On any given week, groups of women are buying food and hygiene products in bulk all around Harrison County. They are not hoarders. They are members of the GFWC Bridgeport Junior Woman’s Club diligently and consistently fulfilling their calling to serve others through their Feed Our Future Program. 

 

The program, which has provided for hundreds of children in Harrison County, earning the club numerous awards at the WV State Annual Conference for the GFWC Woman’s Clubs.  The conference was held at the Greenbrier Resort March 17-19 and included members from all over the Mountain State.

 

The GFWC Bridgeport Junior Woman’s Club won the Best Overall Junior Club, as well as Best Overall Regardless of Size for the President’s Special Project where they implemented the Feed Our Future Project.  They also were awarded Best Overall for GFWC WV Public Issues and International Outreach.

 

The club took home numerous First Place Awards, including the Intermediate Club President’s Special Project Award, Advocacy for Children Community Service Award, the Maxine Scarborough Award for Membership Increase, the WV Public Issues CSP Award, The International Outreach Award, the Home Life Partnership Award and the 1734 Society Award.  They also earned First Place for their Junior Month Involvement.

 

With nearly 100 members, the GFWC Bridgeport Junior Woman’s Club was recognized for the highest percentage increase and the Rhododendron Membership Award and also earned the Honor Club Award and Superior Club Award.

 

Second place honors won at the state conference included the Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Signature Program Award, The Linda Messinger Communication Award, the Linda Messinger Leadership Award, the WV Support Fund and the International Outreach Partnership Award.  Additionally, they placed third in the Pearl S. Buck Birthplace Project.

 

GFWC West Virginia was chartered in 1904 and has over 100 clubs across the state with 2,500 members.  The Bridgeport group has dedicated their time, energy and resources to supporting local families and agencies that support the arts, education, and community improvement.  This year’s focus was on the Feed Our Future project and members continue to search for ways to contribute to the betterment of the community at large.  Their efforts were recognized recently as they were featured on the cover of Club Woman magazine.

 

The influence of community service has clearly trickled down to the next generation as well.  The Juniorettes, a group of girls in middle and high school who participate in service projects around Harrison County, also received several awards at the state conference.

 

Annabel Goddard was named Juniorette of the Year and Katie Johnson was named Rookie of the Year.  Emma Romano was recognized for her efforts and was named Volunteer of the Year.  The Spirit Award went to Mia George and the Emerging Leader Award went to Anna Shaver.  The Best Big Sister/Little Sister Award was given to Jacquie Staud and Dakota Swiger.  Finally, the Juniorette Role Model of the Year was awarded to Brooke Honaker.