Edmond Women’s Club
It’s not hard to catch Edmond Women’s Club members doing good. You might find them cheering on the players at a special-needs baseball game, delivering for Edmond Mobile Meals, or collecting trash through the city’s Adopt-a-Street program. Behind the scenes, the club also funds grants for local nonprofit organizations and scholarships for area women.
EWC is a place for women to deepen their friendships, and members meet monthly to enjoy dinner together. But it’s friendship with a purpose. Ever since it was founded in 1983, the group has focused on serving the needs of the Edmond community. “This isn’t just a women’s club for women members,” says Communications Vice President Heather Langhofer. “We want to benefit everyone in the community, and we want everyone to be involved.”
A perfect opportunity for involvement is coming up this month. The Hollywood Nights Gala, EWC’s major fundraising event, takes place Saturday, February 16. The Gala is a festive, cocktail-attire banquet that includes live and silent auctions. This year it will be held at the new Hilton Garden Inn on I-35 and Covell Road. “We’re excited to have a local venue,” says Langhofer. “The ballroom is huge. We’d love to have a big crowd in attendance.” Everyone in the community is invited.
The proceeds from the Gala go toward funding grants that EWC awards to local nonprofit organizations. “Our focus has been on providing basic needs like food and shelter,” says Langhofer. Club members fundraise to support these organizations, and they often schedule dates when members can volunteer together. “The club gives women a sense of community as we support these service organizations,” says Langhofer.
A favorite organization for Langhofer and many other members is UR Special, which provides children with new clothing and shoes. “There’s so much joy in that day,” says Langhofer. “It’s great to see those kids walk out of there with smiles on their faces.”
EWC welcomes new members every year, but joining involves more than just signing an application. Members are expected to be active participants, get involved on club committees, and give back to the community through regular volunteer work. “That’s what brings us together,” stresses Langhofer. “Otherwise we’re just having dinner. We want to be engaged in our community, and we want our individual members to be engaged as well. The club wouldn’t have had the longevity it has had without this larger purpose.”
To purchase tickets for the Hollywood Nights Gala or find out more about Edmond Women’s Club and membership requirements, visit them at www.ewc.org.
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