HISTORY

HISTORY OF GFWC UNITED WOMEN’S CLUB OF LAKELAND

Today’s GFWC United Women’s Club of Lakeland was formed by the 1986 merger of
Woman’s Club of Lakeland, federated in 1912; and the SoroslsClub federated iri1922.
The original clubhouse was at 59 Lake Morton Drive; Sorosis was a few doors away.
Before the merger, both clubhouses were sold. The new United Women’s Club of
Lakeland had 243 members. General meetings were held at the Civic Center.
Departments met in churches and private clubhouses.

In 1992, a committee was named to find a site for a new clubhouse and to oversee
construction – consisting of President Ronnie Sandell, and past presidents, Toni
Bagley, Esther Harmon, Kathy Harrison, Ellen West and JoanYoung. TheWiliiarnSburg
Square site was purchased in April, 1993; ground was broken on May 6, 1993. BlJiifby
Heritage Homes of Polk County, the debt free, 5,000 square foot brick clubhouse was
dedicated April 17, 1994. Attending were 160 members and guests. A reception
followed with members serving refreshments.” A new Baldwin piano was the gift of an
anonymous member. A major accomplishment is the debt-free clubhouse; but, we
always remember that we are a service club, our principal reason for existing.

The clubhouse is used for all General and Junior Club functions, for some District 9
meetings, also FFWC Summer Planning and FFWC Fall Tour. It is rented frequently for
wedding receptions and other private parties by members and non-members.

We have fundraisers during the year to help support several charities. Amongthem
are: Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, Special Olympics, American Red Cross, Child
Development Center, Hacienda Girls’ Ranch (a home for non-delinquent, abused or
abandoned girls), R.O.C.K. Camp (a free camping experience for children withcancer),
Boggy Creek Camp (a free camp for children with serious heart conditions),Canine
Companions, Good Shepherd Hospice, March of Dimes, Talbot House Free Clinic,
LVIM (Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine) a free clinic for those with no medical
insurance and VISTE (Volunteers in Service to the Elderly). These donations are also
financed by other fundraisers – fashion shows, bridge parties and food sales.

Our members are always seeking new and better ideas to raise funds. We are well
represented at District and State meetings, having furnished many officers for both .
groups. Two of our members have served as FFWC Presidents, Mrs. H. C. Glover in
1962 and Mrs. Braxton Bright in 1992.