GFWC of NC Statesville Woman’s Club September Meeting

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs of North Carolina (GFWC of NC) Statesville Woman’s Club recently held its September meeting at the historic clubhouse. The guest speaker was Kevin Angell, Director of Children’s Homes of Iredell County (CHIC) and Destiny Jolicoeur, participant in the CHIC program.

Kevin shared that “the goal is to help children and regardless what’s happened in their life to do better.”

At the meeting Kevin had a conversation with twenty-year-old Destiny as she shared her story. In her young life she has faced many challenges from living with drug addict parents, attempting suicide, dropping out of school, breaking into abandoned buildings to being homeless. She eventually ended up in DSS care but after aging out life was still challenging, so she reconnected with her DSS worker. That case worker told her about CHIC which offers housing to young adults 18-21 years old and teaches them life skills. “After Care” works with those over 21 that still need a helping step up from a “parent.” With the help from CHIC, Destiny has a job working at Special Treasures (CHIC ran business) and is taking classes at Mitchell Community College working to get her Associate’s Degree with the goal of going to Appalachian State University to study law to help others.

Before the meeting ended the new club yearbooks were presented to members with this year’s being dedicated to Wanda Rushton.

The club will be participating in the second GFWC National Day of Service. The National Day of Service

(NDS) is a day in which all of GFWC comes together in service to highlight an area of need, take action to address it, and raise public awareness about its importance.

Once again, the SWC will be hosting a “Take-Out Hunger Day” and partnering with Yokefellow Ministry at 1380 Shelton Avenue in Statesville on Saturday, September 28, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The club will be serving prepared hot lunch boxes which include hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, chips and desserts. The goal of the club is “Loving our community in honor of GFWC National Day of Service” with community participation welcome. There will also be music and dancing. Last year the NDS helped feed close to 300 individuals. This year the hope is to feed 500.

The club is also hosting a food drive the month of September with drop off site at Yokefellow. We will be accepting donations of canned vegetables, peanut butter, canned protein and canned fruit/preserve. Drop off times are on Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Thursday’s 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday’s from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Looking ahead to the next major fundraiser SWC will host Champions For Children Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, November 9, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Historic Clubhouse located at 515 West End Avenue in Statesville. Benefiting ... Children’s Homes of Iredell County (CHIC) and SWC Historic Clubhouse Capital Campaign.

For those wishing to compete, the cost is $20.00 per entry and $5.00 per extra category. Trophies will be awarded to top three “All-Around” Chilis and Specialty Awards for ... People’s Choice, Showmanship, Spicy Woman (Ladies Only) and First Responders. Also limited Vendor spaces are available for $75.00 per space. The entry cut-off date is Saturday, October 26, 2024. Registration forms can be found on the club website www.statesvillewomansclub.org.

At the event guests will be able to purchase either a $5.00 Basic Chili Kit or $10.00 “Everything” Chili Kit which includes additional sampling cups, cornbread, dessert and water. Extra Chili Cups, Drinks (Soda/Water), Desserts, Cornbread will also be available. Red Buffalo Brewing Co. will be on-site with their fire engine selling adult beverages (to 21 and older).

We ask that patrons park in the adjacent lot at Mitchell Community College on West End Avenue. Guests can pay with either cash or card (processing fee applies. Lawn chairs allowed. In addition to the chili there will be … Special Entertainment, Exhibitors, Vendors, Classic Cars (in Mitchell Community College adjacent parking lot) and Fundraiser Raffle “Envelope Challenge.”

For information about renting the GFWC of NC Statesville Woman’s Club’s Clubhouse for your meeting or event, email the club at Statesvillewomansclub@gmail.com or call 704-761-8208. The club website is www.statesvillewomansclub.org. Also, be sure to like and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For details on joining the GFWC of NC Statesville Woman’s Club, please contact Membership Team member Joanna Gaither at 704-873-268