The volunteer spirit of purpose, meaning and connection
Mountain Pine Woman’s Club members Carol Bernard (back row, far left) and Karen Montgomery (second to right first row) share the joy of giving by providing $1,000 to Wellspring Community. Nicole DeVries, executive director of Wellspring (back row, right) receives the check.
“We are truly living the volunteer spirit” is a quote often used by the volunteers of the Mountain Pine Woman’s Club (MPWC).
MPWC is affiliated with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) and the Colorado Federation of Women’s Clubs. GFWC is an international organization founded in the 1890s with 8,000 clubs worldwide. GFWC is credited with opening 75% of America’s libraries, helping to pass child labor laws and the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 (laying the foundation for the FDA); it was also an advocate for an eight-hour workday.
Based in Parker, MPWC is a nonprofit whose priority is to improve five focus areas: arts and culture, civic engagement, libraries and education, the environment and health and wellness. The club has served Douglas County for 40 years and currently has 42 members who raise money for student scholarships and give to charitable community donations. The club’s motto is “purpose, meaning, connection.”
Over the years, MPWC has raised more than $100,000 for college scholarships and donated to local food banks, shelters, veterans, schools, parks and addiction counseling centers. The club also focuses heavily on violence awareness and children’s support services. The annual MPWC’s Yuletide Bazaar, featuring more than 100 craft vendors, supports these causes.
MPWC is currently working on adopt-a-trail cleanup, recently picking up trash at Cherry Creek Trail. Volunteers are also working on a plastic recycling project with Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply. To date, MPWC has collected 2,500 pounds of plastic that will stay out of landfills.
“Our club is perfect for those new to the area, empty nesters, newly retired and anyone looking to make friends while doing something worthwhile with their free time,” said MPWC President Ginger Ripplinger.
To learn more about MPWC, visit mpwcparker.org.
By Julie Matuszewski; photo courtesy of Terri Molther
