The Beverly Hills Women’s Club
OVER ONE HUNDRED YEARS YOUNG AND STILL GOING STRONG
By Helene Harris
BHWC Board Members
Have you ever driven up Benedict Canyon and wondered, “What’s that beautiful building, sprawling across three lots at the corner at Chevy Chase Drive?” It’s the Beverly Hills Women’s Club clubhouse, of course!
The BHWC, founded in 1916, is the oldest organization in continuous operation in Beverly Hills outside of City Hall. Its original mission statement, over 100 years old, still defines its goals and values: “The object of this club shall be advancement in all lines of general culture – the opportunity for social service – and the upbuilding of a community spirit in the City of Beverly Hills."
The BHWC has sponsored educational, cultural, philanthropic, and social activities that have supported and enriched the community since the club’s establishment.
The property was purchased in 1923. The clubhouse, designed by renowned Beverly Hills Master Architects, Gable & Wyant, was built in 1925, predating most of the neighborhood. It is included on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated Landmark #3 by the City of Beverly Hills.
The Club’s diverse philanthropic activities have supported many local and national institutions. They host a variety of programs, balancing mahjong and canasta games, with wellness activities such as Pilates, yoga, and Thai massage. Author events, workshops, and luncheons pepper the schedule. The BHWC recently held an Evening With Mayor Karen Bass, in addition to hosting many US Congresswomen and Senators. Their next event, The Hello Summer Veranda Social, will be held on June 14th.
Karen Corman, Vice Mayor Sharona Nazarian, Tara Riceberg, Lillian Raffel
As President Hollis Leech describes it, “Membership grows among residents who gravitate toward the club’s remarkable history and subscribe to the club’s mission and opportunity to involve oneself in this civic and cultural institution and social club, uniquely focused on women.”
THE BEVERLY HILLS WOMEN’S CLUB | 1700 Chevy Chase Drive, Beverly Hills | info@bhwc1916.com | (310) 276-5804 | www.bhwc1916.org