Welcome back lunch stokes club to more volunteerism
CALEXICO — What makes the Woman’s Improvement Club different from other civic engagement groups is it volunteers for other organizations in addition to preserving its own existence.
Its mission is to improve the community by giving back to the multitude of local service groups such as: Humane Society, Woman Haven, American Cancer Society, Neighborhood House and the Casa Villanueva women’s shelter, noted Rosalind Guerrero, Woman’s Improvement Club president, on Saturday.
“It’s a welcome back since we recessed for summer and because it’s a start of a new year I’ll go over why we exist as a refresher,” said Guerrero.
The club as part of the national association General Federation of Women’s Clubs has been around since 1908 and the Calexico clubhouse was built in 1936. Members often volunteer for the library, “adopt” a park for cleanup or help with Catholic Charities and have their time logged by the De Anza District in order to share volunteer ideas with other clubs around the state.
“When I joined I made a commitment to host enough fundraisers and work with everybody as a team to uphold the club (pay property tax) and with the help of all the members we’ve managed to keep the club open,” said Guerrero.
Key to maintaining the club was a recent $5,000 donation from the Imperial County Board of Supervisors as part of its community benefit plan assisting service organizations.
Flora Martinez, the club’s corresponding secretary and member for five years, also enjoys the volunteerism.
“I wished I had joined earlier because this club helps students going to college with scholarships and it being so expensive they need every penny, so I love that,” said Martinez.
Every June the club awards three scholarships to Calexico High School seniors going to college for $500. Then when they re-register for the following fall term they receive another $500 and each year thereafter until graduation.
The club’s welcome back also afforded a former member to renew her ties. Doris Soto was a member between 2003 and 2007.
She has just retired from Calexico Elementary School District after 35 years as a teacher and counselor.
“I missed being here,” said Soto. “The history of the club is what attracted me at first. But I missed the luncheons and all the activities.”
Two major events that help the club support scholarships are its traditional ham dinner, held the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and its annual fashion show in April. Other functions include a De Anza District “sisters club,” Mariachi Festival and Americana brunch in the spring and an annual Christmas potluck dinner.
Ana Rosa Renison, a member for 10 years, likes grooming the club’s garden and also painted the interior of the clubhouse. “I enjoy decorating and love to help the ladies,” she remarked.
Malena Lara, who takes minutes during meetings, was invited to join by her best friend Ana Rosa. “It’s very interesting activities,” said Lara. “I enjoy the fashion show, it’s one of my favorites.”