Annual Report - General Federation of Women's Clubs

From the GFWC International PresidentDear Fellow Members:Thank you for being a part of the General Federation of Women’sClubs and for your tremendous dedication to improving thelives of others through volunteer service. It is my pleasure andhonor to share the 2009-2010 GFWC Annual Report with you.I am awed by the contributions and achievements of GFWCmembers. The impact you have on communities, our country,and the world is utterly amazing.This year, we celebrate 120 years of making a difference. I believeour foremothers would be most proud of the accomplishmentsmade by GFWC members during the past year and hope thatour daughters and granddaughters are inspired to join us inour continued work.Please join me in thanking and congratulating GFWCInternational President Rose M. Ditto, Ph.D., (2008-2010) for amost successful administration. Her leadership and Vision ofPossibilities paved the way for the outstanding achievementsof our GFWC members, leaders, and staff.In 2009, GFWC members:• Raised and donated $39,921,942;• Volunteered 4,117,503 hours; and• Completed 110,235 projects.Our membership recruitment efforts during ACT in OCTresulted in 3,417 new members into our Federation family. Weincreased our social networking presence by establishing thefirst GFWC Facebook Fan page at www.Facebook.com/GFWCMembers. Noted author Elaine F. Weiss presentedher book Fruits of Victory: The Woman’s Land Army ofAmerica in the Great War at our annual Women’s HistoryMonth Celebration. More than 700 members gathered inOmaha, Nebraska for the 119 th GFWC Annual InternationalConvention.In January, GFWC clubwomen showed the true power of theFederation by coming together to raise much-needed money inthe aftermath of a devastating earthquake in Haiti. The GFWCHaiti Disaster Relief Fund, created immediately to provideHaiti with the aid it so desperately needed, raised more than$16,000 in its first two weeks. Read more about GFWC reliefefforts in Haiti on pages 2-4.In March, we were notified that GFWC won a volunteer pledgecontest sponsored by WE tv. GFWC produced a public serviceannouncement that was inspired by Martha Coley of GFWCTennessee. The segment aired throughout the month of Aprilon WE tv and can be found online at the GFWC Facebook pageand on www.YouTube.com.Because of our storied history and remarkable reputation,GFWC is uniquely positioned to bring together volunteers,partners, and resources that provide solutions and bring aboutlasting change. We have opened the doors to new and excitingpartnerships that will enhance the work we do. Your continuedsupport is vital to our future successes.We look forward to your sustained support and dedication aswe continue to Create a New Vision and Build a NewReality.Thanks for all you do!Yours, In Federation Service,Carlene A. GarnerGFWC International President2 2009-2010 GFWC ANNUAL REPORT