GKWC's Annual Distribution of Funds Dinner

The annual Distribution of Funds Meeting and Dinner was held June 15, 2017 at the Sky Creek Ranch Golf Club. Eleven non-profit charities and twelve KISD graduating seniors were presented with grants and scholarships. A total of $75,000.00 was awarded by the Greater Keller Women’s Club Foundation. The Garden of Roses Fashion Show fundraiser raised $65,000.00 and the GKWC contributed $10,000.00 from miscellaneous fundraisers held throughout the year.

This event is held to award and recognize local charities that work tirelessly each and every day for the betterment of our community, and to help twelve KISD graduating seniors attend the college of their choice.

Grants totally $39,000.00 were awarded to: Arts Council of Northeast, Battered Women’s Foundation, CASA of Tarrant County, Christ’s Haven for Children, Community Storehouse, Metroport Meals on Wheels, Mid-Cities Care Corp, Neuro Assistance Foundation, North Texas SNAP, Safe Haven and Victory Therapy Center.

A $3,000.00  scholarship was awarded to each of our twelve graduating seniors: Janine Bariuan, Samantha Duven, Caleb Crawley and Marissa Cleveland (Central High School); Siobain Medina, Alexandria Carrillo, Kayla Butner, and Samantha Webb ( Fossil Ridge High School) Maci Carr and Jenna Erb (Keller High School), and Kofi Agyare (Timber Creek High School).  Nicole Huette from Keller High School was the Holly Bowden Scholarship recipient. Congratulations to each and every one!

Since the GKWC Foundation was established 21 years ago, $1,259,139.00 in grants and scholarships have been awarded.

Caroline Sherman was recognized as the GKWC 2017 Shining Star, an annual award of the Northeast Arts Council honoring volunteers. Caroline is the epitome of the meaning of “Volunteer”, tirelessly working and “Giving Back” with her time, talents, and determination.

The GKWC has been a member of President’s Volunteer Service Awards program since 2009. A program that recognizes an ongoing commitment to community wellbeing and continued civic participation.  The GKWC is involved in more than 25 annual planned charitable events each year, accumulating volunteer hours totaling over 11,800 this past year.
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The GKWC mission is to further the common goal and general welfare of the community and to provide a means to pursue mutual interests and participate in the community. 

2017 Garden of Roses Fundraiser Photos

Saturday, April 1, 2017 marked an amazing day of socializing, eating, shopping, and raising money for the philanthropic efforts of the Greater Keller Women's Club, including grants to NE Tarrant County nonprofit organizations and scholarships to Keller ISD graduating seniors. With over 300 attendees present, there was something for everyone: Restaurant Tree, Wine Pull, Raffle items, and both Silent and Live Auctions.

Capturing the event in photos was GKWC member Patty Recca with Studio 3 Photography.

Click here to access the event photos.

WANTED! Committee Positions

The next Garden of Roses Fashion Show Planning Meeting will be held at the Keller Police Station, 330 Rufe Snow Drive, Keller, TX, 76248 starting at 6:30pm on Monday, November 8th. Please attend so you can help make this event a success. 

There is still a need for a Chair for "Scholarship Supporters"! This committee will be visiting local businesses to offer them an opportunity to pay a fee for a window cling supporting the Scholarship program. All money raised from this program will go to the Scholarship program for graduating KISD High School Seniors.

We're also looking for a volunteer to assist in obtaining photos from prior beneficiaries!

Please contact Garden of Roses Chair, June Aurelio at junetx54@verizon.net if you can help or if you have any questions. 

Grants & Scholarships Presented at the 2016 Distribution of Funds Dinner

Wednesday, June 16th was a moving and rewarding evening, the culmination of the past year's fundraising efforts by members of the Greater Keller Women's Club through the GKWC Foundation Garden of Roses: Roses & Pearls Champagne Brunch & Auction. Janna Clarke, President of the Greater Keller Women's Club Foundation presented grants and scholarships to this year's recipients.

