Women’s Association
Since its founding in 1958, the Women’s Association has continued to serve as one of the greatest supporters of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities. Through fundraising events and individual donations, the Women’s Association has fostered relationships and helped fund the Clubs’ most basic needs.
History
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.
Upcoming Events:
2019 Membership Roster
Executive Committee
Treasurer: Deborah Cook
Corresponding Secretary: Jan Doudiet, Marlene Lawson, Carol Bendell
Standing Committee
Hospitality: Carol Burgess
By-Laws: Sandy Holzer
Historian: Beverly Johnson Anderson
Voyageur Camp Committee: Sandy Jackson
Members
Beverly Anderson Johnson
Connie Apple
Jan Apple
Barbara Michael Baker
Mary Belford
Carol Bendell
Sandie Berger
Delores Brooks
Terryl Brumm
Carol Burgess
Carin Caffarelli
Diane Carlson
Joan Cole
Deborah Cook
Jan Doudiet
Jane Emison
Mary Guillaume
Jill Hagen
Jan Hanson
Sandy Holzer
Sandy Hull
Rhea Isaacs
Sandy Jackson
Nancy S. Johnson
Tracey Knutson
Susan Lake
Marlene Lawson
Kathy Lenzmeier
Peggy Liemandt
Randy Lindquist
Maria Melken Malooly
Bonnie McCleary
Karen McNaught
Joan Mellen
Velia Melrose
Charlotte Oliver
Patricia Reid
Bunny Robinson
Jeanne Schnack
Carolyn Vincent
Lynn Morris Wiggins
Joann Wildman
Sue Zelickson