Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
AFTER THREE hours the table was still full of baked goods Wednesday at the Benefit Coffee Social in Bessemer. The Bessemer Women's Club has hosted the event on Flag Day for the last 25 years to raise money for the different causes they support, like the library and scholarships.
By IAN MINIELLY
Bessemer - The Bessemer Women's Club hosted a "Benefit Coffee Social" in the auditorium of the city hall in Bessemer Wednesday afternoon. The club has been in existence for 98 years, spending that time raising money for scholarships, the library, books, and other donations for local causes, said Sue Abelman. The "Flag Day" social itself has been going on for 25 years, said Barbara Karpus, chairperson.
Abelman said they had about 100 people visit the social as a steady stream of folks came and went during the 3.5 hours the event was open.
A table covered in baked goods, baked by the members of the Women's Club, was available for consuming with one's coffee. Karpus said any left over snacks would be taken to the sheriff's department. Mayor Kathy Whitburn, holding court near the entrance of the auditorium, said she and the Daily Globe could attest to the quality of the baking, which is true.
The Flag Day fundraiser is key to raising funds for the charitable events the club sponsors, said Karpus. Besides the more general events helped by donations from the club, the club sponsors the Fourth of July Children's Parade and when necessary and asked, helps out in other areas of the community. The club also consistently hosts a Senior Tea for Bessemer graduates.
Karpus, a member for 56 years, said a person does not have to be a resident of Bessemer to be a member, they just have to want to help the community of Bessemer. Karpus said they have one member of the Women's Club that lives in Wakefield, but who faithfully works with the club on Bessemer events.
Karpus said the Washington School was also opened in 1919 and is 98 years old. The Women's Club wants to plan a large joint event, if possible with the school, to celebrate each of their centennials. The current idea is to have a vintage fashion show and tea party, similar to one they sponsored before when the Smithsonian Museum representatives were in town, according to Karpus. Karpus intimated the vintage fashion show was a real hit and she expected it would be again.
