from the income generated by the clubhouse facility that we rent out for private events and parties. Out total philanthropic giving for 2016 was
​$42, 200.009. We always support our local schools and all of their activities.

Every year we distribute funds to community non profits in alignment with our Mission statement. We have made a profound difference in non profits in our community and have improved the lives of many under served individuals.

Today the Mission Beach Women’s Club continues its role of community service. We're a nonprofit organization with the revenue generated through the venue rental flowing directly back into the community.