OUR MISSION
To facilitate communication among women, to encourage projects that benefit the community
and to promote the natural and cultural beauty of the Lowcountry.
OUR VISION
To be the heart and soul of the women’s community in the Lowcountry, engaging our members to form connections,
promote personal enrichment, and better our community.
OUR SHARED VALUES
Welcome, support and engage women, encouraging them to share their strengths and experience.
Enable greater physical and emotional well-being and intellectual growth.
Foster friendships across the communities in which we live or work.
Operate with mutual respect and care for each other.
Positively impact our community with our hearts, hands, and financial resources.
Promote environmental awareness and cultural stewardship of our Lowcountry home.
Since 1961, the Women’s Association of Hilton Head Island has played a vital role in the community we call home.
Organized in January 1961 as the Hilton Head Garden Club by 23 optimistic and dedicated women, the group changed its name in 1965 to the Women’s Association of Hilton Head Island (WAHHI). Today, we have over 1000 members.
The original goals of the organization have not changed. They are to promote the natural and cultural beauty of the island, encourage projects which benefit the community, and facilitate communication among the women of the island.
WAHHI invites and encourages all women who live on Hilton Head Island, in the Incorporated Town of Bluffton, Daufuskie Island, and in those communities with access to Highway 278, up to and including Island West, and within the area bounded by the Colleton River to the north and the May River to the south, to become members.
WAHHI’s commitment to the community is strong. Throughout the year, the membership contributes in a variety of ways, such as at the annual holiday luncheon where members bring presents and donations to benefit children’s organizations on Hilton Head Island and the greater Bluffton community. Other local community efforts have included baking and distributing cookies for first responders in our community, a shoe drive for adults and children, and a food drive for local food pantries. Our Difference Makers Interest Group members contribute their time and talents in a variety of ways throughout the year to “make a difference in a day.”
The two philanthropic efforts of the Association are the Youth Community Service Awards (established in 1980) and the WAHHI Charitable Fund (established in 2017). Each year for over 30 years, WAHHI presents cash awards to deserving seniors from Hilton Head and Bluffton High Schools who have demonstrated outstanding community service. The WAHHI Charitable Fund, held in trust by The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, awards grants to eligible non-profits for programs that support the Association’s mission.
The Women’s Association of Hilton Head Island will continue to meet the goals as envisioned by our founders through the dedication and participation of each of our members.
WAHHI is much more than four great programs where you hear engaging, informative speakers and connect with an amazing network of women! WAHHI membership enhances your Lowcountry experience in a number of ways:
- By attending one of our Informational Gatherings, you can learn more about the organization and meet new and prospective members.
- Interest Groups are a vital part of WAHHI. There are more than 50 groups in which to participate. By joining, you meet other women with similar interests in smaller venues to learn, do and engage in new and fun activities.
- If you have a talent or interest to share, volunteering in any number of ways within the Association is an easy way to become more involved.