For 25 years, the Palmetto Dunes Women’s Club (PDWC) has been a cornerstone of friendship, social engagement, and community building on Hilton Head Island. Founded in March 2000, the club was created to help women connect, build friendships, and explore the area together.
What started as a small gathering of neighbors has flourished into a vibrant organization with nearly 30 different activity groups catering to a wide range of interests.
Nancy Soifer, a past president and longtime member, recalls the club’s origins. “When you live in a place like Palmetto Dunes or Leamington or Shelter Cove, as friendly as people are, it can be hard to meet your neighbors,” she said. “The original members saw a need for a social group where women could come together, make friends, and enjoy activities.”
This sentiment continues to resonate today. Because Palmetto Dunes is a unique community with private residential areas, it can sometimes be difficult to meet others outside of immediate neighbors. The PDWC provides a welcoming and inclusive environment where women of all backgrounds and interests can form meaningful friendships.
The club’s first meeting was held at the home of Joanne Dugle, one of the founding members, and it quickly gained popularity. In its early years, PDWC focused on a handful of core activities that encouraged social interaction and community involvement. Some of the original groups included a Gardening Club, a place for members to share landscaping tips and enjoy the beauty of Hilton Head’s lush environment; the Sunshine Club, a support network for members experiencing illness or hardship, offering help with errands and companionship; the Book Club, which is a long-standing favorite where members gather to discuss literary works; and Bridge Groups, providing members with a fun and social way to engage in that strategic card game.
As the years passed and membership grew, the club expanded its offerings to accommodate a wider range of interests. Today, PDWC hosts nearly 30 different activity groups, ensuring that every member can find something that suits their lifestyle and passions.
Members of the Palmetto Dunes Women’s Club include (front row, from left) Dacia Allen, Elaine Flanagan, Sue Ann DuBose, Phyllis Napoli, Debbie Esposito, Nancy Soifer, Cate Jarrett, DeeDee Finison, Mary Amonitti, Abagail Doherty, Susan Diehl, Cynthia Fitz, Lynnda Colombo, Karen Clarke, Cookie Gregory, Jo Timperman, Linda Pekarski, Susan Oliver, and Lenore Gleason; (back row, from left) Susan Garrett, Kathy Thomas, Melody Zanoti, Debbie Waters, Nancy Novak, Ronnie O’Neill, Pam Launhardt, Carolin Mauer, Peg Weschke, Linda Hilst, Betty Gene Hibner, Lennel Piekarski, Mary Martin, Suzanne Dawson, Patsy Frankie, Joanne Dugle, Helen Michaels, Liz Novak, Jackie Spooner Wilhoit, Leslie Hummel, Michele Davis, Kathy Johnson, Sandy Vlahos, Connie Bedette, Debbie Wenner-Waterman, Kathy Lane, and Maureen Bosart.
A club for every interest
One of the most remarkable aspects of PDWC is the sheer variety of activities it offers. Whether members are looking for intellectual stimulation, physical activity, creative expression, or social outings, there is something for everyone.
Popular current groups include Island Hoppers, in which members explore Hilton Head and the surrounding areas, taking part in excursions to historical sites, nature reserves, and cultural events; Nine & Whine, a golf group that meets to play nine holes followed by wine and socializing; Beach Sweepers, a group that meets monthly to clean Hilton Head’s beaches, combining environmental stewardship with exercise and camaraderie; the Cycling Club, whose members enjoy Hilton Head’s extensive bike trails together; the Knitting Group, one of the club’s revived original activities, giving members a chance to relax and create handmade crafts; and gourmet and appetizer clubs for food lovers who want to cook, taste, and share meals.
“You name it, we do it,” said Suzanne Dawson, an active member and volunteer who believes that the club’s greatest strength lies in its flexibility and inclusivity. “Whether it’s a gourmet dinner club, a beach cleanup walk, or a round of golf followed by wine, there’s always something to get involved in.”
Members are also encouraged to suggest and lead new groups, keeping the club dynamic and ever-evolving.
While PDWC’s primary mission is to foster friendships and social connections, it has also become a force for community service. Over the years, members have participated in numerous charitable efforts, often tying philanthropy into their social activities.
Some of the club’s notable contributions have included support for Meals on Wheels, providing handmade seasonal decorations for recipients, adding a personal touch to their meal deliveries; Backpacks for Local Schools, supplying children in need with essential school supplies; and cancer walks to support cancer awareness and fundraising events.
These initiatives allow members to give back in a way that feels natural and fulfilling, while still keeping PDWC a social-first organization.
“There are so many ways to volunteer on Hilton Head,” Soifer said. “But we wanted this club to be a place where women could come and just enjoy each other’s company without the pressure of fundraising. That said, we still find ways to contribute in meaningful ways.”
Celebrating 25 Years
To commemorate its 25th anniversary, the club hosted a ladies’ luncheon March 7 at the Country Club of Hilton Head. The event included a slideshow of photos and memories from the past 25 years, a trivia game that tested members’ knowledge of the club’s history, and an opportunity for longtime members to share stories and reflect on the club’s journey.
PDWC organizers were fortunate to secure the venue at a discounted rate through a member’s reciprocity agreement, a welcome relief as affordable gathering spaces have become increasingly difficult to find.
“One of the biggest challenges for social clubs today is finding venues that are both convenient and affordable,” Dawson said. “We were lucky to get the Country Club of Hilton Head, which is a beautiful space.”
While the modern era of technology has changed how people connect, women’s clubs remain a vital part of community life. PDWC has evolved with the times, introducing a website where members can sign up for events, track activity schedules, and stay informed.
“The advancements in technology over the years have really helped us grow,” Dawson said. “We now have a central hub where members can see what’s happening and get involved.”
More importantly, the club, along with many others on the island, has played a vital role in making Hilton Head feel like home for countless women.
“Hilton Head isn’t structured like a traditional town,” Soifer said. “It can be easy to feel isolated in your neighborhood. This club changes that. It gives women a way to meet people, form friendships, and feel like they belong.”
As the club enters its next chapter, it remains committed to its original purpose: bringing women together in friendship and fun. With its strong foundation, diverse activities, and ever-growing community, the club is well-positioned to continue thriving for another 25 years and beyond.
PDWC welcomes new members who are residents in Palmetto Dunes and Leamington who are looking for camaraderie, new experiences, and meaningful connections. To learn more, email PDWC_membership@PDWC.club.
