PHILANTHROPIC

Although started as a literary study group more than a century ago, the women saw – as women do – the needs of the community and quickly became philanthropic. They concerned themselves with children’s needs such as humane treatment, delinquency, spearheaded the establishment of kindergartens,  farmers markets, and then food safety laws. They built Pasadena’s first women’s restroom in the downtown business district, Rosemary Cottage as a residence for troubled young women, and their first clubhouse was donated as the Stickney School of Arts.  

For many years the Shakespeare Club was known for its large scale productions of Broadway musicals which raised money for various local causes. Today our primary philanthropic focus are the scholarships which are awarded annually to each of the four Pasadena high schools plus the continuing education high school, Rose City.  Our annual Toy Drive still donates generously each Christmas to Friends of Foster Children.  We continue to contribute to a variety of community organizations as needs arise and maintain helpful relationships with Friends in Deed, the Women’s Room, Pasadena Heritage, Pasadena Museum of History, and Pasadena Showcase House of the Arts. 

CLICK HERE for a list of philanthropic and community projects the Shakespeare Club has supported over the years.