The Folsom Women's Service Club (FWSC) was established on April 9, 2009, as an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our mission is to raise funds to provide college scholarships to graduating seniors from public high schools here in Folsom, and to help out other humanitarian charities as the need arises. FWSC holds general meetings to include speakers from local businesses, schools, and service organizations.
During the holidays, we collect many toys for Toys for Tots and a variety of items for the Twin Lakes Food Bank. Many of our talented and skilled members participate in our group activities: Crafts Group, Book Lovers, Bridge Buddies and Garden Foodies. Our major fundraisers are: The annual fall Fashion Show Luncheon; fall Craft, Bake, and Plant Sale; and the spring Friendship Tea.
Over the past ten years, our club has awarded scholarships (most for $1,000 each) to many qualified graduating students from Folsom area high schools:
Year Amount
2009 $2,500
2010 $3,000
2011 $4,500
2012 $5,000
2013 $7,000
2014 $7,000
2015 $7,000
2016 $7,000
2017 $8,000
2018 $7,000
2019 $7,000
Prior to 2009 and before becoming a non-profit organization, our club was named the Folsom Women's Club. It was inaugurated on December 16, 1960, and was organized by Mrs. Jane Biggs of Folsom. She was a community leader active in the Folsom Chamber of Commerce, The Sacramento Historical Society and was a correspondent for the Sacramento Bee and Folsom Telegraph newspapers.
The Folsom Women's Club focused on community service and education. Some of the community service projects the club has supported include: Membership in the League of Women Voters; Folsom Chamber of Commerce; support of the Folsom Historical Society; Folsom Public Library, Sacramento USO; donations to various charities including Easter Seals and the American Heart Association and scholarships for college to Folsom HS graduating seniors.
A few of the fundraiser projects included proceeds from sales of bake goods, crafts, calendars, stationery and club cookbooks.
The club's general meetings included a speaker or entertainment. Past speakers have included candidates running for offices in the city government; speakers from the library, Historical Society, local schools, businesses, service organizations and Folsom Prison officials. Some of the entertainment included local singing groups, members sharing their talents and travel experiences, and they held fashion shows, picnics, teas and potlucks. The club reflected the history of the times and the various interests of the membership.
Lastly, and most importantly, the first scholarship FWC awarded was to a graduate of Folsom HS in 1962 in the amount of $50. We have come a long way, made great progress throughout the years and are proud to be members and supporters of the FWSC. We are making history!
Updated 10-14-19 sl