Kern River Valley Women’s Club –

I spoke with the current president of the Kern River Valley Women’s Club this week. Her name is Leslie Black. This club is a wonderful group of mature women ranging in age from 20 to 91 who are committed to building community while contributing to the betterment of the Kern River Valley.

What is the official name of the organization?

The Kern River Valley Women’s Club

What is the main function of the women’s club?

The primary mission of the Kern River Valley Woman’s Club is to promote goodwill and give back to the community. We are a non-partisan, non-political, philanthropic club.

Who are the key people?

Key officers include President Leslie Black, Judy Rowley (1st Vice President and Auditor), Fern Sammon (2nd Vice President), Christine Burdge (Treasurer), Pam Rice (Recorder), Rose Brock (Corresponding Secretary), Judy Dodd (Member of Parliament) and three Directors.

What are the most exciting and unique programs that the Women’s Club offers for adults and children?

The club meets monthly from September through May. At most of these meetings we have a guest speaker who is connected to the Kern River Valley. Members learn who and what the speaker represents. The club then presents the speaker with a check (a donation). Last year we donated to the Ark Soup Kitchen, One Spade Youth Packers, The Art Association, Senior Citizens Inc. and a few others. We also give out 2-3 high school scholarships to graduating seniors from our local high school.

How does the women’s club get funding to help other groups?

To raise money for all the things the club does, we hold two major fundraisers every year. One of them is THE CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR and secondly, the Spring Champagne Brunch. We raise money for both by selling raffle tickets. The spectacle is sponsored by local businesses who buy a Christmas tree, decorate it, and then put gifts under it. It’s a full dinner at the Elks Lodge. Dinner ticket holders buy raffle tickets to put in a bucket with the tree of their choice or choice. One ticket is drawn per tree. Brunch is the same thing except there are gift baskets and brunch at the Elk’s Lodge. We have internal things that members donate money to.

How can our community help or contribute to the women’s club?

You can help our club in several ways by attending the two fundraisers, joining the club, or sending a donation to the KRVWC at PO Box 274, Wofford Heights, CA 93285.

What do you want to tell us?

We really have a lot of fun at our meetings. Many of our members are very involved in the community. Everyone has a voice. For information on joining, call Fern Sammon at 760/223-5454 or email her at (email protected) or contact me, Leslie Black 760/376-4658 or email (email protected).