Locally, the Zonta Club of Hilton Head Island, established in 1979, is an active Club providing assistance to and enhancing the awareness of local women's initiatives and advocacy opportunities. We are proud of our 40+ year history of service and financial support to area organizations that empower and improve the lives of women in Beaufort County.
Club members discover a significant personal benefit in the opportunity for fellowship and networking with other members. Fellowship activities are held throughout the year. All members are invited and encouraged to participate.
Zonta of Hilton Head Island | Historical Timeline & Presidents
1979:
Founders: Martha Baumberger & Billie Lowe Rogers
Martha had been the Executive Director for Zonta International in Chicago for 8 yrs.
Billie was former President Elect in Fredrick, MD.
33 signatures on original Charter application dated December 10th, 1979
1980-1981: (BILLIE LOWE, President)
40 Charter members inducted on January 26th, 1980
International President, Evelyn De Witt, attended the Charter dinner
District XI Governor, Barbara Dean, attended the Charter dinner
Zonta Club of Savannah chartered on the same day (lunch)
Participated in funding the Zonta Int'l float in 1980 Tournament of Roses Parade
1st Fundraiser - Car Raffle - Spring 1980
1st Beneficiary of our local service project - The Child & Youth Development Center of HHI to benefit the scholarship fund
Washer & Dryer given to The Child & Youth Development Center
Career Day for local college girls
Over 700 volunteer hours
Runner up for Governor's Cup
Zonta Banner was presented to Club at Christmas party, 1980
Billie Lowe & Martha Baumberger attended the 60th Anniversary of Zonta Int'l in Washington D.C.
1981-1982: (ELLIE DAGLE, President)
Won the Governor's Cup for outstanding chapter in District XI for achievements in Service, Membership, Fundraising and fostering the objectives of Zonta International: Organized a Z-Club at McCracken High School, provided a $1,500 scholarship for continuing education for a Z-Club member, for extensive work for The Child & Youth Development Center through scholarships, physical improvements, and payment of tutoring needed for an island child with cerebral palsy. Also donated more than 1,800 volunteer hours with the Celebrity Golf Tournament, the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon, Hospice Program, McCracken High School Face Lift, Camp Leo for the Blind, & Tomfoolery.
Contributed $2,400 to Muscular Dystrophy Association
Presented Charlotte Heinrichs with an Honorary membership
Established annual scholarship to a graduating Senior who exemplifies the ideals of scholarship, citizenship & leadership potential.
1982-1983: (ANN TEN EYCK, President)
Sponsored "Women Planning for the Future" seminar as a Service Project
Presented $3,500 to Hospice Foundation
6 members (including Ann Ten Eyck) attended the International Conference in San Diego
Ann Ten Eyck met the Queen of Sweden (Queen Sylvia, an honorary Zontian) at the International Conference
Sponsored a Gala Opening Party for the Community Playhouse benefiting the McCracken Z-Club scholarship fund.
1983-1984: (GERRY DOERRING, President)
70 members strong
Began Zonta Woman of Year award
Hilton Head Island hosted the District Conference
1st Vice President of Zonta International attended & addressed the District Conference
Liz Cartwright begins 4-year term as District Treasurer on the District Board.
The Child & Youth Development Center is renamed The Children's Center
1984-1985: (MARIA BRYANT, President)
Co-sponsored Day of the Child (Juvenile Diabetes Foundation event) with Van de Meer. Raised $3,000
Of 40 original members, 13 are still active
Co-sponsored with Southern Bank, a Business women's luncheon with SC Chief Economist, Barbara Feinn
1985-1986: (GERRY GRIFFIN, President)
Black & White Ball fundraiser generated $93,000
1986-1987: (AN GROSSHUESCH, President)
Awarded a plaque from MDA
Chartered Zonta Club of Beaufort
Started Zonta Woman of Achievement award to be awarded to fellow Zontian
1987-1988: (ELAGENE TROSTLE, President)
Only President to be nominated and elected from the floor
Donated $32,500 to Service projects.