Grants were awarded to the following local non-profit organizations:

• Battered Women's Foundation, represented by MaryLou Delehant and Melissa Duvall.
• Christ's Haven For Children, represented by Liz Kester
• Community Enrichment Center, represented by Randy Clinton
• Community Storehouse, represented by Megan Stiller and Brad Ender
• Metroport Meals on Wheels, represented by Mary King
• Neuro Assistance Foundation, represented by Lora Smith
• North Texas Snap, represented by Brandy Schimmel
• Safe Haven, represented by Peter Luby
• Victory Therapy Center, represented by Linda Engle and Stephanie Melchert



2016 non-profit organizations receiving grants from the GKWC Garden of Roses Fundraiser: SITTING L-R: Melissa Duvall - Battered Womens Foundation); Mary King - Metroport Meals On Wheels, Inc.; Lora Smith - Neuro Assistance Foundation); Brandy Carroll Schimmel - North Texas SNAP); Liz Kester - Christ's Haven for Children); STANDING L-R: MaryLou Delehant - Battered Womens Foundation; Randy Clinton - Community Enrichment Center; Stephanie Melchert - Victory Therapy Center; Peter Luby - Safehaven; Megan Stiller - Community Storehouse, Brad Ender -  Community Storehouse



Receiving scholarships were:

• Alexa Bartels, Keller HS (Holly Bowden Scholarship)
• Noel Marie Marzullo, Central HS
• Estefanie Arbelaez, Fossil Ridge HS
• Oleksandra "Sasha" Heorhiyeva, Fossil Ridge HS
• Munazza Maitri, Fossil Ridge HS
• Carlos Perez, Fossil Ridge HS
• Tahia Rahman, Fossil Ridge HS
• Cally Holcombe, Keller HS
• Madison Plumhoff, Keller HS
• Christopher Fant, Timber Creek HS
• Mary Layne, Timber Creek HS
• Emily Tate, Timber Creek HS

Students present from each of the four Keller ISD high schools: L-R: Alexa Bartels-Keller HS, Oleksandra "Sasha" Heorhiyeva/ Fossil Ridge HS; Noel Marie Marzullo/Central HS; Christopher Fant/Timber Creek HS; Mary Layne/Timber Creek HSand Emily Tate/Timber Creek HS

We'd like to once again thank our members, sponsors and all those in the community who throughout the year makes this night a reality.

Joining together, Having fun, Helping Others 

Thank You for Your Support: You're Invited to the Distribution of Funds Dinner

The Greater Keller Women's Club Foundation would like to thank all of our sponsors, members and guests who attended and supported the 2016 Champagne Brunch & Auction. Without you, our mission to support the community through grants to area non-profit organizations and scholarships to graduating Keller ISD students would not be possible.

You are  invited to attend the

Annual Distribution of Funds Dinner 

Thursday evening, June 16, 2016 at 6:30 pm

Sky Creek Ranch Golf Course

600 Promontory Drive, Keller, TX 76248

Reservations can be made through the www.GKWC.org website or by contacting Erika Koneck, Meeting Coordinator at Reservations@gkwc.org.

This is a very special evening where we introduce representatives from the non-profit organizations receiving grants made possible by this year's fundraiser and hear from them first-hand about the difference the support of the GKWC Foundation means to them. The Keller ISD students who've received GKWC scholarships are also invited to attend and it's always a joy to meet these young people we've chosen to support in their educational pursuits.

