GFWC
Mount Dora Woman's Club, Inc.
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GFWC Mount Dora Woman's Club, Inc.
The beginning of the GFWC Mount Dora Woman's Club originated in 1919 when a notice was placed in the Mount Dora Topic inviting all women interested in civic affairs to meet at the Town Hall. Fifteen women responded and began all the good work of the local community. In 1926, the Club became a member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs.
Today, we are a group of over 75 women from Mount Dora and its surrounding towns. All of our clubwomen are united in their dedication to volunteer service. Diverse in age, interests, and experiences, we all share the desire to create positive change in our local communities.
Membership Dues Can Be Paid on the Members Page
2024-2026 Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Suzanne Gibson
President
Linda Urry
1st Vice President
Therese Haberle
2nd Vice President
Diane Capetola
3rd Vice President
Roseanne Miller
Treasurer
Judy Streeter
Recording Secretary
Sharron Semento
Parliamentarian
Community Service Progams
Delores Deen
Arts & Culture
Jerry Hardwick
Civic Engagement
Cheryl Higgins
Education
Kim Barnes
Environmental
Standing and Special Committees
Linda Urry
Ways & Means
Cathy Kautz
Hospitality
Cathleen Aciero
ESO
What We Do
GFWC Mount Dora Woman's Club members are dedicated to community service in the central Lake County area. Each member has a personal volunteer interest, with some having several! Members enjoy Living the Volunteer Spirit by donating their time and talents at the Bay Street, Ice House, and Taveres Theatres, W.T. Bland Library, the Forward Path Foundation, local food pantries, homeless shelters, and many other worthwhile causes. They organize events, raise funds for donations, and lend their helping hands to many in need.
Arts and Culture
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Many of our members are theatrical buffs and volunteer their time at our local theatres. They also participate in the GFWC Arts & Crafts Festival at the District and State Levels. Our goal is to create projects and opportunities that develop skills awareness, and appreciation of both Arts & Culture. It is designed to inspire clubwomen and ignite within them a desire to make a more beautiful, thoughtful, and caring place.
2025 Mount Dora Woman' Club Arts and Crafts Contest
GFCW Florida State Competition Awards
1st Place - Mosaics
Gail Mahan
1st Place - Knitting
Maureen Melvold
1st Place - Jewelry - Metal
Dee Olive
2nd Place - Quilting
Cristie Kern
2nd place - Jewelry - Bead Weaving
Dee Olive
2nd Place - Natural Materials
Lynn Kirman
Honorable Mention - Mixed Media/Collage
Donna Kelley
Our Members love the
Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra.
Our Member's Band played music at Barberville, an historic town in Florida.
We took the train to Winter Park for a trip to the Morse Museum.
Civic Engagement and Outreach
Civic and social responsibilities are key components in our lives. The GFWC Civic Engagement and Outreach Community Service Program is designed to actively connect members with effective projects and activities relating to civic and social responsibilities. This program focuses on citizenship, military personnel, emergency and disaster preparedness, and safety and crime prevention.
We placed wreaths on the graves of veterans in our community as part of Wreaths Across America.
On the National Day of Service, we gathered food for the Forward Paths Foundation.
We prepare and provide meals for those in need.
At the local Senior Center, we offer companionship, nourishment, and amusement to the elderly.
We made Boggy Bears and Afghans for Camp Boggy Creek, a camp for children with serious illnesses.
We were thrilled to donate toys to the children of Guardian Ad Litem during the Christmas season!
Blingo Bingo Fundraiser to benefit Forward Path Organization, a non-profit in Lake County, helping homeless youth and those who age out of foster care.
Volunteers at the Senior Center provide food, fun, and companionship.
Volunteers pack groceries for seniors and disabled adults at Love Extension's warehouse.
Education and Libraries
Projects in the Education and Libraries Community Service Program are designed to foster schools, as well as other educational institutions and opportunities These projects promote libraries, literacy, and the love of a good book. Our club has been actively involved with the WT Bland Library in Mount Dora since the club's inception. Today, many of our members volunteer their time to the library for their various community programs, and each year the Club donates to the library.
The ESO Book Club holds bi-monthly meetings to engage in thoughtful discussions regarding the literature we have read.
We offer our support to the library during a variety of events throughout the year.
Our responsibility involves the scanning of books for the Book Scanning Program implemented by the library.
Judging speech contest at Sorrento Elementary School.
We've gathered a wonderful collection of books to be distributed to children through Lakes Cares!
Environmental Community
The Environment Community Service Program encourages us to become stewards of the earth by working to preserve the world's resources, protect wildlife and domesticated animals, live sustainably, beautify our communities, and enjoy nature.
Guided tour of the Lost Town of Ethel, Rock Springs Run State Reserve.
