General Federation of Women's Clubs and the Oregon Federation of Women's Clubs
P.O. Box 143, Beaverton OR 97075
HISTORY
Clubs Achievements
Founded in 1962 with just twelve members, the Beaverton Woman’s Club began as a Junior Woman’s Club. It became a general club in 1971 after earning membership in the Oregon Federation of Women’s Clubs. From the start, the club has been deeply committed to education, children, and community well-being. Early priorities included supporting the Oregon Primate Center through rare book collections and student research scholarships.
Over the decades, the club has launched and supported impactful community programs—from the Bike-a-Rama child safety initiative and in 1977, the nationally recognized “Mr. Yuk” poison prevention program to advocacy that helped make public kindergarten mandatory across Oregon. The club has also championed accessibility, literacy, and social support through projects such as founding local libraries, supporting young mothers, assisting individuals with disabilities, expanding public library services, and enhancing community spaces.
For more than 60 years, the Beaverton Woman’s Club has been a catalyst for positive change—turning grassroots action into lasting impact.
2020
- Scholarships to Portland Community College for single parents.
- Supports Beaverton Police Victim Services.,
- BINGO Fundraiser for community projects.
- Donated over 2,000 books to local elementary students.
- $5.000 to Project School Bell which offers new clothing to children in need.
- Donated time & money to local food banks.
2000
NW Children’s Outreach
Volunteered monthly at the warehouse, assisting with unloading and sorting donated clothing, toys, and essentials. Contributed by filling bags for families and donating gently used clothing, as well as new socks and underwear.
Department of Human Resources
Collaborated with team members to decorate two waiting rooms at the Department of Human Services.
Girlfriend’s Tea
Organized this fundraising event to support a scholarship for single mothers attending Portland Community College. The event featured fundraising baskets, a guest speaker, and tea, culminating in the award of a $1,500 scholarship annually.
Donations
- Contributed $1,500 to the Beaverton Library for the purchase of encyclopedias and children's books for the new library.
- Donated funds to Camp UKANDO, a summer camp for children with cancer.
Volunteer Services
- Participated in an art showcase.
- Engaged in storytelling at CEYP.
- Assisted with tree planting at a historical marker.
- Made surgical gowns for Operation Smile.
Projects
- Involved in the Race for the Cure.
- Supported local farmers' markets.
1990
CEYP Continuing Education for Young Parents (1995-96)
Adopted young mothers, providing flowers for Mother's Day and graduation, snacks, and children's books to the daycare. Conducted storytelling sessions with preschoolers and donated funds for playground equipment and Books for Babies kits.
Childhood Immunizations
Volunteered at the immunization clinic, assisting with check-ins, form completion, and escorting children to the shot room. Member children promoted childhood immunizations by riding a float in the Beaverton Parade.
Race For The Cure
Seventeen club members participated to support club president Leta Giraldi.
Donations
Contributions made to HOBY, Community Action Organization, Alzheimer's Association, and Camp Rivendale scholarships.
Fundraising Activities
- Sold entertainment books and gift wraps
- Worked at election booths
- Sold miniature roses
- Participated in a hangover auction and collected receipts/labels for KXL
- Operated a cinnamon booth at the farmers’ market
Volunteer Services
- Hosted the Art Exhibitions Gala Opening
- Participated in tree planting at Fanno Creek.
1980
Monte Carlo Night (1980-81)
Hosted a Monte Carlo Night and auction.
Oregon Primate Center
Donated $800 to support the summer science program at the Oregon Regional Primate Research Center.
Camp Rivendale Scholarships
Funded camp scholarships for children with disabilities, including donations for trail markers at Jenkins Estate and construction of a kiosk.
Fundraising Activities
- Entertainment Books
- Gift Wrap
- BWC Cookbook
Volunteer Services
Contributed to the Beaverton Arts Commission and Doernbecher Children's Hospital.
1970
Charter (1971)
The membership voted to transition to a general club, renaming it the Beaverton Woman’s Club.
Kindergarten Advocacy (1970-1974)
Promoted public kindergarten in the Beaverton School District and provided a “Kindership” for a child in need. After the kindergarten measure was defeated in 1971, the club continued legislative efforts through 1974.
Community Contributions
- Horse Show (1974-75)
- Fountain (1976-77): Installed a drinking fountain for the handicapped at the zoo.
- Mr. Yuk Initiative (1977-78): Launched Mr. Yuk in partnership with Oregon Poison Control.
Poison Control Advocacy (1979)
Supported city Resolution #2114, establishing Poison Control Week in March.
1960
Charter (May 1962)
The Beaverton Junior Woman’s Club received its charter with 12 members.
Oregon Regional Primate Center
The club’s main project involved donating $140 to their library fund, starting an art gallery, providing $420 for rare books on primatology, and offering a $600 scholarship for high school seniors to support summer research.
Trash and Treasure Sale (1964-65)
Initiated a spring event focused on a trash and treasure sale.
Bike-A-Rama (1965-66)
Collaborated with the Washington County Sheriff's Department for a safety program, attracting over 500 kids. This initiative was later taken over by PTA groups and Kiwanis clubs.
Shell Oil Contest (1966-67)
Won $500 in an education contest, which was donated to the Tualatin Valley Workshop to support training for individuals with disabilities.