Congratulations to June Aurelio, Recipient of the 2016 Gladys Barrett Award

L-R: June Aurelio - Gladys Barrett Award Recipient,
Janna Clarke - GKWC Foundation President

The distinguished Gladys Barrett Award is presented to a Greater Keller Women’s Club member who has made major contribution of time and energy in furthering the success of the Garden of Roses Fashion Show Brunch, Luncheon or Gala and also been an ambassador for the Greater Keller Women’s Club throughout the DFW Metroplex. Our honoree this year has been a club member since 2008. She has served on the Board of Directors as Treasurer and Finance Chair.  She has graciously co-chaired the Garden of Roses Fashion Show and Luncheon and has served as Reservation Chair.  She has volunteered in numerous community service projects as well as many fundraising projects. Her daughter states: “My Mother is one of the most independent, patient and kind people I’ve ever met. She dedicates herself to every project she takes on and cares deeply for the people in the world around her. She makes me proud every single day and I couldn’t be more excited for her to receive this award.” The Greater Keller Women’s Club Foundation is very proud to announce June Aurelio, the 2016 recipient of the Gladys Barrett Award.  

June moved to Keller from Scottsdale, Arizona in 2006.  She received the 2015 Arts Council Northeast Shining Star Award representing the Greater Keller Women's Club. June is an animal lover (primarily dogs with two of her own Ben and Jerry). She is passionate about creative arts and a total bookworm, instilling that same love of learning and creativity in her three daughters. 

The Greater Keller Women’s Club and our community have been blessed with the dedication of June always willing to lend a hand or volunteer wherever needed.

Dinner at The Classic, a proud supporter of the GKWC Annual Garden of Roses Fundraiser

Who wouldn't love to win the fabulous five-course "Dinner for Ten" donated by the Classic Cafe during Saturday's Live Auction at the GKWC Champagne Brunch & Auction?  

Value: $1,000

If you're not familiar with the Classic Cafe, take a minute to browse their website and learn more about them and their extraordinary menus to delight even the most discerning food connoisseur! 

Did you know?

• the Classic has it's own garden? Chef Charles creates new and unique specials based on what’s fresh and ripe in the garden.
• the Classic holds monthly cooking classes by Chef Charles?
• the Classic holds monthly wine tastings with General Manager Francis Silmon?
• the Classic will cater your event, whether at your home or corporate venue?

The GKWC Foundation is proud to be among The Classic's philanthropic endeavors and we appreciate their continued support. Click here to read more about The Classic in the Community.

We look forward to seeing you at the 2016 Garden of Roses: Roses & Pearls Champagne Brunch & Auction this Saturday, April 2nd at the Texas Motor Speedway.  Doors open at 10:00am. 

The Restaurant Tree is FULL!

How would you like to take home a gift certificate to dine at one of these fantastic area restaurants? You'll want to get to the Restaurant Tree early, because once they're gone, they're gone! Each venue has donated one and in some cases two or more gift cards!

The GKWC  Foundation is grateful to each of these restaurants for their donation to the 2016 Garden of Roses fundraiser and joining us in our philanthropic efforts to award grands to area non-profit organizations and scholarships to graduating Keller ISD students.

Applebee’s

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse – Southlake

Bonefish Grill – Southlake

Boon-docks at Eagle Mountain Marina – Fort Worth

Boo-ray’s of New Orleans – Fort Worth

Brio’s Tuscan Grille – Southlake

Café Sicilia - Watauga

Central Market Café - Southlake

Chamberlain’s Fish Market Grill – Addison

Chef Blythe’s Southern Bistro – N. Richland Hills

Christina’s Fine Mexican Restaurant – Southlake

Chuy’s Mexican Restaurant – Southlake

Cotton Patch Café – N. Richland Hills

DeVivo Bros. Eatery - Keller

Del Frisco’s Grille – Southlake

Elote Mexican Kitchen – Keller

F n G Eats – Keller

Fish City Grill – Southlake

Flight on Eagle Mountain Lake – Fort Worth

Golden Thai Cuisine – Keller

Houlihan’s – Fort Worth

Kirby’s Steakhouse – Southlake

Mac’s on Main - Grapevine

Mellow Mushroom – Southlake

Mi Pueblo – N. Richland Hills

Oliva Eatery – Keller

Olive Garden

Outback Steak House

P. F. Chang’s China Bistro

Palio’s Pizza Café – Keller

Papa John’s Pizza

Pickles BBQ & Icehouse

Ra Sushi Bar Restaurant – Southlake

Sea Siam Thai Restaurant - Keller

Spring Creek Barbeque - Keller

Texas Bleu – Keller

Texas de Brazil – Fort Worth

The Classic at Roanoke

The Egg & I – N. Richland Hills

Wildwood Grill – Southlake

Winewood Grill - Grapevine

To attend the event, please contact Reservations@gkwc.org or purchase online at https://gkwc.ejoinme.org/tickets.

