Over a century of commitment to the community.
The Woman’s Club of White Plains and its Foundation—is a community dedicated to making a difference. Our mission is to uplift and support our neighbors through volunteerism, philanthropy, and a shared commitment to improving the quality of life for all. We provide financial support to local non-profit groups, volunteer thousands of hours every year and funds restoration projects for the C.V. Rich Mansion, our historic home, from which we conduct our work.
$725,000+
DONATED ON BEHALF OF WCWP FOUNDATION SINCE IT’S INCEPTION IN 2011
Join Us
The Woman’s Club of White Plains is a place where women of all backgrounds come together to make a meaningful impact. Whether you're looking to give back to the community, build lifelong friendships, or develop your leadership skills, there’s a place for you here. Our members are united by a shared passion for service and a commitment to creating positive change. If you’re ready to make a difference, we invite you to join us on this rewarding journey.
The Woman’s Club and its Foundation provide financial support to local non-profit groups, volunteer thousands of hours every year, and funds restoration projects for the CV Rich Mansion, our historic home, from which we conduct our work.
Every year members of the Woman’s Club and its Foundation conduct:
Enrichment Programs
Fostering friendship and fun through monthly luncheons, evening events, book clubs, and more—all in our historic home.
Learn more
Community Service Projects
Helping Others, One Family at a Time.
Providing essential support through welcome kits, sandwiches, and birthday gifts for those in need.
Share your support
Fundraising Events
Raising Funds, Making a Difference.
Supporting vital programs through events like our Scholarship Luncheon, Winter Tea, and June Jazz.
Join us in making an impact.
Becoming a member of the Woman’s Club of White Plains means becoming a part of something bigger than yourself. It’s about making a tangible difference in the lives of others while enriching your own. Whether you're interested in volunteering, attending social events, or participating in our enrichment programs, there's something for everyone. Explore the possibilities and discover how you can contribute to our vibrant community.
“The Woman’s Club of White Plains has been a pillar of our city for over a century. I have seen first-hand the dedication of its members to helping those in need in our city and to restoring their beautiful historic home. The City of White Plains is lucky to have the Woman’s Club of White Plains as an important part of the fabric of our community. ”
A Legacy of Giving
For more than 100 years, our club has been a cornerstone of the White Plains community. We take pride in our long-standing tradition of giving back, from supporting local non-profits to funding important restoration projects. Every year, our members dedicate thousands of volunteer hours to ensure that our community thrives. By joining our efforts, you become a part of a legacy that continues to inspire and uplift. Today we stand on the shoulders of incredible women who came before us as we continue our strong tradition of service.
Help us continue our legacy of giving.
Take a stroll through the rich history of the Woman’s Club of White Plains
Belle Knight
1911
Election of a Club members to the School Board – the first woman elected to public office in Westchester County (before women had the right to vote nationally)
1913
Kerr House (to later become the CV Rich Mansion) featured in American Homes and Gardens (October 1913)
1916
Belle Knight became the Woman’s Club first president uniting two clubs into the Woman’s Club with over 900 members.
1917
Sold $17,00 worth of War Savings Stamps – valued over $449,000 today. Organized the first farmer market, ran a canning kitchen distributing over 50,000 jars of vegetables and jam for domestic and foreign hospitals
1918
WCWP founded the Thrift Shop – the oldest Thrift Shop in the state of NY
1940’s
The House became a first aid station and air raid shelter. Soldiers were entertained on Sunday afternoons.
1931
A note of Congratulations was received from the Hoover Administration for creating so many jobs during the Depression.
1949
WCWP designed the city flag of White Plains and presented it to the Common Council.
1931
The Woman’s Club purchased the house and 4 acres of land from Ethel Rich for $87,000 and immediately began to build the ballroom.
1949
Eleanor Roosevelt lectured on the “Responsibilities of World Citizenship” at the Woman’s Club of White Plains.
1950’s
Organized and fully staffed the Coffee Shop and Gift Shop at Burke Rehab Center.
