GFWC McAlester Fortnightly receives award

Submitted BY ANGIE SELLMEYER

GFWC MCALESTER FORTNIGHTLY

General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Oklahoma recently celebrated with McAlester Fortnightly, a Federated volunteer Club within GFWC since 1904.

“We honor 126 years of empowering women and transforming lives within the State of Oklahoma,” GFWC OK State President Charlene Ridgway said.

The common bond of passion, compassion, engagement, education and service connects us all.”

Ridgway announced of the 18 Federated Clubs in Oklahoma, 639 were completed within the GFWC Community Service Programs, advancement areas and affiliate partnerships.

GFWC McAlester Fortnightly received: State President’s Incentive Accomplishments by a large club; Third place for civic engagement and outreach along with education and libraries; second place for environment and arts and culture; and first place for health and wellness, fundraising and communications and public relations, which was achieved with the support of McAlester News-Capital which published over 10 articles within calendar year 2024.

GFWC McAlester Fortnightly Clubwomen led by Brenda Calahan, president, attended the 125th GFWC Oklahoma State Convention in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The Indigo Hotel hosted the event. The Clubwomen who attended learned about “The Demand Project, fighting to end human trafficking” and St. Jude’s affiliate clinic within St. Francis Children’s Hospital. Clubwomen donated toys for children treated at St. Francis sufficient for one year.

Debbie Thomas, GFWC South Central Region president, addressed this group by bringing greetings from GFWC along with congratulations for a successful 2024 program year of participation and encouragement for future projects in 2025. Thomas commended the clubs for truly “living the volunteer spirit” and complimented her theme through 2026.

Pictured from left: Brenda Calahan, GFWC McAlester Fortnightly president, with Charlene Ridgway, GFWC Oklahoma president.

Submitted Photo