By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org

A champagne toast on Jan. 24 marked the 100th birthday of the Women’s City Club (WCC) of Grand Rapids.

A century of friendship and community outreach was celebrated with a centennial birthday luncheon in the Blythefield Country Club ballroom. The event served as the kick-off event for a year of planned activities highlighting WCC’s legacy.

And though some may think that the WCC is simply a social club, a closer look reveals that the Club is much more than a “coffee clutch,” as WCC President Wendy Sturm says.

“The City Club has had a great impact on the community of Grand Rapids,” says Sturm. “Not only have we lasted, we’re relevant.”

An historic footprint

“In 1924, a group of women in the community – the shakers and movers – got together and decided that there was a need for women to get together, be able to socialize, network with their interests, with their careers,” says Sturm. “And that was the very beginning of the Women’s City Club.”

Previous WCC President Kathleen Ray says that women were attracted to the WCC because it provided  opportunities for women to learn, communicate and network with other women at a time when that option was scarce.

One of the WCC’s historians, Marcie Woods, is intrigued by the diversity of the founding members.

“Diversity today seems to be boiled down to a racial issue, but they were so diverse in education, background, social class and occupation,” says Woods. “But they were all united in wanting a place where they could just be women.”

The WCC has stayed strong throughout the years for many reasons.

“In addition to being forward-thinking, the members of the Club have always been strong, creative leaders who are willing to invest their time and talent in the organization,” says Ray. “Flexibility and ingenuity were regularly used when facing challenges.”

That ingenuity was seen in the early years when the WCC convinced the telephone company to conduct a survey of Club membership about what programs they would like to see aired. The Club also accepted military payment certificates (script) as payment for dues and lunches during WWII, and converted all programs and events to Zoom during the pandemic.

“The city is our clubhouse”

Judge Sara Smolenski, special guest and long-time favorite of the WCC, gave the keynote presentation in honor of her late mother, a WCC member.

“When you think about ‘Cheers to 100 Years,’ you’re thinking of all the things the Women’s City Club has done over the years,” says Smolenski. “You travel around this great city, and that’s where you have your celebrations.

“The enrichment programs you have, the community outreach…it doesn’t go unnoticed.”

Enriching lives

Sturm says there is a lot of enrichment and fulfillment to be found in the WCC, with education being a primary Club goal.

“We attend these fabulous lectures, and learn together,” says Sturm. “It provides a lot of experiences that you might not otherwise have.

“It stimulates you intellectually, socially, it provides a network of friendship that is really important.”

The WCC’s Enrichment Committee provides an abundance of programs for Club members. All programs relate to the Club’s mission statement: to provide educational, civic and social activities through study, community service and friendly associations.

“We have very well-rounded programming,” says Ray, citing programs about science and nature, arts and entertainment, philosophy, positive communication skills, fashion shows, book clubs, a Maj group, outreach opportunities – and more.

“We are not just little old ladies playing bridge,” Ray continues. “We are active, intelligent women who represent a wide variety of interests and passions.”

Making a difference

Equally important to the WCC is giving back to the community. This is accomplished through various nonprofits, charities and local schools.

The annual Impact Award was developed in conjunction with Union High School to provide an opportunity for high school juniors to win a cash scholarship.

“We wanted to provide an award that would inspire juniors to the next level, to reach out, to develop their skills and abilities and get ready for whatever path they choose in life,” says Sturm, adding that the award can be used in any way the winning student sees fit, without stipulations.

To apply, students present a piece of work that reflects a person that has had a great impact on their life to that point.

“[The work] can be music, it can be written, it can be artwork – however they can express themselves,” says Sturm. “We didn’t want to put people in a box and only have one type.

“We wanted to open it up so they can express themselves in any unique way, have an opportunity to be recognized, and have an opportunity to develop those skills.”

The scholarship winner is honored with a celebration lunch where they have an opportunity to talk with the WCC members.

“One of the most remarkable experiences I’ve had with the Women’s City Club is watching these juniors come up to the podium,” says Sturm. “They’re so nervous and timid, and their voices are very small – and as we engage them with our questions and our interest, they blossom.”

Their greatest legacy

“Our greatest legacy is that, for over 90 years, we had a historic home in Grand Rapids called the Sweet House,” says Sturm. “That was our clubhouse, and we wanted that to be taken care of for perpetuity.”

The Sweet House Foundation was formed with the sole intent of preserving the Sweet House and its contents.

“The WCC donated property, house, and contents – which included valuable paintings, musical instruments, and architectural details – and established the 501 C3 foundation,” says Ray.

“Grand Rapids has a historic home built in the mid-1800s that is being preserved for the future generations of Grand Rapids,” says Sturm. “We do very impactful things in the community, and [the Sweet House] is one that will live beyond all of us.”

Friendship

Sturm went on to say that the Club women advocate for each other. “We respect each other; we really treasure each other.”

Ray agrees, saying, “The Club has provided me with a group of friends who are supportive, interesting and fun! They are unafraid to be themselves and voice their opinion – even if you don’t agree – because they know it’s a safe place.

“They are respectful, encouraging, and highly motivated. This Club is all about relationships, and I treasure the ones I have at the Club!”

The WCC has adopted the pink rose – which symbolizes friendship – as their Club flower.

As a memento of the WCC’s 100 years and those friendships, the Club designed and launched a jewelry collection featuring the pink rose. Each piece is customized, personalized, and stamped with the Club’s birth year.

What’s next in the centennial celebration?

The 100-Year Planning Committee formed several years ago in preparation for this year, culminating in a variety of planned events.

February will feature the launch of an online merchandise catalog for members.

In March, the WCC will join the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) for a Women’s History Month program.

“They are fascinated to have us as their guest to do this program and represent 100 years of women in the community of Grand Rapids,” says Sturm.

GRPM’s March 14 event will also feature the launch of “Our First 100 Years” history book written by WCC historians Carol Dodge and Marcie Woods. In addition to the book presentation, songs highlighting each decade will be performed on the piano.

The event is open to the public and free to attend. Free registration tickets for the event can be found here.

As 2024 progresses, the WCC will host a gala-style, red carpet event to recognize women throughout history who have been involved with the Club.

The centennial year will end with the WCC’s annual Evergreen Gala. 

“We have a wonderful legacy that I hope people will come and learn about through our celebrations throughout this year,” says Sturm.

Empowering women

“The group that we are today, we’re a very modern group of women,” says Sturm. “We’re shakers and movers in the community; we have a history of making things happen.

“And that was one of the reasons our group was founded. Leadership got together and wanted to socialize and make a difference – and they did.”

Interested in joining the WCC?

Individuals over 18 who are interested in becoming a member of the WCC may request an application from a member of the Club, the Membership Chair, or the Club Administer at wccgrbusiness@gmail.com.