STE. GENEVIEVE – The first meeting for the 2023-2024 year began with a Food Drive as part of the General Federation of Woman’s Club’s (GFWC) National Day of Service.
Members arrived with enough packed shopping bags to fill two tables at the spacious Lake Forest Community Center on September 18th, beginning a week-long campaign that extended to several community drop-off points at Country Mart, Save-A-Lot and Bank of Bloomsdale.
Hundreds of food items were collected to ward off the food insecurity experienced in our area, distributed through St. Vincent de Paul and the First Baptist Church of Ste. Genevieve.
“Health and Wellness” continued to be the focus, beginning with guest speaker Christina Pfaff, a Breast Cancer Clinical Navigator from the Métis Breast Center, part of the Women’s Wellness Services provided by Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital. Christina explained the personal service she provides to navigate the process from diagnosis to recovery, streamlining communication between patients and providers.
Club President Rosemary Douglas added, “It is never too early to raise awareness of breast cancer and to remind members, family, and friends of the importance of getting an exam. We are very grateful of the resources available within our community because education and awareness are critical. Breast cancer is not seasonal, it can show up at any time!”
Self-exam brochures were distributed to members.
GFWC Women sporting fashions from Belle Ever After
Smiles from the audience multiplied as a fashion show erupted from the back of the Community Center.
One by one, several members who had quietly disappeared after lunch reappeared wearing the latest fall fashions from local corporate sponsor Belle Ever After, with a few “Breast Cancer Awareness” pink outfits mixed in. Music accompanied the volunteer models as they paraded between the tables and podium, and some even danced! Katessa Dame, daughter of Belle’s owner Linda Holst, was the emcee for the very entertaining fashion show. Planning of the show was handled by clubwoman Linda Clark who also modeled.
The Club’s new yearbook was introduced by President Douglas, and the review highlighted the many, many ways that clubwomen continue to serve the community year-round. GFWC Woman’s Club of Ste Genevieve welcomes all women from the community to join our club. If interested, please send an email to GFWCMOSteGen@gmail.com.