HISTORY
OUR STORY
The GFWC Cumberland Valley Pups (CVP) chapter was established in 2009 with seven founding members. Five of those members are still active today and membership has now grown to 29 women. The volunteer club began when the founding President, Lauren (Bogar) Kays, decided to follow in her mother’s footsteps of GFWC sisterhood. Her mother, Carol Bogar, has been an active member of GFWC Mechanicsburg since 1981.
A special acknowledgement goes to Sue Hardenbrook, member of GFWC Mechanicsburg, who was a great mentor early on when the club was developing and getting off the ground. She showed our founding members the ropes for meetings, projects, and community service.
The Pups started out as young women who wanted to give back to the local community in their spare time. Without knowing where to start, they decided to hold a donation drive for the Humane Society of Harrisburg – which is how the name “Pups” came to be. When the original members brainstormed names for the new chapter they thought the main focus would be on helping animals since they all shared that passion. Little did they know, years later, they would also be helping under privileged children, elderly, people with disabilities, domestic violence victims, cancer survivors, and many more.
The GFWC Cumberland Valley Pups (CVP) chapter was established in 2009 with seven founding members. Five of those members are still active today and membership has now grown to 29 women. The volunteer club began when the founding President, Lauren (Bogar) Kays, decided to follow in her mother’s footsteps of GFWC sisterhood. Her mother, Carol Bogar, has been an active member of GFWC Mechanicsburg since 1981.
A special acknowledgement goes to Sue Hardenbrook, member of GFWC Mechanicsburg, who was a great mentor early on when the club was developing and getting off the ground. She showed our founding members the ropes for meetings, projects, and community service.
The Pups started out as young women who wanted to give back to the local community in their spare time. Without knowing where to start, they decided to hold a donation drive for the Humane Society of Harrisburg – which is how the name “Pups” came to be. When the original members brainstormed names for the new chapter they thought the main focus would be on helping animals since they all shared that passion. Little did they know, years later, they would also be helping under privileged children, elderly, people with disabilities, domestic violence victims, cancer survivors, and many more.
Club Initiation Ceremony, 2009
GFWC HISTORY
Founded in 1890, GFWC’s roots can be traced back to 1868 when Jane Cunningham Croly, a professional journalist, attempted to attend a dinner at an all-male press club honoring British novelist Charles Dickens. Croly was denied admittance based upon her gender, and in response, formed a woman’s club—Sorosis. In celebration of Sorosis’ 21st anniversary in 1889, Jane Croly invited women’s clubs throughout the United States to pursue the cause of federation by attending a convention in New York City. On April 24, 1890, 63 clubs officially formed the General Federation of Women’s Club by ratifying the GFWC constitution. Learn more about GFWC here.
Founded in 1890, GFWC’s roots can be traced back to 1868 when Jane Cunningham Croly, a professional journalist, attempted to attend a dinner at an all-male press club honoring British novelist Charles Dickens. Croly was denied admittance based upon her gender, and in response, formed a woman’s club—Sorosis. In celebration of Sorosis’ 21st anniversary in 1889, Jane Croly invited women’s clubs throughout the United States to pursue the cause of federation by attending a convention in New York City. On April 24, 1890, 63 clubs officially formed the General Federation of Women’s Club by ratifying the GFWC constitution. Learn more about GFWC here.
SYMBOLISM OF THE GFWC EMBLEM
GFWC’s emblem depicts a circular band signifying eternity. In the center of the circular band, the crusader's shield emerges from a darkened world (represented by the field of darkness), which represents enlightenment. The enameled colors—red, white, and blue—are the colors of the United States of America. The red implies courage, the white equals purity, and the blue stands for constancy.
GFWC’s emblem depicts a circular band signifying eternity. In the center of the circular band, the crusader's shield emerges from a darkened world (represented by the field of darkness), which represents enlightenment. The enameled colors—red, white, and blue—are the colors of the United States of America. The red implies courage, the white equals purity, and the blue stands for constancy.
