History

On a cold, rainy morning in February 1989, a group of about 30 Keller area women gathered at the Shellingham Club in response to a small notice in the Keller Citizen placed by three newcomers, hoping to meet others in our rapidly growing community.  From this small, enthusiastic group the first officers and committee chairmen were chosen, dues established and plans for the future began to take shape.  Within a month, the Greater Keller Women’s Club was up and running with a monthly newsletter, bylaws, a membership directory, organized activity groups and high expectations.  That spring, the newly established monthly luncheon meetings featured a variety of guest speaker programs.  The Club also participated in the Keller “Spring Fling” with a “White Elephant” booth, thus meeting our first community service funds.  Another milestone was reached on May 17th when we held our first annual meeting, installed officers and signed the charter.

 By the end of our first summer we had over 70 members and 15 activity groups.  In November, the membership voted to incorporate as a Texas tax-exempt organization and to seek federal tax-exempt status.  Articles of Incorporation were written, approved by the membership and submitted to the Texas Secretary of State.

 As we entered the New Year, we took stock of 1989 with a membership survey called “New Directions 1990.”  From this survey we learned that the membership remained committed to community service as well as continuing to provide interesting programs, activities and special events for our growing membership.  On our first official birthday in May 1990, GKWC celebrated with a luncheon “party” and 140 members!

 November 1991 brought us confirmation from the IRS that the GKWC had been granted tax-exempt status as a 501(c)(4) organization.  This meant we were now “recognized and understood to be a social welfare group or civic league promoting the common good and general welfare of the people of the community.”

 In 1994 an Evening Group was established for those individuals who are unable to participate in the daily events.  The Evening Group currently has a Vice-President on the Board and is very much an intricate part of the Women’s Club.

 In 1996/1997 GKWC established the Greater Keller Women’s Club Foundation, Inc. with a 501(c)(3) tax status.  This allows the Greater Keller Women’s Club to direct its donations through the Foundation with the benefit of tax-free donations to other 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations.

 Since 1989 GKWC has become well known for their contributions to various community non-profit organizations, such as the:  Community Storehouse, Summer Santa, Casey’s Kids, Scholarships for KISD seniors, KISD Project Graduation, Metroport Meals on Wheels, Christ’s Haven, Keller Library, T.R.A.I.L. Foundation and many more.

 Also, GKWC provides parties at the Mimosa Manor Care Center, supplies Christmas baskets to needy families, decorates Christmas trees at the Keller Library, Police Department and Fire Stations, participates in the “Adopt-a-Street” programs, sells tickets at Wild West Days and participates in the library’s Harvest Stew, just to mention a few.

 Many fund-raisers have been held over the years such as:  bake sales, cookbook sales, Kroger’s, Tom Thumb and Kohl’s grand openings, Halloween parties, craft auctions, Las Vegas Raffle, Wild West Days, Good Guys Rod & Custom Show and the Texas Motor Speedway.  In 1996 the GKWC Fashion Show became an annual event.  The Fashion Show has become bigger and better with proceeds growing each y ear.

 Today GKWC has continued to grow by its continual involvement in community affairs, social events and numerous fund-raising activities.  The organization has become well known and respected not only in Keller, but in surrounding areas in Northeast Tarrant County.  All of this has been accomplished through the dedication of all of its members since 1989.

 During the 2001-2002 year, the club achieved recognition given by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram Northeast as the winner of the Pat Nimmo Riddle “Club of the Year Award.”  At the time of this outstanding recognition, the 132 members of the club had reported over 9057 volunteer hours during the calendar year 2001.

 In 2005-2006 a GKWC member (Frances Cooper) became the honorary recipient of the prestigious JEFERSON AWARDS, locally and nationally.

 In 2006-2007 GKWC (Club and Foundation) succeeded in raising over $100,000!  The funds raised went to Northeast Tarrant County agencies.  Scholarships were also awarded to Keller High School seniors.  GKWC members volunteered over 10,129 hours to the community.

In 2007 - 2008 GKWC and GKWC Foundation donated $70,500 to area charities and scholarships. Volunteer hours of 12,436 were recorded for that year.

In 2008 - 2009 GKWC and GKWC Foundation donated $97,000 to area charities and scholarships, and over 12,541 hours were devoted to volunteering in our community

In 2009-2010 GKWC celebrated its 20th Anniversary and in recognition received proclamations commending GKWC for its years of service from Texas Governor Rick Perry, State Senator Jane Nelson, State Representative District 98, Vicki Truitt and the City of Keller by Mayor Pat McGrail. The club was recognized as "The Best Place to Volunteer in Keller for 2009" by the Keller Citizen. To continue raising awareness of GKWC, the club adopted a professional brochure and a Facebook page.  GKWC became a certifying organization for the U.S. President's Volunteer Service Awards.  The Footprints Group was created as an Avenue for young mothers and grandmothers to teach their children and grandchildren volunteerism.  Membership grew to 243 and GKWC members volunteered more than 15,976 hours to the community.  GKWC and GKWC Foundation held its 15th annual Garden of Roses Fashion Show and succeeded in raising and donating $77,200 to area charities and scholarships for a combined total contribution of approximately $650,000 over the last 15 years.

A complete detail of the history of GKWC during the past years can be obtained from the current 1st Vice President of the GKWC.