Organized Z-Club at Hilton Head Preparatory School
Mayor Baumberger proclaimed March 19th as Zonta Day
Black & White Ball
Awarded Governor's Cup for the 2nd time
1988-1989: (BARBARA CRAIG, President)
Hunting Island retreat was the first Intercity Retreat for HHI, Beaufort, Charleston & Savannah
Founder's Day Award to CJ Barbeau
Polo Day benefited The Children's Center, Planned Parenthood,
Manned phones during Jerry Lewis Telethon
Community Playhouse fundraiser for two Z-Club College Scholarships
1989-1990: (JANICE GRABY, President)
Radio Day netted $7,800
1990-1991: (ELLIE DAGLE, President)
Ellie Dagle elected to serve as Area 2 Director for 2 years
Community Playhouse Fundraiser netted $6,000
1991-1992: (JANICE JOHNSON GLOVER, President)
Donated $10,000 to be split evenly between Boys & Girls Club, Children's Center, Planned Parenthood, Child Abuse Prevention Center, and the Rape Crisis Center
1992-1993: (DEBBIE ROCHOW BERLING, President)
Began Women's Financial Information Program
Chartered the Myrtle Beach Zonta Club
Plaque was given to Boys & Girls Club
1993-1994: (CJ BARBEAU, President)
Jazz Event netted $200 for Boys & Girls Club
1994-1995: (MARIE HARTIS, President)
Won 7 awards at the District Conference
"Secret Shoppers for the Mall" fundraiser
Jazz Event Fundraiser
Boys & Girls Club award in January 1995
CJ Barbeau elected Vice Area 2 Director
Participated in the RUDAT production
1995-1996: (ANNETTE MARTINO, President)
Auction raised $25,000
Sponsored playhouse event
District Conference in Ft. Walton Beach, FL
1996-1997: (SALLY CARDAMONE, President)
District Conference held in Hilton Head
$25,000 pledged over 5 years to Boys & Girls Club for their building fund.
CJ Barbeau elected Area 2 Director
Kentucky Derby Party raised funds for Access Network
1997-1998: (MISSY SANTORUM, President)
Playhouse fundraising event raised $9,100
Developed organization of Long Range Planning committee
Boys & Girls Club received $5,000 of the $25,000 pledge for Zonta study center
Fastlane Track Club received $500
Alice in Wonderland Relay for Life to honor Linda Hildebrand, a member who passed away the year before.
1998-1999: (ANDREA WOZNIAK, President)
Hosted District Conference in The Sea Pines Resort
Purchased a billboard on SC 170 to build awareness of Citizens Opposed to Domestic Abuse (CODA)
Playhouse fundraising event raised $4,000
1999-2000: (CINDY TAULBEE, President)
48 members strong
Organized Z-Club at HH Christian Academy
American Cancer Society's Relay for Life awards: Most $ raised by a team ($10,000), Most $ Raised by an Individual, Team Spirit and "Miss Relay for Life"
Celebrated our 20th Anniversary with a luncheon at the Holiday Inn Oceanfront
First golf tournament fundraiser (for ladies only) raised $9,000
2000-2001: (CAROLE HOWE, President)
Initiated the Capital Campaign for renovating The Children's Center
Chartered Zonta Club of Bluffton
Awarded the Governor's Cup in Sept 2001 for 2000-2001
Awarded "Organization of the Year" by the Chamber of Commerce
2nd Annual Golf Tournament in Fall 2000 netted $7,600
American Cancer Society's Relay for Life awards: Best Decorated Campsite & "Miss Relay for Life" & Most $ By an Individual
Participated in the town of Hilton Head annual St. Patrick Day Parade with our own "boat float".
2001-2002: (NANCY RIEDEL, President)
3rd Annual Zonta Golf Tournament and Silent Auction at Indigo Run netted $16,000 total
Sponsored Girls Soccer Team
District Conference in Puerto Rico
2002-2003 (KAREN RYAN, President)
4th Annual Zonta Golf Tournament at Indigo Run netted $16,000
District Conference in Sarasota
Runner up for the Governor's Cup
2003-2004: (JEAN McELROY, President)
5th Annual Zonta Golf Tournament netted $17,000
11 Delegates attended the District Conference in Myrtle Beach
Planned the Birthday Party for Myrtle Beach Club at District Conference
Initiated LEAP program, changing the lives of many women in community
Planned and initiated a 2 day Board Retreat for outgoing/incoming Board
Awarded the Governor's Cup for the 4th time