Sometimes, lasting partnerships begin with a single moment of connection. For the Country Club of New Bedford Women’s Golf Association, that moment came during a visit to GiftsToGive — sparking years of hands-on involvement, meaningful relationships, and heartfelt giving.
The Country Club of New Bedford Women’s Golf Association has a longstanding tradition of supporting and advancing women’s golf throughout the South Coast. Rooted in competition, camaraderie, and sportsmanship, the association provides a community for women who share a passion for the game. Beyond competition the group has cultivated a strong commitment to giving back, believing that leadership and teamwork extend well beyond the golf course.
Philanthropy has become a defining element of the association’s identity. Each year, the Women’s Golf Association selects a local nonprofit to support through fundraising and acts of service. This process begins at the group’s annual Fall meeting, when members vote to determine the charitable organization that will be highlighted during their holiday gathering. The tradition not only encourages participation but also ensures that members remain personally connected to the causes they support.
During last year’s holiday celebration, the committee members curated packages of new children’s undergarments and socks in support of GiftsToGive mission, which is to provide essential items to children experiencing difficult times.
“Our Women’s Association at the Country Club of New Bedford feels that this project is worthy, for a number of reasons,” said committee member Patricia Ansay. “In these times, it’s a way to show we care about those less fortunate. Some of our members also grew up not having everything they needed. We’re aware that the basics of life, like appropriate clothing, better enable children to learn. By investing in children, we cannot go wrong!”
The association’s relationship with GiftsToGive began several years ago, when a group of members visited the GiftsToGive factory for a tour led by Founder and CEO Jim Stevens. Stevens shared the origin story of GiftsToGive and showed the group the daily process of collecting, sorting, and redistributing donated items to children across the region.
What was initially planned as a brief tour quickly turned into something more meaningful.
“The group stayed the rest of the day helping to sort children’s clothing,” Ansay said. “The women were really impressed with the process of getting quality clothing to children in need.”
For many members, the experience was inspiring. Seeing firsthand how donated items were carefully processed and distributed reinforced the importance of thoughtful giving and community service. This tour was a steppingstone for an ongoing partnership that was built not only on generous donations but also on shared values of compassion and community impact.
The generosity of this incredible group has extended far beyond their holiday donations. Giving back through GiftsToGive has become deeply personal for committee member Patricia Ansay’s mother Rita, who donated more than 200 handmade winter hats for children in need — each one crafted throughout the year with the hope of keeping a child warm and happy during the winter months.
“The Women’s Golf Association adopted us over ten years ago,” Stevens said. “There are hundreds of local children who will never know about the association’s generosity. They want to help local children and have consistently helped us every year.”
Through their ongoing support, the Country Club of New Bedford Women’s Golf Association has shown that lasting impact begins with connection, compassion, and the simple belief that every little bit truly helps.
“This donation of undergarments and socks is a win-win for children in the greater New Bedford area, as well as the Women’s Golf Association members. This collective effort brings our groups closer together for a common cause. It also makes us realize how fortunate we are to be able to help others. Our contribution to GiftsToGive is minimal compared to that of all those who are involved with the organization, but as they say, “Every little bit helps!” said Patricia Ansay.
Story by (Marissa Sebastiao)