The Wilton Woman’s Club has a long history of helping out local institutions and charities. Over the last six years, they’ve raised more than $76,000 for local charities by combining fashion with philanthropy and hosting an annual fashion show luncheon fundraiser. This year, on April 4, the Woman’s Club (WWC) will once again treat attendees to a showing of the latest spring fashions from Lord & Taylor over lunch at Rolling Hills Country Club, but they’ve added another component to their yearly ‘fun-raising,’ said Deborah Corrigan, WWC fundraising chair for the luncheon.
She explained that one week before the luncheon, on March 30, the WWC will be holding a charity spin class at a Joy Ride, a new bicycle spin studio that opened recently in Ridgefield; Joy Ride is one of the sponsors of the fashion show. Both events–the show and the charity spin class–are open to WWC members and non-members. “There’s something for everyone,” Corrigan said.
Corrigan is an avid fan of Joy Ride, the new spin studio that just opened in Ridgefield, and she approached them about sponsoring the Woman’s Club annual fashion show. Together, they created the charity spinning ride as their way of bringing even more ways for people to support the fundraising effort.
“Aside from paying the instructor, Joy Ride is donating everything we make from the spin toward the fundraising total. Hopefully we can fill all 35 bikes,” Corrigan said.
Joy Ride owner Amy Pal said even though they’re located in Ridgefield, they’re eager to help out groups in Wilton. “The second biggest percentage of riders we have is from Wilton, we’re so happy about that. We want to increase our profile there, and getting involved in charity events is something that’s very important to us. It’s a big part of our pledge–bringing something healthy and fun to do that also benefits our wider community. We’re delighted to be part of such a key organization in Wilton.”
Tickets cost $50 each and the ride starts at 2 p.m. Afterward, participants will be able to enjoy light appetizers in the Joy Ride lounge. Organizers are excited about adding this kind of fun element for WWC supporters to ‘go the mile’ and show their energetic spirit for the cause.
Pal added that the ride will be a perfect event for members whose daughters have become involved in the Woman’s Club new Junior Leadership group targeted to middle and high school girls aged 13-18. “It’s nice for the mother-daughter component of it, something they can do together that’s sporty and fun, and out of the ordinary.”
Corrigan agreed. “Since they’ll be in school when the luncheon is, the spin class is a great thing for them to get behind.”
Every year the Woman’s Club divides the money from their annual fundraiser between three charities, and every year the charities are different. “Last year we donated $25,000, split among the three charities. This year they’re all in Wilton–ABC (A Better Chance), the Wilton Volunteer Ambulance Corps and the Wilton Community Assistance Fund,” Corrigan said.
Other sponsors of the Fashion Show Fundraiser are Realty Seven, Ellen Essman CPA and Gregory & Adams.
To sign up for the spin on March 30, go to the Joy Ride reserve page on their website and search for the Wilton Women’s Club event. To learn more about obtaining tickets for the fashion show, visit the WWC website.
Joy Ride is located at 62 Danbury Rd. in Ridgefield.