Yes, that’s right! We have our very own “Ladies of Orange County” organization right here in the Lake of the Woods! But these Ladies of Orange County are vastly different from their infamous, media seeking, counterparts, the Real Housewives of Orange County, California that were made famous by the reality TV program. In fact, you may not have even heard of our Ladies of Orange County, LOOC for short, unless you have been the recipient of their some of their many humanitarian efforts and generosity. The group was started in 2013 by best friends, Kelli Mitchell and Amanda Wynne with the hopes of starting a strong female “family” of like-minded women to get together for evenings of fun and activities but that would also reach our to their community in so many ways. Kelli and Amanda were more than successful with this project! With membership rising (over 100 followers on their private facebook page) and their monthly meetings attracting 15 to 20 women, even with everyone’s hectic schedules, family, work schedules and this time of year, the flu! These women are of all ages from 20 to over 70. They come from all walks of life. While some of the members were born in Virginia, many are transplants from other states and far away from their family and friend networks. The LOOC group gives them a “tribe” of ladies they can share their joys with and lean on when times get rough. Their charitable and community activities have included passing out Halloween Candy at the point, supplying food to the food banks, donating money to the Living Water Clinic, and supplying Christmas gifts for the children of struggling families here at the Lake, just to mention a few. April’s community project will be to collect needed items for a local animal shelter. You may not have seen the LOOC but don’t be surprised if they are right under your very nose. Perhaps a next door neighbor, a friend, a family member but if and when you do meet one, please take a moment to thank them for their volunteer work and community service. If you see them on one of their social outings to local restaurants, the Clubhouse or Fairways Cafe’, you will recognize them. They will be the group talking a lot, laughing loudly and obviously enjoying each others company very much. If you think you would like to make some new friends and become a Lady Of Orange County you can contact them through their facebook page Ladies of Orange County (LOOC) Click here for the link or ask any LOOC Member.
