Happy 50th Anniversary AIWC!
The American International Women's Club was founded in February 1971 (under the name American Women's Club of the Taunus), under the leadership of Shirley Brendtke. The Club, a nonpolitical/non-profit organization, was established primarily for social and charitable activities, as well as personal support, for Americans living in the Frankfurt Taunus Rhein Main region of Germany. The Club has been a proud member of FAWCO, (Federation of American Women's Clubs Overseas), for many years, linking us to over 60 international member clubs in 30 countries worldwide.
From its first meeting in April 1971, with thirty members present, the Club reached a highpoint of nearly 1000 members. Of course times have changed and the expat demographics with them. Membership is currently comprised of many different nationalities and includes a significant number of women from our host country. The AIWC still provides many avenues for newcomers to receive support as they adjust to living in their new home, as well as providing a dynamic international community for locals. Members can easily stay in touch on our private Facebook page and turn to their Neighborhood Coordinator for advice on day-to-day needs.
All Club events such as monthly coffees/cocktails, soirees, fundraisers and holiday parties are frequently held and always fun social occasions. Neighborhood events are great for meeting other members who live nearby. Numerous and always evolving interest groups allow for a connection with others who share the interest.
Mother's Corner provides a wonderful network of support for expectant mothers and mothers with small children. The CARES group is available to assist our members in personal emergencies and other more difficult situations. Our Tennis League has long been a mainstay of the club and is hugely popular. Volunteer opportunities abound to support the running of the Club. We have creatively faced the challenges of Covid restrictions with many activities being held virtually, and we look forward to meeting in person again soon.
Charitable giving and giving back to our community has been a priority since inception, with many wonderfully festive Galas held over the years. We are proud as a Club to have raised over 650,000 euro in support of local and international charities. We currently focus our ambitions on four charitable categories; Women, Children, Health, and Animals, with specific charities aligned to those needs. Covid restrictions did not slow us down, we simply adapted to the situation with personal fundraisers created by our members rather than events.
The Club has certainly evolved over the last 50 years. But the heart and intent of the club has not changed. We hope to continue to provide friendship, support, and to enrich the lives of women living in the Frankfurt Taunus Rhein Main region over the next 50 years. We will continue to support those in need. We will continue to live our motto:
When Women Support Each Other, Incredible Things Happen!
Presidents of the American International Women's Club Shirley Brendtke 1971-1972 Rosemary Shute 1972-1973 Otti Sullivan 1973-1975 Peg Bierschback 1975-1976 Edice McGill 1976-1977 Betty Jean Stammers 1977-1978 Cathy Basinski 1978-1979 Diane Atkin 1979-1980 Greer Garner 1980-1981 Carolyn Levin 1981-1982 Edda Steinmeier 1982-1983 Barbara Flynn 1983-1984 Nancy Botcheller 1984-1985 Anita Hedeen 1985-1986 Joanne Suley 1986-1987 Billye Hodits 1987-1988 Joan Ford 1988 Billye Hodits 1989 Ellen Schauff 1989-1990 Priscilla Kim Park 1990 Marie Miller 1991 Ellen Schauff 1992 Terry Danaher 1992-1993 Dale Koepenick 1993-1994 Susan Meyer 1994-1995 Jo Vossburg 1995-1996 Rosanne Merrill 1996-1997 Evelyn White 1997-1999 Janet Sodell 1999 | Maria Ashe 1999-2000 Valerie Ghoussaini 2000-2002 Angela Pilgrim 2002 Peggy Muehlbradt 2003-2004 Marline Holmes 2004-2005 Susan Benham 2005-2006 Vera Thiers 2006-2007 Amy Davis 2007-2009 Karen Parzuhoski 2009-2010 Elaine Kuether 2010-2011 Renee Fozouni 2011-2012 Jennifer Lapina 2012 Alicea Williams 2012-2013 Patricia Boekhout 2013-2015 Misty Waters 2015-2016 Teresa Zink 2016-2019 Danita Waterfall-Brizzi 2019 - 2021 Mary Grace Gerstner 2021 - Present |