Finding Community at The Metropolitan Club in San Francisco

Moving to a new city can be overwhelming, especially when you don't know anyone. That was the case for Lori Sherk when she first moved to San Francisco. Lori and her husband, John, arrived from Kansas City. 

"When my husband was relocated to San Francisco, we were becoming empty nesters. Our entire lives were in Kansas City, and I didn’t know a soul in San Francisco," Lori shared.

Discovering The Metropolitan Club

Lori had belonged to a traditional golf and country club while living in Kansas City, but she now wanted something different. She wanted to find a place in San Francisco that would focus on her interests. A chance conversation on an airport shuttle introduced Lori to the Metropolitan Club. 

"A woman mentioned she was an out-of-state Member at a place called the Metropolitan Club. I went home, googled it, and found they had social activities, dining, bridge, fitness, and tennis–everything I was interested in."

Lori was also looking for a community that was only for women. The Metropolitan Club met that need. 

“No offense to men, I just liked the idea of an all women's club. I already have a great husband, what I needed more of was female friends.”

Finding Her Place

Determined to find a place in her  new city, Lori planned to visit the Club on her next visit to the Bay Area. However, she learned that she would need a sponsor to join, which presented a problem. 

"I didn’t know anybody, which was the point of me joining–I wanted to meet people and be active and involved!"

Fortunately, Lori found her way to the Metropolitan Club through a friend of a friend. She met . long-time Metropolitan Club Member Trish Otstott through that connection. The two connected and instantly hit it off. Trish quickly agreed to sponsor Lori’s membership. From there, Lori met with the Membership Committee, and the rest, as they say, is history!

Getting Involved

From the moment she joined, Lori jumped into the Club’s activities. "I worked out, played tennis and bridge, learned mahjongg, and joined the needlework group, even though I had never done it before." 

As she got more involved, Lori's sense of belonging grew. "I started getting on committees, joined the board, and participated in fundraising."

The Metropolitan Club quickly became Lori’s hub for social interaction–and making friends was effortless. She emphasized that anyone can form connections, regardless of age. One of her closest friends at the Club is just 23 years old.

"At the Metropolitan Club, you find friends of all ages. Everyone is welcoming. Activities and shared interests bring people together regardless of age."

A New Chapter of Membership

Lori and her husband, though bittersweet, plan to move back to Kansas City to be closer to their family. But Lori isn’t saying goodbye to the Metropolitan Club. Just like the woman Lori met by chance on the airport shuttle years ago, she will now become an out-of-state Member and plans to visit monthly.

“I already have my plane tickets booked. The Club has been, and will always be, my home away from home."

Lori’s journey at the Metropolitan Club illustrates the importance of finding a community where you can connect, engage, and form lasting friendships. Whether you’re new to the city or just looking to meet new people, the Club provides a variety of activities and events that help you feel at home. 

Why not explore it for yourself and see what makes it so special? Download our Membership Guide for more information.