.png)
History of ACIW
In 1927, while hosting a Christmas Party, Mrs. Frances Brown Brough realized that there were 22 American women living in Bombay with a lot of time on their hands and a desire to learn more about the city of their adoption. A year later, a group of 13 women came together and founded the American Women’s Club of Bombay.
In an interview on February 21, 1953, on the Club’s 25th Anniversary, Mrs. Brough was asked about the success of the club: “It’s a simple thing. The Club has survived these twenty-five years because its members have tried to do something for other people.”
What began as a Club for American Women quickly expanded to include an International membership; In 2018, in celebration of its 90th Anniversary and to accurately reflect the diversity of the membership, the Club name was changed to American Club for International Women, Mumbai.
To date, with the support of sponsors, donors and our amazing members, the Club has donated over $150,000 USD, making a difference in the lives of so many.
Annual Gala
In 1930 the first Gala, The American Tea Dance, was held in the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Since then the Club has held a Gala event every year to raise funds for charities.
On May 12, 2018 a 90th Anniversary Gala Dinner and Dance was held with a Memorabilia Walk, Live and Silent Auction, Dinner and Dancing to 9 decades of music. Guests celebrated and opened their hearts to raise a record amount to be donated to the poor and disadvantaged in Mumbai.
ACIW Charity Shopping Mela
Recognizing that charities often do not have the funds to market themselves, the ACIW Charity Shopping Mela was introduced to provide a platform for charities to showcase and sell their products, and to give them the opportunity to interact with thousands of visitors from the local and expatriate communities.
Charities are offered a free table while social enterprises and unique vendors pay a small fee to participate. All funds go directly to support the work of worthy charities.
Since 2019, due to the pandemic, we were not able to have our annual fundraiser event. This year the ACIW Charity Shopping Mela is returning after 3 years. It will be held at Trident BKC on Sunday, the 29th of October 2023.
ACIW Highlights
Charities
Making a Difference
Since inception, the Club has supported grassroot nonprofits. Our focus is to support and empower women, young girls, children, and differently-abled.
Our 2023-2024 Charities
Over the years ACIW Mumbai has donated to the following charities:
