It seemed like a nice way to celebrate the Sunset Beach service group, Las Damas’ 65th year.
Polly Myers-Gerwig, a 63-year member of Las Damas, was honored at a luncheon held at Schooners at Sunset on Saturday Feb. 16. Myers-Gerwig’s two daughters, daughter in law and members of Las Damas attended this special event kicking off Las Damas’ celebrations of 65 years of service and volunteering.
Everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch created by the new chef who is the most recent addition to the staff of Schooner at Sunset restaurant, which recently opened at the former site of Harpoon Harry’s on the corner of Broadway and Pacific Coast Highway, in Sunset Beach.
The marquee noted this special event honoring Myers-Gerwig.
The members presented Myers-Gerwig with a symbolic gift of a Murano blown glass pedestal platter. One side of the platter has a wave shape to represent the community, the round shape in honor of our continuing love and friendship that we share with her.
The base of the pedestal has details of leaves and acorns representing the fruits of a grown oak tree, representing all that Myers-Gerwig has done for Las Damas and our community.
Myers-Gerwig was asked to join Las Damas when it was first organized but waited a few years, as her children were very young. During the many years of her dedicated community service Myers-Gerwig held every board position except president and her enthusiastic spirit and kindness continues to inspire members.
Myers-Gerwig headed many committees including the committee to establish the very first chain linked fence around the community lot next to the fire station.
It all began May 8, 1948 when 35 young women of Sunset Beach and Surfside met at the home of Pearl Galle. All were interested in promoting education, social and civic life.
In just a few weeks the first fundraiser was held. Attendees paid 75 cents each for a luncheon and fashion show.
The funds were donated to the community fund for the purchase of the lots for the fire station and community lot. Additionally the ladies helped with the Beachcomber’s Carnival that same year. Las Damas continues this tradition now known as the Art Festival that is held every mother’s day weekend.
In November 1949 Las Damas organized the first Fireman’s Ball. Through the years many much-needed items were purchased for our volunteer firemen and women. In the beginning it was not uncommon for the Sunset Beach Volunteer firemen to be seen jumping onto the back of the fire truck in flip-flops and board shorts. Through the years Las Damas funded protective gear and other important basics needed to fight fires in our community. Although we no longer have a volunteer fire department, Las Damas now organizes the Sunset Beach Ball held in November, to carry on this fun event and in honor of those who have served our community.
In 1964 Las Damas organized it’s first cookbook, a compilation of the members recipes. In recent years these reprinted cookbooks have been a treasure to those who grew up knowing these great ladies.
Many fundraising events have taken place in the last 65 years to serve our community, fund art programs for local schools, charities and scholarships. Las Damas also funds continuing education grants and our continued tradition of the children’s summer art program and Children’s Halloween Party. Some of the events in our history were the Children’s Easter Party, Sweethearts Night, Luaus and fashion shows.
Las Damas continues with many of these same traditions today and has added fundraising events in recent years like Wine Tasting at Brix, Barney’s Beach Party and the newest event the University of Beer, a Beer Tasting to be held at Schooner at Sunset this coming April.
Las Damas is a non-profit volunteer service organization. Meetings are held September through April at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every month. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact a Las Damas member.
Myers-Gerwig’s daughter Anna was also a member of Las Damas when she lived locally. Currently there are many second- and third-generation members as well as new members continuing the volunteer spirit of Myers-Gerwig and the many great ladies who have created these traditions.
Myers-Gerwig continues to volunteer at Las Damas and is truly a treasure to the members and the community. She is currently hand embroidering a quilt square for the quilt that will be raffled at this year’s Sunset Beach Art Festival. If you stop by the raffle table during the Art Festival you may have a chance to see her.
Myers-Gerwig’s smile and joyful personality will definitely brighten your day.
