The Women’s Association began in 1958, headed by Tippy Schmitt with 8 or 10 women involved.  Within a few years, the association had 20 to 30 members.  Today, 60 years later, the Women’s Association of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities has almost 50 members.

The Women’s Association has always seen its purpose as funding the Clubs’ most basic needs. In the early days, they held white elephant sales and bought cars for the Clubs. They raffled needlepoint rugs that they made, raising as much as $15,000, and held golf tournaments, rummage sales, and Steak & Burger events. An annual bridge tournament continues to benefit the Voyageur Environmental Center, the Boys & Girls Clubs’ camp in Mound, MN. The women hosted movie premieres, attended by such note-worthy individuals as Richard Nixon.  In 1970, they started hosting Galas. For years they enlisted huge names in the entertainment industry, including Bob Hope, Carol Channing, Jay Leno and Luciano Pavarotti.  The Gala is recognized as one of the most successful fundraising events in the Twin Cities, and has raised as much as one third of the annual operating budget for the Clubs.

In 1999, the Minnesota Chapter of the National Society of Fund Raising Executives recognized the Women’s Association as an Outstanding Philanthropic Organization, in recognition of community leadership through exceptional contributions to philanthropy.

From meetings, to serving on energetic and fun-filled committees as well as social events celebrating birthdays or holidays, this group keeps the focus on making and keeping life-long friends. With generous spirits, huge hearts and dedicated passion the Women’s Association members work tirelessly to support the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities.