The GFWC Bent Mountain Woman’s Club has proudly served its community for 75 years, beginning with its founding and federation in 1949. In its early years, the club provided essential services to the Bent Mountain area, including dental and eye exams, glasses, free lunches, milk, and transportation. In 1961, the club founded the Bent Mountain Library in the old Firehouse building, and in 1963, they helped fund the first Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department in the area. By 1972, the club held its first bake sale, continuing its tradition of community support and engagement.

In the 1980s, the club expanded its community involvement through various new initiatives. In 1981, the club hosted its first Yard Sale, followed by the establishment of a Music & Dance Scholarship in 1984. In 1985, they sponsored the first “Health Fair” Blood Mobile at the Firehouse. The following year, they brought the community together with the first community Christmas Tree lighting and launched the Adopt-A-Highway Program in Bent Mountain. In 1982, members also made and donated two quilts to the Turning Point organization in Roanoke, reflecting their commitment to broader charitable efforts.

In the 1990s, the club made significant strides in education, community service, and charitable outreach. In 1994, they established the Mary Patterson Memorial Scholarship for college-bound high school seniors in the 24059 zip code, and they refurbished multiple areas at Camp Easter Seals, a relationship they continue to support financially today. That same year, they joined the “Festival of Trees” and began sewing for “Operation Smile,” earning the 1998 JC Penney Golden Rule Award, which helped fund two commercial stoves at Camp West. The club also created the Community Butterfly Garden in 1995 and, in 1998, distributed 3,000 donated books valued at $36,500 to libraries and schools. They further extended their outreach by starting the Sweatsuit program for victims of rape and sexual violence at Roanoke Community Hospital. In 1999, the club collected and distributed over 14,000 books to flood-damaged libraries in North Carolina and Virginia, with a member being named a “Hometown Hero” by WDBJ TV.

In the 2000s, the club continued its dedication to community development and service. In 2000, they extended the Bent Mountain Branch Library’s hours by providing volunteers and organized a bicycle rodeo. By 2001, the club had become a 501C3 organization and began fundraising for a children’s room addition to the library, while also participating in Read Across America. Fundraising efforts expanded in 2003 to include hotdog and bake sales. In 2004, they established the Campership program at Appleridge Farm, which later supported the 4 H Camp at Smith Mountain Lake, and registered WWII veterans, receiving a declaration from the U.S. President for Veterans Day. By 2005, the children’s room addition to the library was completed, and they launched the “Books ‘til 6” program for hospitalized children. In the following years, they helped paint a Habitat for Humanity house, fundraised for a picnic shelter and playground expansion at Bent Mountain Center, and hosted a Roanoke County Supervisor Candidate debate in 2009.

From 2011 to 2019, the club deepened its commitment to honoring veterans, supporting the community, and expanding educational and charitable initiatives. In 2011, they organized a rededication ceremony for Revolutionary War patriot Andrew Lewis Jr. and began collecting clothing for veterans, a program that continues today. The club also brought joy to children in Roanoke Memorial Hospital with visits from Elmo and Cookie Monster. By 2012, they supported the establishment of the Bent Mountain Center, initiated the Books for Bearcats project for a Highland County Elementary School, and created a self-driving tour of local one-room schoolhouses. In 2013, the club published its first Local Food Directory and contributed quilts and knitted items to “Operation Comfort Kid” and other charities. Between 2014 and 2015, they expanded their focus on veteran and community support by hosting a Veterans Day Salute, providing for the Second Harvest Food Bank, and assisting Habitat for Humanity and the Turning Point Women’s Shelter. The Mary Patterson Memorial Scholarship was expanded in 2015 to include adult students, and they participated in new initiatives like the Soup for Seniors program and fundraising through bird seed wreaths. By 2018, the club helped build a walking path behind the Bent Mountain Center and supported an Eagle Scout boardwalk project. In 2019, they adopted residents at local adult day care centers for the holidays and honored Dene Lancaster for 50 years of service.

From 2020 to 2024, the club continued its service through innovative adaptations and community projects. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they utilized technology to hold meetings and established a Facebook page. Members contributed by sewing masks for the Rocky Mount Free Clinic, while their “Books ’til Six” program earned a GFWC award. Fundraising included pre-holiday sales, Christmas baskets, and bird seed wreaths. They introduced nature classes, supported education by donating books, maintained the Butterfly Garden, and earned the Marlene Wine Education Award in 2022. The club also supported veterans, has worked to revitalize the Bent Mountain Center Courtyard, hosted its first blood drive in collaboration with the Lawrence Memorial UMC United Women in Faith, and led efforts for a library expansion. In 2023, they promoted fitness, hosted a Veteran’s Day Recognition ceremony, and celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Butterfly Garden in 2024.

Throughout these years, the Bent Mountain Woman’s Club has demonstrated remarkable resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication to the community. From adapting to the challenges of the pandemic to expanding their service projects and educational efforts, the club has continued to enrich the lives of those in Bent Mountain and beyond. Their commitment to preserving local history, supporting veterans and children, and fostering community engagement remains a testament to their enduring legacy. As they celebrate milestones like the 30th Anniversary of the Butterfly Garden and the 75th Anniversary of this club, they look forward to future projects. The club’s impact will undoubtedly continue to grow, leaving a lasting mark on the community for generations to come.