Grand re-opening celebration for the Northwest Federated Woman’s Club
Official Grand Re-Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
(Photos by Tarrence Crawford/Westside Gazette)
Staff Writer
On Wednesday, October 17, 2012, the Northwest Federated Woman’s Club of Broward County, Inc. (NWFWC) celebrated its Grand Re-Opening and Ribbon Cutting ceremony sponsored by the City of Fort Lauderdale Housing and Community Development division and the Broward County Minority Builders Coalition.
Ironically, the Grand Re-Opening date is exactly 74 years to the day that the NWFWC was first organized on October 17th, 1938. The original name was the “Negro Woman’s Club of Fort Lauderdale.”
All sorts of Black History came from behind the walls of this building, from the beginning of Operation Big Vote to the inauguration of local NAACP Presidents.
“I have fond memories of this building. It was here that I was installed as the Fort Lauderdale Branch’s President. In this same room, we held a press conference that consisted of only three people; me and two others”, stated former City Commissioner Carlton Moore.
Moore continued, “The only thing that saddens me on this great day is the fact that my mother who has been a staunch supporter of this club could not be here because of her health issues”.
The NWFWC has also been a beacon and a haven for championing the cause of people, especially senior citizens.
A small group of women from the local community came together and pooled their resources to fund the organization. Their goal was simply to provide services and support for seniors and youth in the community.
It was standing room only as public officials, club members and the community filled the newly renovated facility.
The ceremony began with an invocation from Mount Bethel Baptist’s Pastor Dr. C. E. Glover, a longtime supporter of the NWFWC. City of Fort Lauderdale Commissioner Bobby DuBose, Mayor John “Jack” Seiler, former Commissioner Carlton Moore and Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness shared their heartfelt remarks during the program.
“It’s not about me,” Commissioner DuBose stated during his official remarks. “This is about all the women of the NWFWC who have toiled over the years, working diligently to keep this center open to serve our community.”
Cynthia Love Burrows, the president of the NWFWC’s board thanked the community for their continued support and applauded club members Addie Owens and Edde Campbell for their persistence and passion during the renovation process.
During the ceremony all club members and past presidents were recognized for their service and contributions over the years.
On display during the ceremony was an impressive exhibit of historical memorabilia collected over the years by members of the club.
Julia McElvy, Theodora Williams and many other long-time members shared photographs, art, crafts and other items depicting the rich history of the NWFWC.
After the ceremony, a tour of the newly renovated facility was conducted showcasing the improvements and officially presenting the clubhouse as open for business.
“This facility is a perfect venue to host community events,” said Marilyn Sanders of Sanders Exclusive Catering.
The City of Fort Lauderdale Commissioners through the Housing and Community Development division approved the renovations of the NWFWC that were completed by Delmar Construction. The aging roof was replaced; improvements were made to the floors, the bathrooms, the kitchen and the parking lot.
“The entire facility is now in pristine condition,” said Janice Hayes, project manager over-seeing the renovations. “Our goal was to make the building more energy-efficient, structurally safe and aesthetically appealing to complement the great work that they are doing in this community.”
Adjacent to the Clubhouse is the Irma E. Allen Adult Day-care Center that provides ser-vices for first stage Alzheimer clients and offers events and activities to enhance the quality of life for our seniors. Sandra Hunter, the project director for the Adult Daycare Center leads her staff and volunteers in serving the needs of our seniors with care and compassion.
For more information about the Northwest Federated Woman’s Club contact (954) 730-3442 for the Clubhouse and for information on the Senior Center contact (954) 714-3500.
