The Garden City Welcoming Club, originally called the Garden City Welcome Wagon, was established in 1954 with the goal of connecting and welcoming residents to the vibrant community of Garden City. Initially, the club’s purpose was to reach out to new residents in the town, offering business recommendations and networking opportunities to help them integrate into their new surroundings. The club served as a social gathering place where newcomers could build relationships, create lasting friendships, and become part of the local fabric of Garden City.
An integral part of the club’s makeup is its women-run leadership, which has shaped the organization’s mission and growth throughout its history. Over the years, the club has grown to include more than 15 sub-clubs, each focused on different activities and interests, from social gatherings and fitness groups to special interest clubs that provide opportunities for members to connect over shared passions.
In the 1970s, the mission of the club expanded significantly, embracing a philanthropic component alongside its original social focus. This change marked a turning point for the organization, as the president of the club began selecting a local Long Island-based charity to support each year. Through a series of fundraising activities such as ticket sales, raffles, auctions, and sponsorships, the club raised money to benefit those in need within the local community. These efforts not only helped raise awareness for various causes but also solidified the club’s commitment to making a positive impact on the broader Long Island region.
Over the years, the Garden City Welcoming Club has supported many local charities, contributing hundreds of thousands of dollars to those in need. Some of the club’s past philanthropies include the Ethan Falkowitz Foundation (24/25), the P.E.A.C.E After School Program (23/24), Long Island Alzheimer’s & Dementia Center (22/23), Bethany House (21/22), The INN (20/21), and the Long Island Doula Association (19/20). These charitable efforts continue to highlight the club’s dedication to making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families throughout the region.
Today, the Garden City Welcoming Club continues to honor its dual mission of fostering community connections while supporting charitable causes. It offers rolling membership opportunities for residents of the Village of Garden City, ensuring that anyone who moves to the area has the chance to become part of this welcoming and engaged community. Through decades of service and dedication, the club remains an integral part of the local landscape, evolving with the needs of the community and standing as a beacon of both connection and philanthropy.