Geneva moms club changing name to reflect focus on all women

The Mothers Club of Geneva knows one doesn't have to be a mother to show concern for the welfare of children, women and families.

Even though it started 74 years ago with mothers as members, it has always accepted others. But that wasn't clear from the name.

"It's not just for moms. It's for all women in the community," said Suzanne Spry, president-elect of the club.

So it has a new name - the Geneva Women's Club. And it has sharpened the focus of its mission.

The club has about 30 members, Spry said. It used to have more.

The name change reflects how the club has changed. Spry said people have assumed that a mothers club is for mothers of young children, and be about stuff they are interested in, such as play dates. While the club has always had social activities, from the beginning it focused on the health and welfare of children and families and raising money for related charitable causes.

But today's women may not have the free time the members of the 1940s did for social activities, Spry said. But the philanthropic concern is still there.

"We're trying to be the worker bees in the community," Spry said of the club's new focus. Members intend to get involved with the groups the club supports, as well as raise money.

The club's mission will focus on efforts to fight hunger and improve health and education. This Friday, for example, it will present checks to groups including the Living Well Cancer Resource Center, Court Appointed Special Advocates for children, Tri-City Health Partnership, Lazarus House shelter, Mutual Ground domestic violence agency, Fox Valley Volunteer Hospice and more. "We wanted to focus on families, not necessarily just women," Spry said.

And you don't have to live in Geneva to join.

Prospective members are invited to the "Little Black Dress Celebration" from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Geneva History Center, 113 S. Third St.

The event is free. Reservations are requested. Call Nikki Spitzer at (630) 492-1188.