AFWC holds 129th annual convention
The GFWC Alabama Federation of Women’s Club held its 129th annual convention at the Marriott Prattville Hotel and Conference Center in Prattville, Alabama, April 18-20. GFWC Alabama hosted the event along with GFWC Alabama South District.
GFWC Alabama President Jan Greer presided over the convention. Prattville’s mayor, Bill Gillespie, Jr., presented the welcome. He encouraged everyone to tour their lovely city and enjoy the shopping and entertainment offerings. Judge Lyn Stuart served as Credentials Chairman, and Parliamentary Advisor Roberta Atkinson, presented the Convention Standing Rules. The Alabama Executive Committee gave their reports.
Convention guest speakers included Emily Hutchison, Assistant Director of the Butterfly Bridge Children Advocacy Center; Desirae Lewis Jackson, Elmore County Commissioner, District 5; Miss Alabama Brianna Burrell; and Suellen Brazil, General Federation of Woman’s Club International President-elect.
The election and installation of the GFWC-AFWC Federation Officers for 2024-2026 were conducted. Officers include Becky Vansant, president; Caroline Hollowell, president-elect; Jennifer Robertson, first vice-president; Lois Roberts, second vice-resident; Pam Johnson, secretary; and Ellen Clack, treasurer.
Each luncheon and banquet featured beautiful decorations, entertainment, award presentations and door prizes. The GFWC Legacy Club hosted a formal reception, following the banquet, to honor the 2024-2026 officers, titled, “Dream Big, Sparkle More, Shine Bright as We Celebrate our Past Leaders and Look to the Future of GFWC Alabama.”
GFWC Book Lovers Study Club was recognized at the 129th GFWC Alabama Federation of Women’s Club Annual Convention as the recipient of the Suellen Brazil Outstanding Club Award. Other awards received included the President’s Award of Excellence; Woman’s History and Resource Center; AFWC President’s Celebrating Our Everyday Heroes; GFWC Signature Program-Domestic & Sexual Violence Awareness & Prevention; Health and Fitness Award; Communication and Public Relations Award; Legislative and Public Policy Award; and Clubs With Membership Growth Award.
Honoring Jan Greer’s President Project, “Living the Volunteer Spirit-Celebrating Our Everyday Heroes,” the members of the AFWC Board of Directors made a $500 donation to the President’s Project in honor of President Greer. Invitation to the 2025 GFWC Alabama State Convention was given by Shondae Brown, 2025 Convention Chairman.
The Courtesy Resolution was presented by Betty Wellborn, Resolutions Chairman. President Jan Greer made some final remarks followed by the reading of the GFWC “Collect” and the Official Closing of the 2024 GFWC Alabama Convention.