Sponsorship Update: Thank you to GKWC member and Silver Sponsor, Debbie Roberts

The Greater Keller Women's Club Foundation is pleased to recognize and thank GKWC member Debbie Roberts for your continuing support and SILVER Sponsorship of the 2016 GKWC Garden of Roses Champagne Brunch and Auction, scheduled for April 2, 2016 at the Texas Motor Speedway.

To attend the event, please contact Reservations@gkwc.org or online at https://gkwc.ejoinme.org/tickets.

Sponsorship Update: Thank you to GKWC member and Silver Sponsor, Pat Meeker

The Greater Keller Women's Club Foundation is pleased to recognize and thank GKWC member Pat Meeker and her husband Brent for their support and SILVER Sponsorship of the 2016 GKWC Garden of Roses Champagne Brunch and Auction, scheduled for April 2, 2016 at the Texas Motor Speedway.

For more information about how to attend the event, please contact GardenofRosesChair@gkwc.org or visit the website at www.gkwc.org. Tickets to the Saturday, April 2, 2016 Champagne Brunch & Auction at the Texas Motor Speedway may be purchased by emailing Reservations@gkwc.org or online at https://gkwc.ejoinme.org/tickets.

Why we do what we do: GKWC Foundation supporting the Battered Women's Foundation

Another of the many charities the Greater Keller Women's Foundation has supported over the years is the Battered Women's Foundation, a non-profit organization serving the Dallas/Ft.Worth area, and work with many local agencies to stop domestic violence!

It's been our privilege to be able to support the Battered Women's Foundation through our annual Garden of Roses fundraiser, made possible by the generosity of our sponsors, supporters and members of the Greater Keller Women's Club and their families.  

Please listen as the Battered Women's Foundation explains what the Greater Keller Women's Foundation's support means to their organization and ability to serve battered women and children in our community.

If you have not already purchased your ticket to this year's 2016 Garden of Roses: Roses & Pearls Champagne Brunch & Auction, please contact Reservations@gkwc.org or purchase online at https://gkwc.ejoinme.org/tickets. 

Thank you for your continued support of the GKWC Foundation and the many needs of the non-profit organizations in our community.

Sponsorship Update: Thanks to GKWC 2015-16 President Janice Smith for your support!

The Greater Keller Women's Club Foundation is pleased to recognize and thank GKWC member and 2015-16 Club President Janice Smith and her husband Mike for their support and SILVER Sponsorship of the 2016 GKWC Garden of Roses Champagne Brunch and Auction, scheduled for April 2, 2016 at the Texas Motor Speedway.

For more information about sponsorships, donations or how to attend the event, please contact GardenofRosesChair@gkwc.org or visit the website at www.gkwc.org. Tickets to the Saturday, April 2, 2016 Champagne Brunch & Auction at the Texas Motor Speedway may be purchased by emailing Reservations@gkwc.org or online at https://gkwc.ejoinme.org/tickets.

Sponsorship Update: Thank you to Silver Sponsor, Tri-County Electric

The Greater Keller Women's Club Foundation is pleased to recognize and thank Tri-County Electric for their continuing support and SILVER Sponsorship of the 2016 GKWC Garden of Roses Champagne Brunch and Auction, scheduled for April 2, 2016 at the Texas Motor Speedway.

For more information about sponsorships, donations or how to attend the event, please contact GardenofRosesChair@gkwc.org or visit the website at www.gkwc.org. Tickets to the Saturday, April 2, 2016 Champagne Brunch & Auction at the Texas Motor Speedway may be purchased by emailing Reservations@gkwc.org or online at https://gkwc.ejoinme.org/tickets.

