GFWC Woman’s Club of Indio holds New Orleans-themed fundraiser
New Orleans came to the desert for a few hours on March 2 in the form of a delicious lunch in the Heritage Palms Clubhouse. Nearly 200 women and men gathered together to celebrate and raise funds for the 110-year-old Indio Women’s Club, which is now known as the GFWC Woman’s Club of Indio.
GFWC remains the oldest active club in the desert, one which always hosts an amazing annual get-together. This year, the club really outdid itself with its Mardi Gras Party. Decorated as if you were in a fabulous restaurant on Bourbon Street, the decor was authentic and stunning.
The program featured a full agenda. There were many jewelry and clothing vendors, raffles, a silent auction and a special wine surprise. And thanks to the photo booth, everyone had the chance to get a snapshot as a souvenir.
At noon a special welcome was given by city of Indio councilmember Elaine Holmes and was followed by a welcome from Marlon Carrier, current president of the GFWC. Paul MacKey, who calls himself “a singer’s singer,” served both as emcee and entertainer; guests enjoyed his wonderful Broadway-style voice while dining on a selection of steak, sand dabs or a vegetarian entree followed by a delicious individual raspberry cheesecake decorated with edible flowers. Kudos to the kitchen at Heritage Palms and to the excellent wait staff.
The tables were decorated in an overthe-top New Orleans style by the board and members who truly outdid themselves, spending many hours and showcasing their combined talents. Each guest received a tiny box containing a personalized candle as a “thank you” to take home. Everything was done tastefully and with class. Laughter and comradery resounded throughout the packed room.
To say this club is amazing would be an understatement.
The club’s mission is to volunteer, educate through literacy programs, raise money for scholarships and support other local nonprofits. Members also devote time to mentoring youth, and while doing so they say they create life-long friendships and create amazing memories.
General meetings are held between October and May at the Heritage Palms Clubhouse, and during the summer the organization hosts social events. Guests are always welcome to participate; they
Jody Jamison, Roz Ryan, Pat Ruth and April Jamison were among the attendees. look forward to expanding their membership as well as meeting new friends during their various social functions.
Here are some impressive facts from 2023: 6,984 volunteer hours given, $23,000 donated, $26,000 in scholarships awarded and $8,600 cash and inkind member donations.
The Woman’s Club would love to thank its many sponsors, including a special mention to Dr. Frank and Christine L. Curry, Trilogy La Quinta, Contour Dermatology, Desert Care Network, the Handler Family Trust, the Henigan
Family Trust, Associa Desert Resort Management, Fiesta Ford, Fiesta Kia, Senior Living Options of the Desert Inc., Unicars Honda, the city of Indio and Janet Braslow and Gloria Franz.
A very special thanks went to member Roz Watkins and her team, who secured so many of the more than 50 raffle prizes while also personally making donations.
This fundraiser for the GFWC Woman’s Club of Indio is held annually in March. It’s difficult to imagine how the 2025 event can top this one, but every year the imagination seems to climb another notch for these giving, generous women.
To learn more about the GFWC Woman’s Club of Indio or to volunteer or make a donation, visit wcindio.org.
Carole Stephen-Smith began writing in Scotland for a woman’s weekly at the age of 15 and then covered American celebrities for the London Evening Echo. Arriving in the desert, she wrote for Desert Woman in the 1990s. Carole focuses on charities that help women as well as medical causes, especially breast cancer awareness, and all aspects of child abuse.