In 1949 Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt visited the Woman’s Club and declared:
“Whether democracy wins or loses is decided here in White Plains and in every other community”
1952
The Woman’s Club received the State Federation of Woman’s Clubs award for philanthropic work in child welfare.
1979
Sponsored and funded Meals on Wheels being brought to White Plains.
1950’s
The Scholarship Program was started and continues today – first for nursing students at White Plains Hospital and now WP High School students.
1970’s
WICS (Women in Community Service) created tray favors, tote bags for those in wheelchairs at Burke Rehab Center.
1990
Knitted mittens to donate to Head Start program.
2011
The Club launched the Thanksgiving cookie drive, with members and friends providing over 220 dozen cookies for families receiving Salvation Army Thanksgiving dinners—a tradition that even continued through the pandemic..
2010
The CV Rich Mansion was listed on the State and National Registries of Historic places
2011
The Woman’s Club of White Plains Foundation received 501(c) (3) designation.
2016
Launched the Belle Knight Memorial Scholarship foundation in honor of Mrs. Knight.
2024
Our Volunteers + Members create We Care Personal Care packages for families moving into shelters
2022
Our Welcome to Your Home Packages began for those moving to permanent housing
2023
WCWP makes Sandwiches monthly for Lifting Up Westchester
Belle Knight
1911
Election of a Club members to the School Board – the first woman elected to public office in Westchester County (before women had the right to vote nationally)
1913
Kerr House (to later become the CV Rich Mansion) featured in American Homes and Gardens (October 1913)
1916
Belle Knight became the Woman’s Club first president uniting two clubs into the Woman’s Club with over 900 members.
1917
Sold $17,00 worth of War Savings Stamps – valued over $449,000 today. Organized the first farmer market, ran a canning kitchen distributing over 50,000 jars of vegetables and jam for domestic and foreign hospitals
1919
WCWP founded the Thrift Shop – the oldest Thrift Shop in the state of NY
In 1949 Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt visited the Woman’s Club and declared:
“Whether democracy wins or loses is decided here in White Plains and in every other community”
1931
A note of Congratulations was received from the Hoover Administration for creating so many jobs during the Depression.
1931
The Woman’s Club purchased the house and 4 acres of land from Ethel Rich for $87,000 and immediately began to build the ballroom.
1940’s
The House became a first aid station and air raid shelter. Soldiers were entertained on Sunday afternoons.
1949
Eleanor Roosevelt lectured on the “Responsibilities of World Citizenship” at the Woman’s Club of White Plains
1949
WCWP designed the city flag of White Plains and presented it to the Common Council
1950’s
Organized and fully staffed the Coffee Shop and Gift Shop at Burke Rehab Center.
1950’s
The Scholarship Program was started and continues today – first for nursing students at White Plains Hospital and now WP High School students.
1952
The Woman’s Club received the State Federation of Woman’s Clubs award for philanthropic work in child welfare.
1970’s
WICS (Women in Community Service) created tray favors, tote bags for those in wheelchairs at Burke Rehab Center.
1979
Sponsored and funded Meals on Wheels being brought to White Plains.
1990
Knitted mittens to donate to Head Start program.
2010
The CV Rich Mansion was listed on the State and National Registries of Historic places
2011
The Woman’s Club of White Plains Foundation received 501(c) (3) designation.
2011
The Club launched the Thanksgiving cookie drive, with members and friends providing over 220 dozen cookies for families receiving Salvation Army Thanksgiving dinners—a tradition that even continued through the pandemic..
2016
Launched the Belle Knight Memorial Scholarship foundation in honor of Mrs. Knight.
2022
Our Welcome to Your Home Packages began for those moving to permanent housing
2023
WCWP makes Sandwiches monthly for Lifting Up Westchester
2024
Our Volunteers + Members create We Care Personal Care packages for families moving into shelters
“Our club home is more than just a lovely building. It is our heritage, a heritage of memories and accumulation of thoughts and accomplishments of many people, a heritage not only to be cherished but to add to during the years ahead.”
- Murilla Schottler
President, The Woman’s Club of White Plains (1954-56)
Thank You to Our Longstanding Corporate Partners
