Spinsters of San Francisco 1929 - 2010
Spinsters of San Francisco was founded on November 6, 1929. Patricia Tobin (Mrs. Sheldon Cooper) hosted the first meeting in the ballroom of her grandparents' home, the de Young house, at 1919 California Street. The Bachelors of San Francisco had already been formed, and the young women wanted to develop a sister organization. The first president was Harriet Brownell, who presided over the original membership of 35 young women.
Today, Spinsters of San Francisco has evolved into a community oriented social and philanthropic organization of up to 175 members. Non-profit by charter, the group is comprised of college educated, unmarried women who sponsor and raise funds each year for a designated local charity. In addition, the group hosts after work and evening cocktail parties, seasonal dances and three Charity Events for members and their guests. Traditionally, the members have also volunteered their time with local arts organizations, medical facilities and other philanthropic groups such as the Guardsmen.
Spinsters of San Francisco first began fundraising in 1957 to support Travelers Aid. In 1970 the group decided for the first time to give the proceeds of their Annual Ball to a charity chosen by the members. By the late 1970s the members separated the Annual Ball into two events: the Annual Ball and the Charity Ball, which has now become the Charity Events. All proceeds from the Charity Events benefit the Spinsters of San Francisco's selected charity. The charity is chosen by a vote of the entire membership at the first general meeting of the year. Past Spinsters of San Francisco charities include: the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, Meals on Wheels, The Arthritis Foundation, Hospice of San Francisco, Diabetic Youth Foundation, Children's Garden of Marin, Youth Advocates Safe Place Program, The Center for the Education of the Infant Deaf, San Francisco Ballet Dance in the Schools Program, The Alisa Ruch California Burn Foundation, The Omega Boys Club, Camp Okizu, Community Breast Health Project, The Girls After School Academy, A Home Away From Homelessness, Family House, the SF General Hospital Women's Imaging Center and the Bayview/Hunter's Point YMCA Just 4 Girls program.