Keller Jazz Orchestra to Perform at Garden of Roses Champagne Brunch & Auction

Guests attending the 2016 Garden of Roses: Roses & Pearls Champagne Brunch & Auction will be treated to the musical entertainment and big band sounds of the Keller Jazz Orchestra. 

Performance Time: 10:00 am - 11:45 am

Saturday, April 2, 2016

The Speedway Club @ Texas Motor Speedway

The group was recently featured in the Star-Telegram's Keller Magazine.
Click here to read the article.

Brunch & Auction Individual tickets are $75 each.   

Contact Reservations@gkwc.org or purchase tickets online at https://gkwc.ejoinme.org/tickets. 

Your Frequently Asked Questions Answered Here

The Greater Keller Women's Club Foundation has comprised a list of "Frequently Asked Questions" to help make your attendance at the 2016 Garden of Roses: Roses & Pearls Champagne Brunch & Auction more enjoyable.

Where is the venue?

As it has been since 1998, the Garden of Roses Fundraiser will be hosted on the 9th Floor, The Speedway Club at the Texas Motor Speedway Club located at 3545 Lone Star Circle, Fort Worth, TX 76177. Click here for directions.

What time should I arrive?

Doors open at 10am on Saturday, April 2, 2016.

Where do I park?

Self-parking is available in the Express Parking lot directly in front of The Speedway Club. Alternatively, valet parking is available for $10 tip included (cash only).

Where is registration?

The registration desk will be located on the 9th floor past the lobby doors at the end of the foyer.

Will I be assigned a bidder number?

Yes, each person is assigned a bidder number which will be provided to you upon check-in and labeled on your program. You will also receive a text message immediately after check-in with your bidder number and a link to the mobile bidding site.

Do I need to provide my credit card upon check-in so that I can bid and have access to convenient check-out?

You most certainly can provide your credit card information as you're checking in, and everything that you've bid on and won will be conveniently added charged to your card upon checkout.  However, it is not necessary to provide a credit card -- you can certainly pay for items won by check or cash.

When will the brunch be served?

There will be a variety of food stations open immediately after the doors open.  You may shop first then eat, OR eat then shop, OR eat & shop throughout the morning!

What can I expect on the brunch menu?

Omelet Station ~ Spinach and Fontina Frittatas ~ Belgian Waffles ~ Assorted All Butter Danishes and House Baked Muffins ~ Cedar Plank Salmon with Fennel Salad ~ Monte Cristo Sandwiches with Warm Maple Syrup ~ Herb Roasted Potatoes ~ Buttered Asparagus, Carrots and Sugar Snap Peas ~ Southern Salad ~ Pasta Station ~ Chocolate Cream Pie Tartlets ~ Peach Crumble Tartlets with Cinnamon Whipped Cream ~ Assorted Mini Petit Fours ~ Sliced Seasonal Fruit and Berries

What events can I expect during the day?

There will be a number of exciting auction events throughout the day:

• Silent Auction: there will be an extraordinary array of silent auction items from jewelry, home decor, lamps, artwork, gift baskets filled with fantastic goodies, gift certificates and products from some of your favorite retails shops and service providers.
  
  
• Raffle: with a list of 8 amazing raffle items, you'll want multiple tickets in each bowl. Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20 (cash or check only).
  
  
• Wine Pull: for $20 (cash only) you can take your pick of an array of wines.
  
  
• Restaurant Tree: Thirty-nine (39) fabulous area restaurants have donated gift cards to this year's restaurant tree. For a donation of $25 (cash or check only), you'll get to select a birdie from the restaurant tree which contains a restaurant gift card for at least $25 and in some cases up to $100.
  
  
• Live Auction: there are ten (10) fantastic live auction items that you'll definitely want to have your credit card ready!

What if I didn’t bring enough cash?

There is an ATM machine on the 2^nd floor of the Speedway Club for your convenience.

