The Marlton Women’s Club is known locally for its many charitable efforts and was recently recognized with a ceremony for its 60-year anniversary.
The club – also known as the George Frank Woman’s Club (GFWC) – was established in 1964 and is a member of both the New Jersey State Federation and the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. Marlton’s group was founded as the Marlton Societe by a group of women from the Heritage Village Civic Association. It meets at the Gibson House Recreation Center on the fourth Monday of the month, except in December, June and July.
The Marlton Women’s Club has more than 40 members and represents a variety of ages and experiences. Last year, members made more than $8,000 in direct donations and $25,000 in-kind donations to charities.
In April, township council approved a proclamation to establish the club’s anniversary ceremony and commemorate its service to the community over the years.
“The efforts of the Marlton Woman’s Club have also reached beyond the boundaries of Evesham Township,” the proclamation states. “In many instances, the club has helped support charity collection drives, food pantries and food kitchens, homeless shelters and women’s shelters, senior homes and hospitals, veterans programs, animal shelters and other programs that help those who live in our region.”
In addition to its members, the Marlton club has more than 18 committees in the areas of environment, health and wellness and education. The nonprofit holds numerous fundraising and social events and activities during the year to raise money for homeless teens; area veterans; domestic violence victims; and local middle- and high-school students, among others.
Events that raise money include the club’s harvest festival, garage sales and spring and fall Bingo. Social and family events include a book club, attendance at a Cherokee High School production, dinner at a local restaurant and weekly walking groups.
The club received the Light of Hope Award in 2022 from Catholic Charities for its longtime association and support of Providence House Domestic Violence Service (PHDVS) in Westampton.
Linda Magee, president of the Marlton Women’s Club, noted its goal is solely to fundraise. She also explained the club’s partnership with PHDVS.
“The basis for (the club’s) existence is, we’re a group of women who raise money to give it away,” she noted. “We’ve supported (Providence House) for many decades. We’ve provided things that are needed for them at their safe house, which includes food, bedding, cleaning supplies, back-to-school gear and Mother’s Day surprises.”
The club also asks for donations during annual Bingo events that are based on a wish list supplied by PHDVS.
“Based on all of the support we’ve provided for them over the years, their community outreach communicator Barbara Katz nominated us for the award,” Magee pointed out of PHDVS. “We do just-for-fun events for all ages, as well as help raise money to, basically, just give it away.”
To help celebrate the club’s legacy over its 60 years, the township last month hosted a dedication ceremony to officially accept the group’s donation of a bench and plaque at Kain Park on South Locust Avenue. On hand were Evesham Mayor Jackie Veasy and Councilwoman Heather Cooper, members of township police, the Evesham Economic Advisory Council and the Marlton Business Association.
To donate or learn more about the Marlton Women’s Club, visit its website at www.marltonwomensclub.com.
