Many of the activities of the Lake Chapala Duplicate Bridge Club are built around giving back to the community. Recently the club dispersed the money raised from December through April to three local charities: Operation Compassion, La Ola and Have Hammers Will Travel.
Operation Compassion serves free meals in San Antonio Tlayacapan to adults and children with some coming from as far as Chapala to get the one meal they can count on.
La Ola is a refuge and shelter for children who have been removed from their homes by authorities. Bob and Becky Plinke provide a family environment and private education for the 19 children in their care.
Have Hammers Will Travel teaches carpentry and craftsmanship to young adults, boys and girls. The recipients of this program learn a profession to support themselves and their families.
The funds to support these gifts come from a substantial portion of the small fee paid by those attending the Wednesday supervised bridge session. Volunteer instructors supervise play during the sessions to make sure the lessons are learned.
Other members of the Lake Chapala Duplicate Bridge Club’s team of play supervisors include Louise Morell, Tom Henson, Mary Ann Waite and Mollie Nadler.