The Extraordinary Woman's Book Club

Last Wednesday was World Kindness Day and I had the great opportunity today to be invited to celebrate a 125 year old, book club, birthday party, in Everett, WA. If you are wondering what kindness and book clubs have to do with one another, you are in for a treat!

I was invited by my bestie's mom, Lauray, to attend this amazing celebration. One hundred and twenty-five years ago a group of women started a book club and decided they would like to add some philanthropy to their meetings. Over time they hatched a plan to start a local library and gathered over 1000 books to start their mission. That local library is now thriving and is still in existence today. As the year’s past, membership grew, and the next endeavor as the point of focus for their good works, after helping with the opening of a local hospital, was a reading room for the patients that was sorely needed. It was another success for the Woman's Book Club. As time passed and the club continued to grow. They added local community chapters so that readers from all the neighborhoods could be involved.

Today they celebrated with a luncheon with over 300 in attendance and featured several impactful speakers. Sarri Gilman is the founder of Cocoon House, a non-profit organization that empowers young people, families, and the community to break the cycle of homelessness through outreach, housing and prevention. Her story was inspiring to the point of tears, not only on how she not began her journey, but how she succeeded with her vision. After seeing teens sleeping besides the local school, she began a program to help the young homeless have a place to go and get cleaned up, figure out how to get education and/or reengage with their families. Some of the kids still had nowhere to stay permanently and it became clear, that bigger and better housing units were needed. Her dream was fulfilled with the donation of an abandoned hotel. Thanks to Sarri, her vision and hard work, Cocoon House is a very successful organization, helping the homeless young of Snohomish County today. You should check out her web page and books. I am excited myself to hear about her successes!

www.sarrigilman.com

The next speaker has written many books including one of my favorites, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. Lisa See gave an incredible talk about her history, and the history behind her inspirations for several of her stories. The latest book is called The Island of Sea Women, a story of the unbelievable women of the Korean Island of Jeju. These women take care of their families by freediving in the tumultuous waters that surround them. Lisa is very passionate about her research and spent time interviewing the women and learned about the friendships and trials these daring ladies endured. I can’t wait to start reading!

I was so inspired to see the long-lasting relationships that The Woman’s Book Club has produced over the years. It was moving to see how dedicated the group is to make the world a better place. It was moving to see how many husbands and daughters came out to support this 125th year birthday party. A huge thank you the Stupey’s for an invitation to an event I will never forget!