The Covid-19 pandemic has 
tremendously impacted all of us. It has necessitated a temporary change to how we gather, contribute to our community, and raise money to support our club and charitable grant program, but it will not deter us from pursuing our mission – to improve the lives of women, children, and families in the greater Philadelphia region through volunteer service and financial contributions. During difficult times like these, The Saturday Club’s spirit of collaboration and philanthropy will prevail.
Helen Keller famously said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” This quote endures for the volunteers of The Saturday Club. Throughout our 134-year-old history, we have continuously come together with our time and many great talents to give back to our community and create lasting friendships. We have overcome prior pandemics, world wars, depressions, recessions, and other great adversities. Like club members before our time, we must come together again to overcome the challenges presented to us this year.
In a typical year, a substantial part of The Saturday Club’s budget is derived from its venue rental business. The Saturday Club’s budget is also supported by fundraising from in-person, community-focused events and by direct charitable contributions. This year, restrictions due to the pandemic have forced us to cancel venue rentals and scale back in-person fundraising efforts significantly. The amount allocated to our Club’s charitable grant program is determined by the funds available in our budget, and this has been substantially impacted by the pandemic.
As a result of these challenges, the Board of Directors has decided to reintroduce The Saturday Club’s Annual Fund Appeal to help our Club maintain its significance in the community and continue to award meaningful charitable grants to local charities with aligned missions. I know that I am not alone in my sentiment that one of the best parts of our monthly membership meetings is listening to past grant recipients describe the incredible ways in which they have utilized our grant awards.
The Annual Fund is your opportunity to make a contribution that will have a significant positive impact on local charities, many of which have also been greatly affected by the pandemic. Any amount you are able to give is significant and greatly appreciated. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
I hope that you will choose to support this year’s Annual Fund. Your gift will help to secure our future as an impactful charitable organization and honor the rich traditions of our past, while helping to continue our legacy of working – together – for the betterment of our community.
On behalf of the women, children, and families who are the true beneficiaries of your contribution, The Saturday Club is grateful for your support.
