By Jillian Butler
On Monday, January 12th, the Ocean Beach Woman’s Club (OBWC) held their annual awards ceremony spearheaded by their Philanthropy and Social Justice Committee (PSJ). During this ceremony, PSJ chairwoman Paula Boyd bestowed multiple charities with checks of money that the club fundraised during the 2025 year. This year’s beneficiaries were:
- Just in Time for Foster Youth,
- Peninsula Community Senior Center,
- Community Connections Program,
- San Diego Humane Society, and
- a high school scholarship program.
Ms. Boyd praised the organizations, saying, “The organizations that we honor tonight are the ones who stop and help. Their dedicated staff and volunteers bring compassion and expertise to their work. They provide housing, counseling, and medical care for people in need, as well as their animal companions.”
Over 80 people were in attendance at the ceremony, enjoying wine, charcuterie, and honoring the work of the OBWC over the past year. This ceremony also served as the first general meeting of the year.
The beneficiary organizations represent a broad cross-section of community needs. Just in Time for Foster Youth supports young adults transitioning out of the foster care system. The Peninsula Community Senior Center provides meals, social engagement, and essential services for older residents. Community Connections Program assists individuals experiencing homelessness, while the San Diego Humane Society offers animal welfare services across the region. The scholarship program supports local students pursuing higher education.
2025’s fundraising efforts garnered $12,500–setting a new record with the PSJ. Each organization was given $2,000 each. Fundraisers included the Hat Contest, a dog stand-up paddleboard event, a wine tasting at Jensen’s market, and the annual Battle for the Paddle ping pong contest.
Ms. Boyd stated: “The OBWC PSJ committee addresses systemic inequalities while promoting a culture of giving and community engagement. Specifically, we raise much-needed funds and volunteer to support valued organizations that serve our kids, families, seniors, the unhoused, and their pets here in Ocean Beach.” Volunteer events this year included the Ocean Beach Elementary School Fall Festival and the Susan G. Komen Foundation walk.
Philanthropy is as embedded in the OBWC’s 101 year history as natural disasters. In the 1930s, the group lobbied for the building of streetlights and the paving of streets in Ocean Beach. It also sponsored activities for children as well as craft and dance classes. In 1939, the group funded year-round lifeguards. During World War Two, they provided hot showers, food, and coffee to servicemembers.
In Paula Boyd’s words, “The OBWC has been making waves and serving this community since 1924. Tonight, we proudly continue that legacy as we award grants to the beneficiaries of our 2025 fundraising campaign.”
As a retired social worker, serving the community is a core tenant of Paula Boyd’s lifestyle. Leading the OBWC’s PSJ Committee gave her newfound purpose following her move to San Diego. With this being her last year as the chair, she reminded us that, “care is built quietly, moment by moment, by people who choose to act.”
