In Dripping Springs, a remarkable social club has grown to almost 300 members, ranging in age from 25 to 90 and embodying the spirit of community, friendship, and volunteerism. The Dripping Springs Women’s Club (DSWC) was founded 17 years ago by women from local civic groups and businesses who came together to share resources and find a way to connect new and long-time residents. No one could have predicted the explosive growth in our community that would reinforce the need for such an organization to help connect women of all ages and stages of life.
DSWC holds luncheon meetings from September through May and offers individual and business memberships. Annual dues help fund scholarships for graduating senior girls in the DSISD who will attend college or trade school. This year the club is proud to offer three $2,000 scholarships.
Each luncheon features a non-profit spotlight and program speaker and averages 175 women in attendance. Board President Janice Englehart notes, “The greatest challenge has been finding a venue with enough capacity.”
The club met for many years at The Terrace Club, where they dined at formal tables with linens and china. When she took over as president four years ago, she felt the need to change direction. “One of the biggest complaints I heard from new members was that the club was cliquish and it was difficult to meet people,” says Englehart.
She felt they had outgrown their space and needed to find a more open venue where the women were encouraged to mix and mingle. She approached Dripping Springs Distillery, which was opening Distillers Hall, and three years ago a beautiful partnership began. “It was the ideal combination of on-site catering and a large, flexible space that allowed us to offer an affordable luncheon for our growing group.”
DSWC has become known for signature events such as its holiday tea in November, where members decorate the tables and dress up in fascinators. It also features non-profit giving trees and, this year, added a member’s holiday boutique which will likely become another annual tradition. The December meeting is a holiday evening party with spouses invited, and a spring fashion show features local stores and members as models.
To keep members engaged during the COVID shutdowns, Englehart also started a DSWC book club. The book club also struggles to find adequate space and is excited about plans for a new library that includes large meeting rooms for local groups. DSWC has also spawned an active garden club and business networking group for members. A historical club, led by founding Board President Claireen Fellers, hosted a historical walking tour of Mercer Street last spring, followed by a September presentation by some “townies” on the origins of our city. The tour caught the eye of City officials who hope to make it an annual event for residents.
Englehart credits her amazing Board of Directors with helping the organization grow and thrive to meet the needs of our community. “Dripping Springs is a very special place and we want every woman who walks through our door to feel welcome and special!”
DSWomensClub.com