For more than 80 years, the American Women’s Club – The Hague (AWC The Hague) has been providing a home away from home for American and english speaking women of all nationalities. As a registered Dutch ANBI (non profit) organization, our primary goal is to serve as a support network for women living and working in the Netherlands. Our members work hard to provide a very comfortable, inviting clubhouse, organize numerous activities, tours, family events and fundraising events during the year for all ages.
Over the years, AWC have continually found ways to contribute to both local and international charities. From 2002-2008, AWC raised over €1,000,000 through the Pink Ribbon Gala to support breast cancer initiatives around the Netherlands. In recent years, the Hearts and Minds Gala was established to promote awareness and advocacy of Autism and as a result over €100,000 has been donated to autism related projects in The Netherlands. The Annual AWC Holiday Bazaar is always a popular community event which will be held this year on Nov 9-10 at the Carlton Ambassador Hotel. The event showcases a special selection of European artists and vendors, who feature high-quality goods from all over the world. Children have the option of visiting Kids Club to have a visit and photo opportunity with Santa and enjoy crafts while parents can enjoy shopping at the Bazaar on their own.
In 1931 AWC was one of the founding member clubs of FAWCO (Federation of American Women’s Clubs Overseas), part of whose mission statement is “to contribute actively to the global community with a specific focus on education, the natural and human environment, multicultural understanding and international goodwill.” This affiliation allows us the opportunity to network with over 80 American and international women’s clubs from around the globe, as well as band together in support of a common cause through the FAWCO Target Program. The most recent Target Program which was completed in March began with a one year period of education and awareness on the focus topic of access to clean water. The final two years of the program progressed with the selection of Tabitha, Cambodia-Wells for Clean Water as Target Project and a fundraising campaign which netted over US$160,000 of support. The newly announced Target Program focusing on Human Rights for Women will kick off this fall.
As an all volunteer organization, we like to say that we work hard, but also play hard – and even the work feels like play. For more information, view our website at www.awcthehague.org or visit our clubhouse during open hours (check the website as the office hours change seasonally).
