We have come a long way since that September day in 1987 when sixteen women met in a small conference room at the rear of a Sun City bank to discuss possibilities of forming a woman’s club.  The area was growing so fast all around and there was a great need for such an organization.

Through the media and word of mouth, the next month the conference room was filled to capacity and officers and committees were initiated and necessary steps taken to become a Federated Club.  How exciting it was to get together with women from all over the United States and from all walks of life.  Greater Sun City Area Woman’s Club was the first name selected, but was changed to Menifee Valley Woman’s Club in 1989-90.

We had twenty-nine members when we were federated into the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) in February of 1988, making us part of the most effective organization of women in the world.  Many De Anza District members helped us in the first five years and one stands out in our minds who we named our Mentor – Irene Hemphill.  By 1991-92, we had increased our membership by 75% and were named a “Gold Medallion Club”.  That year we also installed the GFWC Road Signs you can see as you approach Sun City on Highway 215.

Here are but a few of the Club’s outstanding accomplishments, 1990-01, a gift of $1300 towards the Multi-Purpose Activity Center Building Fund (Kay Ceniceros Community Center); 1992-93, $1000 for the Menifee Valley Medical Center Recreation Room Addition; 1993-94, $1700 towards updating the Sun City Library.  We have plaques both at the hospital and library.

We sponsored an Arbor Day Art Contest, 1995-96, for elementary and middle school children and the winner’s name was put on a plaque at the base of the tree we planted at the Pete Peterson Park.  The Student Art Program was established in 1997-98 and was successful.

We have given scholarships each year starting in 1991-92.  The first two years we worked with San Jacinto College to give awards to student nurses.  In 1993-94, it was agreed to give the scholarships through the Menifee Valley Medical Center.  In 1999-2000, we were finally able to work with the Paloma Valley High School to set up a scholarship program of our own.  Also, this student will be entered in the De Anza District Scholarship yearly program.

We have reached out to families in need; filled the Menifee Valley Community Cupboard, made afghans to keep the homeless and needy warm, and replaced damaged pines in the Cleveland National Forest with our “Penny Pines”.  In 2003-04 we agreed to support the “Casa de Paz” – a Woman’s Family Shelter to be built in Sun City.

Our fundraisers include Boutiques, Fashion Shows, Garage Sales, 50/50 Drawings and Social Clubs.  We have also made a quilt, dollhouse and jewelry for Opportunity Chance Drawings.

Besides our donations to charity foundations, our members volunteer thousands of hours to promote arts and education in the local schools and volunteer in many worthy organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, Convalescent Center, Crime Watch, Hospice, Hospital, Library, Senior Center, Sun City Concern and Community Cupboard.

Our talents in the arts and our other programs have brought rewards from district and state level and don’t forget those who make the meetings educational and interesting – the programs, refreshments and decorations.

As we approach our twentieth year, we are receiving high recognition for our outstanding community accomplishments.  We were awarded the Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce “2003 Non-Profit of the Year” and also received recognition certificates from the United States House of Representatives, Congress, State of California Senate, California Legislative Assembly, County of Riverside and our local District Supervisor.  Each year we are recognized by Federation on District, State and National levels with numerous awards for the work we’ve accomplished.

In 2006 we had two members appointed to serve on the CFWC State Board, Joannie Lenz as Web Master & Louise Wood to the Resolutions Committee.  Outstanding!

Audrey Locklin Foulkes
Historian

Updated August, 2006