By THÉRÈSE MARGOLIS

Mexico City’s International Women’s Club (IWC) hosted its first quarterly social of the year on Wednesday, Feb. 8, with a special Valentine’s Day “love and friendship” theme.

In addition to a mini-bazaar of the stands selling goods and services from the club’s various commercial sponsors and a sumptuous buffet of fresh fruits, bagel sandwiches, homemade baked goods in heart shapes and rosé prosecco wine, the morning event, which was held inside the auditorium of Union Church in Colonia Lomas de Chapultepec, included a in-person interview of one of the IWC’s longest-standing and most active members, Ora Anekananda.

A longtime Mexico City resident originally from Thailand, Anekananda formed a foundation in Mexico more than two decades ago that helps elderly people by providing meals, clothing and shelter to those who have no one else to support them.

An octogenarian herself, Anekananda has depended on volunteers from the IWC community to help her in her endless goal to provide for these aging and often disabled members of Mexican society.

During the IWC social, there was also an annual report of club activities and goals presented by IWC president Lisa Snyder, as well as a briefing of the club’s ongoing work with various local charities.

At the end of the event, there was a raffle of prizes donated by IWC sponsors.

Founded in 1977 as the Newcomers Club, the IWC is a nonprofit social and service organization made up of mostly foreigners living in Mexico.

Membership is open to all.