Every first Friday, a group of women meet to chit-chat, eat a few snacks and play bridge.
It’s a standing tradition they’ve continued for at least the last 30 years.
This week the Friday Night Bridge Club gave to the Christmas Happiness Fund in honor of two of their longstanding members, Virginia Booth and Erma Scarlette.
The fund provides Christmas presents for children who live in low-income households. The program is sponsored by the Salisbury Post, which accepts donations.
The Rowan County Department of Social Services distributes vouchers to eligible families.
Other members of the bridge club are Edith Alcorn, Betty Brown, Mildred Cheek, Diane Harrington, Elaine Stiller, Martha West and Miriam Wilfong.
West said the women take turns meeting at the members’ houses. The women keep track alphabetically by last name. And they don’t just play bridge.
“We chit-chat a whole lot,” West said.
The women also go on yearly beach trips together.
They used to buy gifts for each other, but four years ago decided they didn’t need anything, West said.
“I think it’s the idea of we are very fortunate and don’t have needs, especially. It’s an opportunity to help those who need help,” she said.
Bring contributions to the Salisbury Post, 131 W. Innes St., between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays or mail them to The Salisbury Post Christmas Happiness Fund, P.O. Box 4639, Salisbury, NC 28145-4639.
Make checks payable to the Christmas Happiness Fund and indicate how you wish your donation to be listed.
Tuesday’s contributions:
In honor of Virginia Booth and Erma Scarlette by Friday Night Bridge Club $215
In honor of our nephew, Zach Proctor by Becky and Harold Morris $25
In memory of Joyce Ann Barber, who loved to make children happy by Jason and Tracy Walser $25
In memory of past members, Carolyn Morgan, Joe Jones and Reggie Hilton by Piedmont Singles $100
In memory of Banks, Dick and Earl and in honor of our fellow Winged Footers by Charles and Norma Goldman $40
In loving memory of Giorgio Porcari and Chris Overcash and in loving honor of Serafino Porcari and children in foster care by Sandy Parcari $75
To my new friend Pat, Thanks for the prayers by Denise Brown $25
In memory of my husband Phil Herion by Betty Herion $50
In loving memory of Clark and Derotha Smith and Frances Gates by Peter and Lynn Grogan $100
In memory of Sarah Brown Snider by Roy Snider Jr. $200
In honor of best friends, Jean Rufty, Peggy Cruse and Nancy Lippard by Peggy Jo $25
Robert and Sandra Cobb $100
In honor of three precious babies, great-great-grandbabies, Chandler and Carzon Wilhelm and great-grandbaby, Samantha Thompson and Maddie Stryder by John and Selma Wilhelm $400
Davis Farm Bunco Group $75
In honor of our teachers, Brent Watson, Janet Rash and Jimmy Linn by the Doyt Watson Sunday School Class of Salem Lutheran Church $50
In memory of Dee Graves, Elizabeth Wilson, Jim, Clyde, Glenda and Marvin, we miss you from your family $50
Anonymous $100
In memory of Billie Ramsey by Patti and John Heilig $25
Peripatetic Book Club $50
In honor of Greta and Charles Connor $40
In honor of Rashanda and Jada Ellis by Michael G. Chalk $25
In memory of James Coughenour by Jennings Insurance Agency $25
In honor of Lawson, Trevor and Luke by Mom and Dad $25
In honor of Roger Armstrong by Ellis $50
Total $1,895
Running Total $30,401.01
Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253.