Welcome to Florida International Club (WFLIC) is part of the worldwide Welcome Clubs International (WCI) network. The membership of WFLIC consists of women from many different countries. About half of the membership is U.S.-born. The club is most active from November through April. During the summer, there are monthly informal luncheons at restaurants throughout Naples so year-round members have a chance to see each other. WFLIC offers many interest groups for women to interact with each other and share cultural activities. We welcome women of all nationalities. The language of the club is English.
OUR PURPOSE
Building Bridges of International Understanding
OUR MOTTO
Friendship through Understanding – Understanding through Friendship
OUR ACTIVITIES
During the season (November to April), we hold monthly luncheons at premier locations in Naples and vicinity. Luncheons include time to socialize, a delicious meal, club news, and an interesting speaker. We also offer over 20 interest groups which each meet at least once a month during the season. A few groups meet during the summer too. Groups are chaired by members and meet in members’ homes or in local venues. Details of place and topic are communicated via email by the group leader. These groups may include: Art Appreciation ~ A Toast to Opera ~ Afternoon at the Movies ~Atelier Français (French Studio) ~ Book Club ~ Coffee & Conversation ~ Countries, Customs, and Cultures (2 Groups) ~ Duplicate Bridge ~ Evening with Friends ~ German Conversation ~ Gourmettes ~ India ~ Ladies’ Night Out ~ Mah Jongg ~ Performing Arts ~ Phyl@The Baker ~ Salon (2 Groups) ~ Share your Passion ~ South Naples Happy Hour ~ Tertulia (Spanish Conversation) ~ Travelers. Several special events occur throughout the year too.
OUR HISTORY
WFLIC was founded on February 26, 1986, at the Hilton Hotel, Marco Island, Florida. We are modeled after the Welcome to Washington International Club, which was founded by Marian Adair in 1959.
OUR FOUNDER
Marian Adair (1908-2004), our founder, was the wife of the late E. Ross Adair, who served as a U.S. Congressman from Indiana for twenty-seven years. After his term of office, he was appointed Ambassador to Ethiopia for three years. Marian saw a great need for the bonding of U.S. and international women coming into the Washington DC area, so she founded International Club I in 1953. Four International Clubs and four International Neighbors Clubs were formed, each with limited memberships. In 1959, the Welcome to Washington International Club was organized with an unlimited membership to offer an opportunity for more international and U.S. women to join together. Marian’s dream was to have many “Welcome Clubs.” This dream is being realized.