Our members contributed their extra coins towards World Water Day. The funds gathered will be utilized to purchase water purification tablets for individuals who require them.
We are thrilled to have collected an abundance of sheets, towels, and blankets for a nearby animal shelter!
All types of recyclable plastic were donated by our members, which will be utilized by Trout Lake Nature Center in Eustis to construct a bench.
During our visit to Tavares, we were given a tour of the Waste Water Treatment Center where we gained knowledge about the process of water collection, treatment, and its subsequent usage.
During our visit to Blue Spring State Park, we went on an ecological tour and witnessed Sea World releasing a rescued manatee back into the springs. The park is known to attract hundreds of manatees during winter due to the warm waters.
Health and Wellness
With this initiative, our goal is to promote great opportunities for those in need. With access to the right resources, people can become empowered by their own abilities and gain the confidence to fulfill their potential. Learn more about our work by getting in touch with our team today.
We enjoyed a mouthwatering adventure at Bountiful Farms! We indulged in a farm-to-table afternoon luncheon featuring the freshest and most locally sourced ingredients.
We delivered Christmas gifts and spread joy to a local Assisted Living Home!
Baby hats were knitted and crocheted then donated to the March of Dimes Military Moms.
Several crocheted and handmade blankets were donated to the Linus Project, which gifts them to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need.
And, we Walk and Talk! Each month a group of ladies, and sometimes their fur babies, get together and walk to explore new locations throughout the area.
Ways & Means
Fundraising is beneficial to our community, our Club, and its members. Raising capital for a local project, recognized charity, affiliate organization, our Club’s outreach plans and operations, or GFWC Designated Funds is also an opportunity to make the achievements of jour Club known throughout the community. As we work together on a fundraiser, Club members learn new skills and much more. Successful teamwork fosters cooperation, provides a sense of accomplishment, cultivates pride and ownership in the organization, and creates life-long friendships—all while building a stronger and better Club.
On May 4th the Mount Dora Woman's Club successfully hosted the Annual Fashion Show and Luncheon. The event's profits will benefit the Children's Advocacy Center and Haven of Lake and Sumter Counties.
Celebration Tea, a fundraiser honoring the legacy of the Mount Dora Woman's Club and the Library was held on January 26, 2024. Proceeds of the event was presented to the Forward Paths Foundation.
Camp Boggy Creek was chosen as the GFWC Florida President's Project. The annual yard sale of the Mount Dora Woman's Club raised $2500.00 to support the camp.
"Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" Bunco Fundraiser to benefit LovExtension, a non-profit in Lake County, Florida. Held on August 21, 2024.
Members made Christmas wreathes to be sold at the GFWC garage sale to benefit Ashley's House.
A check presentation to Villagers for Veterans representing funds raised from Ashley’s House yard sale.
Members donated Christmas gifts for kids at Guardian ad Litem .
Awards & Recognition
We at the Mount Dora Woman's Club, take immense pride in celebrating the successes of our members. We believe that every achievement, no matter how big or small, deserves recognition. That's why we go above and beyond to ensure our members receive the recognition they deserve. We understand that recognition not only boosts morale but also motivates our members to strive for even greater success.
Golden Key Award 24-26
Cathy Kautz
District 7
Volunteer of the Year
Linda Urry
1st Place - Presidents Project
Flight to Honnor
GFWC Florida Division 4
Suzanne Gibson
1st Place - ESO Book Club
GFWC Florida Division 4
Cathleen Arciero - Chair
1st Place
Woman's History
& Resource Center
2nd Place - Newsletter
GFWC Florida Division 4
Joanna Fox
3rd Place
Traditional Scrapbook
Cathy Kautz
Here at the GFWC Mount Dora Woman's Club, we are driven to do our part in making the world a better place. Since 1919, we have taken part in a wide range of activities that empower individuals and communities. We strive to build productive relationships and make a positive impact with all of our pursuits. Are you ready to join us and create real transformation in the lives of so many?
*Includes Convenience Fee
GFWC Mount Dora Woman's Club, Inc.
P.O. Box 471
Mount Dora, FL 32756
Off-Duty Delights: Our Club’s Extracurricular Escapades
Our members enjoy having fun outside of regular club activities. By organizing social events, members build stronger relationships and create positive experiences. These events help foster a sense of community within our Club.
Members participate in Tuesday Night Trivia, where they can put their knowledge to the test. This weekly event provides an opportunity to enjoy dinner and have fun with Club members.
Members enjoy a lovely afternoon at the June Salad Social hosted by the Hospitality Committee
It looks like our members had a great time at the Old Bag Bingo event organized by the Hospitality Committee in July!
New members attend orientation.
Festive end of year luncheon activities - sugar plum fairies, reindeers, Christmas tree and line dancers!!