Since 1886, Peoria Women’s Club has been providing PWC members and members of our community the opportunity for education, social development, cultural growth, and an awareness of current civic concerns and public affairs.
In 1886, Clara Parsons Bourland and 26 other members established Peoria Women’s Club to inspire women to lead and serve the community. The organization’s emphasis was in education of four main areas: art and literature, home and education, philanthropy and reform and music.
To raise money for the construction of the Peoria Women’s Club building, the charter members established a stock company selling stocks at $10.00 per share. After successfully raising $25,000, the clubhouse building was constructed in 1893 at the corner of Madison Avenue and Fayette Street where it continues to stand.
These women built a breeding ground for political and civic leadership in early struggles for women’s equality. The building and club were central in the efforts to win full voting rights, Progressive Era reforms and significant programs for the betterment of Peoria.
Contributions to, affiliations with and volunteer hours (past and present) include the following organizations and more:
The Youth Farm
The Girls and Boys Club
Friendship House
Local Orphanages
Goodwill Industries
Meals on Wheels
Civic Federation Camp for Underprivileged Girls
Heart Fund
March of Dimes Telethon
Local Hospitals
Peoria Symphony Guild
Lincoln School
Neighborhood House
Woodruff Culinary Arts Program
BelWood Nursing Home
Choral Programs for the HEAR program
Peoria Grown
Cystic Fibrosis Clinic
United Fund
Red Stocking Fund
South Side Mission
EP!C
Easter Seals
St. Jude Telethon
Girl Scouts of America
Dress for Success
Center for Prevention of Abuse
Dennis A. Steele Outstanding Philanthropic Organization Award Winner (2023)
During the AFP Central Illinois Chapter's National Philanthropy Awards Day Luncheon, Peoria Women's Club was presented with the Dennis A. Steele Outstanding Philanthropic Organization award. Beverly Prince Matthews and Chef Jetty from the Woodruff Culinary Arts Program nominated us for this award. Without the help of our members and community partners, we would not have received it!
1st Vice President (Programs) – Beverly Prince Mathews
vicepres1@peoriawomensclub.com
Corresponding Secretary – Peggy Sullivan
2nd Vice President (Membership) – Anne Schutt
vicepres2@peoriawomensclub.com
Treasurer – Christy Purvis Wilkins
Building Director – Vicki Hordesky
Public Relations Director – Hannah Hernandez
In keeping with the goals and traditions set forth by PWC founders, our members preserve the traditions of the past while incorporating and addressing present day needs, issues and concerns.
We believe by strengthening each other, we can then strengthen our families and communities and create a more inspired everyday life. Membership is open to any woman 18 years or older.
