BAY RIDGE — Founded a century ago this July, the 12:30 Club, one of the oldest civic organizations in Bay Ridge, held its annual holiday luncheon at the Greenhouse Café Dec. 17.
President Brian Chin spoke exclusively to the Brooklyn Eagle about 12:30’s goals heading into the new year and why the club does what it is most celebrated for: giving back to their community.
The club’s charter is dedicated to the promotion of the general welfare of its members, as well as the promotion of economic welfare of Bay Ridge.
These objectives are encouraged by means of discussions, instruction, entertainment and social gatherings, allowing local businesses and professionals to exchange information and ideas.
“We are here today to of course acknowledge the holidays, socialize and break bread with our members and guests,” Chin explained. “But we are also collecting unwrapped toys for the children of the soldiers of the Fort Hamilton Army Base.”
This past year, the 12:30 Club has raised thousands of dollars for their community, and looking forward, Chin said he hopes to continue to do the same thing into 2025, as well as grow their membership considerably.
“Next year is a big year for us as we will be turning 100,” he noted.
According to Chin, the 12:30 Club looks for new members who are active in their community and willing to contribute to the club monetarily, with their time, or both.
“But like any organization, the strength of the club is the energy the members put into it, and we have plenty of energy within our group,” Chin said.
Chin said he is passionate about his work in the 12:30 Club because he cares about the community where he lives and works. “I want to see Bay Ridge, which I consider to be the coolest neighborhood, thrive and have businesses do well,” he said.
Chin, who was a 12:30 member for eight years before becoming president in September 2024, replaced Gary Hanna, who served from 2023-2024.
The 12:30 Club, which is named for its traditional meeting time of 12:30 p.m., holds its luncheons primarily at the Greenhouse Café, in addition to various other neighborhood restaurants. The next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 14.
Founded a century ago this July, the 12:30 Club, one of the oldest civic organizations in Bay Ridge, held its annual holiday luncheon.
The 12:30 Club, one of the oldest organizations in Bay Ridge and founded nearly a century ago, recently installed Brian Chin as new president
The 12:30 Club swore in new officers during a meeting at the Greenhouse Cafe last month. The club, which was founded in 1925, is made
