BUSINESS: Edmond Women’s Club

What’s more powerful than a talented woman with the drive to give back to her community? Ninety of them. The Edmond Women’s Club is full of women who enjoy using their skills to give back to their community—and making friends along the way.

The group, which formed in 1983, has nearly 90 active members from around Edmond and 60 sustaining members. The organization’s mission is twofold: to support their city through fundraising as they award scholarships and grants each year, and to provide volunteers to Edmond groups and businesses that address community issues.

Patti Wynn, Vice President of Communications for the Edmond Women’s Club, has been a member for five years and always looks forward to the end-of-the-year awarding of grants.

“When the year culminates and you see these organizations getting the money that they need so desperately to continue their programs in helping our families, children and seniors—that’s the most rewarding thing for me,” she said.

In addition to awarding scholarships and grants, club members volunteer at organizations such as U R Special, helping give clothing to children in need; Edmond Mobile Meals, providing hot meals to the elderly and disabled; the HOPE Center of Edmond, helping those facing emergencies; and The Anna’s House Foundation, supporting families caring for children in foster care.

The group’s objective is to raise $100,000 a year through two fundraisers: the Merry Marketplace, which features around 20 vendors offering gifts for holiday shopping, and a gala that features live and silent auctions, dinner and live music. This year’s market takes place Nov. 20, while the gala is Feb. 27, 2016.

In April, the Edmond Women’s Club kicked off its new membership year, which runs through September. Membership commitments include attending at least 50% of scheduled meetings a year, volunteering at the group’s fundraisers and at the community organizations. Those interested can register online to attend a new member open house at 6:30pm on July 30 at the home of Megan January, 4317 Slate Bridge Road.

“Once you get involved in that giving spirit, it’s rewarding and it’s fun. You’re making friends,” Wynn said. “For the most part, our members end up giving much more than they’re obligated to.”

Visit ewc.org to learn more about the Edmond Women’s Club.