Bridge Players Compete in Fundraiser Tournament

A tournament that was started in 1988 continues today in memory of its founder, Winifred S. Malchie, who loved the card game bridge. More than 60 women gathered in to play in the tournament in groups of four as a benefit fundraiser for the . 

The late Malchie loved the game, which she viewed as a "refined, mind-expanding game," said her daughter, Deane Preston, who also played in Thursday's tournament. 

Malchie, who taught bridge in a time when there was no shortage of players, wanted nothing more than to get younger players hooked on the game, Preston said. 

She began the tournament to get younger players involved, Preston said, who noted how her own playing is in honor of her mother. Many of her friends still play in the tournment, Preston said. 

The tournament is the Neighborhood Club's single event based fundraiser, said Kathy Eisengruber, Neighborhood Club Director of Development. Each of the players pays a minimum of $25 to enter and participate and the money then goes into the non-profit community organization's annual fund, she said. 

Several of the Neighborhood Club board members prepare the food that is served during the lunch leading up to the start of the tournament and the Neighborhood Club purchases tea sandwiches to be served with the side dishes prepared by board members, Eisengruber said. 

This year's tournament drew about 64 players. In some year's the tournament has drawn as many as 80 players, she said. 

Before starting, gave a brief presentation and update on the progress of the , which is a joint project with . The old location was demolished this fall and the new building is being constructed now. 

Most recently, the at the corner of St. Clair Street and Waterloo in the City of Grosse Pointe, Eisengruber said. 

Several board members attended the tournament including, Mary Roby, who is the event chairwoman, Nancy Smith, Peggy King Scully and Cynthia Hempstead. 

Malchie worked for the in Grosse Pointe Farms for years and the top two tournament winners each receive a prize from the store, which is owned by another Neighborhood Club board member, Pat Brinker.