Capitol Words a project of the Sunlight Foundation

Rep. Hilda L. Solis

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the El Monte Women's Club as they celebrate their Centennial Anniversary of service to the community.

On April 18, 1902, 34 women converted a three-year old Shakespearean Club into the El Monte Women's Club. A year later, the El Monte Women's Club became chartered as a San Gabriel Valley District, California Federation of Women's Clubs. The guiding principle of the Club is to unite women's clubs and like organizations throughout the world to benefit and promote their common interests in education, public welfare, moral values, civic, and fine arts.

Throughout its 100 years, the El Monte Women's Club has instituted a tradition of community service benefitting the residents of El Monte. Today, the club is the largest non-denominational women's volunteer service organization in the city. Members of the club are largely women that take great pride in their commitment to provide scholarships for youth in the community.

Among the many programs sponsored by the club, the El Monte Women's Club actively sponsors programs on gerontology, environmental issues, and DARE Red Ribbon celebrations. Membership in the El Monte Women's Club today consists of 65 women dedicated to serving the community's needs, while providing opportunities to develop personal leadership skills, educating the public, stimulating civic consciousness and commemorating women's history.

It gives me great pride to honor and congratulate the El Monte Women's Club for its 100 years of contributions to the community.