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Community Corner
Dana Point Women's Club's February 6th "Heart to Heart" meeting hosted Dr. Timothy Lee and solicited donations for Handbags for Hearts.
Community Contributor
|Updated Tue, Feb 11, 2025 at 3:33 pm PT
An abundance of red and pink adorned Dana Point Women’s Club (DPWC)’s fun “Heart to Heart” meeting last Thursday at its Community House facility. The Club’s monthly meeting celebrated February’s 57th consecutive American Heart Month by supporting its beloved philanthropy, Handbags for Hearts and inviting renowned cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Timothy Lee of Memorial Care’s Saddleback Medical Center to discuss women’s cardiac health.
Dr. Lee regaled the crowd with a very interesting talk featuring cardiology explored through the lens of art -- graphic abstracts to depict atrial fibrillation, impressionist paintings of running water to depict heart valves -- in a captivating PowerPoint presentation. Dr. Lee answered several questions from the crowd, emphasizing that much of cardiac disease is preventable, and highlighting many of the unique symptoms that are more typical for women. DPWC 1st Vice President Judy Amiano thanked Dr. Lee, reiterating that "heart disease affects over 60 million women in the United States but is frequently understudied, under-diagnosed and under-treated. It’s so important for our members, and for women throughout the community to understand the risks and identify the signs associated with this widespread epidemic. We are so pleased that Dr. Lee was able to take time out of his busy schedule to discuss this important topic with us in such an engaging way.”
Women’s Club members brought an impressive quantity of new and gently used handbags, toiletries and feminine necessities to the meeting, showing their ongoing support for one of their most popular charities, “Handbags for Hearts” founded by DPWC member Lucinda Lambros. Ms. Lambros and a crew of volunteers met last Saturday at the Dana Point Community Center to stuff over 200 bags, which will be delivered, along with heartfelt notes of support to women throughout the area. The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce also supported the effort, inviting local women to drop off donations at their office.
DPWC’s contributions for Handbags for Hearts will be directed to the women of Orange County United Way’s SparkPoint program aimed at preventing homelessness by educating and assisting vulnerable South Orange County families. DPWC President, Kathy Belanger presented a check for $500 to Lucinda Lambros, thanking her for her ongoing effort to make a difference in women’s lives in this unique manner. Members in kind donations of bags and toiletries totaled $2,670.
Members also supported an effort launched by Board member Toni Nelson aimed at replacing the classroom and library books destroyed by Saint Mark’s School in Alta Dena during the recent wildfires. Ms. Nelson expressed her gratitude for donations to her 4 year old grandson’s recently relocated Altadena school, saying, “DPWC typically focuses on South Orange County philanthropic projects, but the LA wildfires have affected many families, including those of several of our members whose families, like mine, lost their homes in this tragic event. I am humbled and deeply touched by the outpouring of support from individual members for this effort. DPWC is much more than a Club - it’s a group of dear friends who really care.”
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Dana Point Women's Club has served the South Orange County community since 1951. Women interested in membership are urged to visit DPWC’s website to learn more and contact the Club’s Membership Chair. Community House serves as DPWC’s Clubhouse, and also as a local venue for meetings, parties and events to help maintain the building and fund the non-profit’s philanthropies. Contact [email protected] or call 949-284-6415 for more information regarding venue rentals.
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