Empowering Women Through Volunteer Service
The Temecula Valley Woman's Club enhances community life through dedicated volunteer efforts in education, arts, health, and environmental advocacy in the communities of Temecula and Murrieta, California, since 1981.
History of Temecula Valley Woman's Club
Our founder and first president, Ann Woodward, believed passionately regarding the benefits a women’s club could bring to the Temecula Valley. With vision and hard work, this small group of women known as the “Rancho Temecula Area Woman’s Club”, has grown and evolved to become the Temecula Valley Woman’s Club. Throughout our history, we have contributed over $3 million in community projects and educational scholarships, and over some 1,500,000 hours in community service. Through cupcake and bake sales, flea markets, fashion shows, and ultimately the Holiday Home Tours and Gala, our club has found numerous avenues to raise funds for education and special projects within our community.
GFWC Federation (Did You Know?)
For over 120 years women across the US and in many other countries have benefited from the existence of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC). In fact, it is not an exaggeration to say that because of GFWC initiatives and action programs, the world has benefited.
The GFWC was formed in 1890 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1901. Jane Cunningham Croly, otherwise known as “Jennie June,” formed the Federation of Woman’s Clubs. Her desire for an organization of women united together for common purposes reflects the GFWC motto “Unity in Diversity”. The GFWC is the world’s largest and oldest woman’s volunteer organization.
Our National Headquarters is in Washington D.C. at 1734 N Street NW. GFWC’s Headquarters and home is designated as a National Historic Landmark and is part of only five percent of such landmarks that highlight women’s history.
A Historical note… Eleanor Roosevelt was a member of the Chautauqua Woman’s Club. As First Lady, Eleanor maintained a close relationship with GFWC, through speaking engagements, holding meetings of the GFWC at the White House, and hosting teas for members.
The California Federation of Women’s Clubs (CFWC) was organized in 1900 with 40 clubs and 6,000 members. The CFWC adopted the motto “Strength United is Stronger.” By 1906 there were 175 clubs and today there are 281 with over 13,000 members in California.