A person on a scooter rides by St. George Orthodox Cathedral in ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä, Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025.
LAURA BILSON | Gazette-Mail
Since its founding 100 years ago this week at ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä's St. George Orthodox Cathedral, the Shums 'il Bir women's club has raised and donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to charitable causes across the state, nation and world.
To celebrate the club's first century of fulfilling its mission of being "a living example of Christian love, mercy and alms-giving" and honor the lives of club members who have died, the club is hosting a series of events featuring food, music and reflection this weekend in downtown ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä.
"It's going to be a big celebration," said club historian and retired State Epidemiologist Loretta Haddy. "We're expecting hundreds of people — members, former members and their families, coming in from across the state and as far away as Florida and Canada."
About the 'Sun of Charity' club
The Shums 'il Bir, or "Sun of Charity" club was organized in 1925 by Archbishop Victor Abouassaley of the Antiochian Eastern Orthodox Diocese, in an effort to ensure that young members of the church became involved with charitable work. The club is open to women 18 and older of Lebanese or Syrian descent.
"It's pretty much like a sorority that's aware of our heritage and continues to focus on charitable events," said Haddy, whose mother, Josephine Haddy, was among charter members of the club when it was formed 100 years ago.
"We've been able to move forward under their guidance and carry on their commitment to the less fortunate," Haddy said. "We think we may be the oldest nonprofit in the state."
The club is now 75 members strong, "and in the past couple of years, we've brought in several younger members to help make sure the club keeps moving forward for years to come," Haddy said.
Charitable projects Shums 'il Bir supports or has supported include:
Manna Meal
Mountain Mission Inc.
Union Mission
YWCA Sojourners Shelter
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
International Orthodox Christian Charities
Events open to the public this weekend start on Friday from 7-10 p.m. with a "Those Were the Days" reception at St. George Orthodox Cathedral's Conference Center Ballroom, 190 Court St. in ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä. It will feature hors d'oeuvres, wine, beer and entertainment for $25 per person.
On Saturday, a Hafli — or traditional Middle Eastern celebration with food, dancing and a live band featuring Arabic music — will take place from 7:30 p.m.-midnight in the St. George Conference Center Ballroom, $40 per person.
On Sunday, a church service with a holy bread offering in honor of Archbishop Abouassaley and Shums 'il Bir members — present and past — will take place in St. George Orthodox Cathedral, starting at 9:30 a.m., followed by a complimentary coffee hour reception after church in the St. George Conference Center.
The weekend concludes Sunday evening with a 100th anniversary gala at Embassy Suites, with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres from 5:30-6:30 p.m., a club member photo session at 6:45 p.m., a dinner at 7 p.m. and a Hafli with Arabic and American music from 8 p.m.-1 a.m., $75 per person.
For more information call Patty Haddy at 304-545-1736 or Cathy Skaff at 304-545-1210.
