History

In 1929, the unincorporated community of Sunset Beach was a virtual ‘island’ surrounded by wetlands and open spaces. The cities of Seal Beach and Huntington Beach were some distance away, Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) was still under construction and mostly dirt, and the ‘Red Line’ railway was the primary way in and out of Sunset Beach.

A group of 12 women founded the Sunset Beach Woman’s Club to create a social and civic hub for the community. By 1931, the club had grown to 27 members. Determined to establish a permanent home, they worked tirelessly to raise $250 and purchased a lot at our current Bayview location. To acquire a surplus Navy building for $1,000, the club officially incorporated on March 26, 1931, as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit.

With continued fundraising, they secured the funds and found a surplus military building. A dedicated member loaned the club $1,000 at 7.5% interest, allowing them to purchase the structure, have it cut in half, transported to the lot, and reassembled.

Then, the real work began. Together with their husbands, these early “Rosie the Riveter” women dug ditches, installed water and sewer lines, set up electricity, stuccoed the building, tiled the floors, and built a state-of-the-art kitchen. While the tiles have been updated and appliances replaced over the years, the building’s architecture remains largely unchanged since 1931.

And so does our mission.

Today, the Sunset Beach Woman’s Club continues its legacy of community service. Attend any event in Sunset Beach, and you’re sure to find our members laughing, working, and making a difference.

What We Do

We award scholarships each year to deserving students and adults continuing their education in Sunset Beach, Surfside, and Huntington Beach. In addition to hosting our major fundraiser, the Chili Cook-Off, we create fundraising activities like Dinner Dance Concerts and See’s Candies Yum-Raising to support our philanthropic efforts. We are committed to supporting local businesses and volunteering to improve the quality of life in our community while enjoying social gatherings that help build lasting friendships.

Our Approach

Our approach is rooted in collaboration, adaptability, and resilience. Whether fundraising or volunteering, we find innovative ways to continue our mission, especially in challenging times. As a 501(c)(4) nonprofit, we remain focused on both civic and social purposes, always upholding the principles of generosity, fun, and community service that have guided our club since its founding.

Our Core Values

Our core values include generosity, friendship, civic pride, and fun. We are dedicated to supporting education through scholarships, fostering deep connections among members, improving our community, and creating an environment where joy and laughter are celebrated. We believe in making a lasting impact through our collective efforts and ensuring that every member feels valued and empowered.

sbwcca[at]gmail.com