National Charity League Opens Northern Virginia Chapter

For more than 50 years, the nonprofit National Charity League, Inc., has thrived as one of the nation’s most distinctive and well-respected mother-daughter membership organizations.

With its mission to foster the mother-daughter relationship in a philanthropic organization committed to community service, leadership development and cultural experiences, more than 995,000 hands-on volunteer hours were achieved last year at its 160 chapters around the nation.

“We just opened a chapter in Northern Virginia this spring called Cherry Blossom, where we do community service around the area for different organizations,” said Eda Lucas, a representative and member of the chapter. “We support The Katherine Hanley Shelter, HOPE, Habitat for Humanity and the Special Olympics, as well as others.”

The chapter is open to any mothers and their daughters who are in seventh to 12th grade in the Northern Virginia region.  

“The six women who formed the Cherry Blossom Chapter felt that the time with their daughters was passing far too quickly,” said Cindy Gauf, founding member and immediate past president. “They wanted to be more intentional in the way that they spent these numbered and fleeting days.”

In addition to the volunteer work, the children obtain leadership opportunities within the organization because they take on a role in the organizing and helping with each project.

“This organization is different from any others that I have been involved in with my daughters,” said Mary Lee Brendsel, president of the Cherry Blossom Chapter of the National Charity League, Inc. “We spend some quality time together while serving others. Since service is required in most middle schools and high schools, before joining my daughters were already performing community service but now we are all doing it together.”

The girls learn leadership skills, spend time with their mothers and are learning about volunteering and philanthropy.

“I know my daughter was not aware of all the places in our community that need so much help,” Lucas said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for both of us.”

In addition, there are also cultural events for the group, including an upcoming tour of the FBI Building and taking in a play, to expose the girls to that.

The chapter just held its first membership drive last month and will be holding another in January. Anyone interested should contact Rebecca Miller at themillermillers@cox.net to be placed on the email distribution list.

“There is an application and prospective members must have a sponsor and co-sponsor,” Brendsel said. “We do work with families if they don't know anyone in the organization to help them find these sponsors.”

Membership is $125 per year for each mother and daughter, $250 for both, and there is a one-time entrance fee of $100 for the mother and $50 for the daughter.  

There is a cap on the number of girls per class of 24 to 28 girls, and at this time, the class of 2015 has 25 girls, while the other grades have between 12 and 20, so membership is filling up fast.

“It is very fulfilling to witness my daughters being affected by those that they affect each time they help someone,” Brendsel said. “It is a very rich and meaningful experience.”