To create connections and promote recognition for International Widows Day, which takes place on June 23, members of the Modern Widows Club of Seattle will come together on the night of June 23.

Modern Widows Club will host an in-person happy hour event at The Cottage in Bothell, located at 10029 Northeast 183rd Street from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The goal of the event is to educate and inform the public about widowhood experiences and the importance of International Widows Day.

Modern Widows Club is an organization that was started in 2011 by Carolyn Moor, located in Florida, but has spread support groups throughout the country. Cindy Toledo lost her husband in 2011 and is now the Seattle Chapter Lead.

“The misconception with widows is that they are elderly but we found that the average age since the pandemic is 57,” said Toledo. “Our organization wants to provide the message that widows are on a broad scope from 20 all the way up. We want to make it clear that these women can also face the stigma of fatherless children.”

Modern Widows Club will host livestreams, interviews, and special events on their website designed for widows and supporters throughout June 23.