Bradenton Woman’s Club was devastated by Irma. This treasure needs your help

While thankfully most of the Bradenton area seems to have avoided the worst of Hurricane Irma’s wrath, a pillar of Downtown Bradenton, The Bradenton Woman’s Club Building, is having an uphill battle. BWC, at 1705 Manatee Ave. and its 96-year-old grand building need funding to replace the roof, ceiling and flooring, which was demolished by Hurricane Irma. We will not lose this treasure.

The beautiful historic building has been serving the local community since 1921. It will be 100 years old in 2021. Through hosting countless benefits, offering free space for various organizations meeting and charity events, this building offers not only a sense of community but a sense of nostalgia as well.

The once-gleaming ballroom that offered a dance floor for thousands over the years is now soaked by several inches of storm water. The roof that offered protection over many special days, completely gone.

Never before has BWC been in such dire need for financial help to save its beloved building. The motto, “Be not simply good, be good for something.” The members are dedicated to this mission and, now more than ever, they need the community to help. You can help keep this beloved historical building in our community by becoming a BWC sponsor, donating to the gofundme page, go to the BWC website — Bradentonwomansclub.com and hit donate. Contact Bill or Janett Orr at 941-773-0176.

This story was originally published September 28, 2017 at 3:18 PM with the headline "Bradenton Woman’s Club was devastated by Irma. This treasure needs your help."