Debbie Gorski (pictured above) arrived on Hilton Head Island like many other residents: as a tourist. She and her husband began vacationing on the Island in 1988.

The couple purchased a second home in Sea Pines when Debbie’s husband decided to join her in retirement in May 2017. Their main residence was in Dallas, where their adult children still live. Debbie and her husband planned to live it up and travel back and forth between the two locations. However, just three short weeks after returning to Dallas from Hilton Head, Debbie’s husband passed away from a catastrophic heart attack.

Mourning his untimely loss, Debbie found solace in the soothing and healing tranquility of the ocean waves. She left her life in Dallas behind and made Hilton Head her permanent residence during the summer of 2019. Shortly after, the world fearfully lived in the grip of the COVID-19 virus. Starting over can be difficult, but imagine doing it alone in a new location, where you don’t know anyone, during a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic shut down, while grieving.

A move under those circumstances brings a host of new challenges. She began golfing since it was a safe outdoor activity. Debbie also sought out different groups to join as a way of expanding her network. Soon, she joined the Sea Pines Women’s Club where she learned about the Women’s Association of Hilton Head Island (WAHHI). Little did she know when she joined WAHHI, she would one day be president of the Island’s largest women’s club.

Once becoming a member, Debbie joined WAHHI’s golf group and met a lot of fun women from many different walks of life. “WAHHI is so many things to so many different people. Some amazing women belong to WAHHI. In my earliest days, I met a gal who worked with Dr. Anthony Fauci,” Debbie shared. As the pandemic dragged on, Debbie decided to try pickleball, cooking groups, and other outdoor activities. She became WAHHI’s Communications Chair, took on her first council position, and met more ladies, expanding her social circle. “WAHHI really was a lifesaver,” she said.

Founded in 1961, WAHHI started as a group of seven women wanting to beautify the Coligny traffic circle. The group became the Hilton Head Garden Club and over time, morphed into the Women’s Association of Hilton Head Island, with a current membership of 1,255 ladies, the highest number in club history.

WAHHI has one common denominator: All members share a love of meeting new people. “I love that WAHHI is outside the gates and there’s something for everyone,” said Debbie. “WAHHI culture is open, accepting, and welcoming. Not only do we enjoy activities, but we also give back to the community.”

WAHHI established a charitable fund in 2016 which is managed by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry. Through its fundraising events, WAHHI raised and distributed $40,500 to nonprofits around the Lowcountry this year. Grant applications are submitted through the Foundation, reviewed by a WAHHI committee, and funds are awarded annually in April. A complete list of recent grant recipients is available on the WAHHI website.

But the good works don’t stop with WAHHI’s grant program. WAHHI also dispenses scholarships to recognize local graduating seniors for their contributions to the local community. Established in 1980, more than 100 students have received awards for their exemplary community service activities. “Our community service projects are diverse. We’ve done everything from gardening to beach clean-up projects. If there’s a need, we’ve done it.”

Debbie began her role as WAHHI President earlier than expected when the 2023/24 president moved midterm last October. Debbie’s official term as president began this past June 1 and will wrap up next May (2025). Her goal is to increase member engagement and to make and reinforce member connections. With no shortage of gatherings and opportunities to participate, WAHHI offers 50 interest groups in addition to club-wide activities throughout the year.

Last year, WAHHI hosted a stunning number of more than 900 events club-wide. This year is just getting underway, with four signature events planned and a golf fundraiser at Long Cove in October. WAHHI’s grants and service awards programs and charitable Difference Makers’ activities also continue. “Everyone you meet is fortunate to be here,” said Debbie, “and everyone tells me how WAHHI has been a lifesaver!”

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