How do I bid?

Once you've registered and assigned a bidder number, you'll receive an email notification. [Don't have a phone or mobile device with you?  No worries - we'll have 'Bidding Buddies' standing by to bid for you - you'll simply provide your bidder number.]

Found an item that you REALLY want, but don't want to keep checking back at the table to see if you're out-bid? With mobile bidding, you'll receive an automatic notification if someone bids higher than you. 

It's easy as 1-2-3! 

Step One - Click on the link that was sent to you via text message.

Step Two - Click on the Yes icon right below your name.

Step Three - Start Bidding.

·         A few things to keep in mind.

o    Your bid number and table assignment appear right below your name.

o    The welcome message can come to by text or email, both formats will take you to the same web page.

o    You can open the link on your smart phone, tablet or laptop.

o    Greater Giving Online Bidding will automatically adjust to your device.

o    Any device with a browser will work.

o    With Greater Giving Online Bidding there is no need to download any sort of an App.

o    It operates within your web browser meaning that everyone will have the same experience regardless of your type of device.

What if I my phone isn't compatible for mobile bidding?

We’ll have a number of ‘Bidding Buddies’ available throughout the event that will be able to cast a bid for you. You’ll just need to provide them with your bidder number, which will be labeled on the program provided when you check-in. Bidding Buddies will be identified the day of the event.

When and Where do I check-out?

• Checkout will begin immediately upon the close of the Live Auction and once the Raffle Drawings have taken place.
• If you provided a credit card to hold on your account when you registered, check-out will definitely be a breeze.  You'll go to check-out desk located at the same area as registration and one of our cashiers will confirm your purchases and print a receipt so that you can collect your items.

Sponsorship Update: Thanks to GKWC Member and Silver Sponsor BetsyThurston

The Greater Keller Women's Club Foundation is pleased to recognize and thank GKWC member Betsy Thurston and her husband Clark for their continuing support and SILVER Sponsorship of the 2016 GKWC Garden of Roses Champagne Brunch and Auction, scheduled for April 2, 2016 at the Texas Motor Speedway.

For more information about sponsorships, donations or how to attend the event, please contact GardenofRosesChair@gkwc.org or visit the website at www.gkwc.org. Tickets to the Saturday, April 2, 2016 Champagne Brunch & Auction at the Texas Motor Speedway may be purchased by emailing Reservations@gkwc.org or online at https://gkwc.ejoinme.org/tickets.

Amazing silent auction items from Lighting, Etc.

Guests at the 2016 GKWC Garden of Roses: Roses & Pearls Champagne Brunch & Auction will be treated to a wide array of silent auction items graciously donated by Lighting, Etc. located on Rufe Snow in N. Richland Hills, a supporter of the annual event for many years.  

For more information about sponsorships, donations or how to attend the event, please contact GardenofRosesChair@gkwc.org or visit the website at www.gkwc.org. Tickets to the Saturday, April 2, 2016 Champagne Brunch & Auction at the Texas Motor Speedway may be purchased by emailing Reservations@gkwc.org or online at https://gkwc.ejoinme.org/tickets.

Spirit Day: Hoola Hoops Keller

Join us this Saturday, March 26th from 10am-6pm at Hoola Hoops, 1540 Keller Pkwy, Keller.
(located in Keller Crossing Center next to Ace Hardware)

Owner Melissa Schneider, a Keller resident will be donating 20% back of all sales to the 2016 Garden of Roses Champagne Brunch & Auction! 

Hoola Hoops is the place you can find the latest and greatest fashion trends. Hoola Hoops offers a wide range of 'swag' from designers such as Deanna Cochran, Consuela and various local Keller artists. If you haven't been to Hoola Hoops yet, you don't know what you're missing!

See ya Saturday!

Joining Together ~ Having Fun ~ Helping Others

And remember to purchase your tickets to the 2016 Garden of Roses: Roses & Pearls Champagne Brunch & Auction are available by contacting Denise Compton at Reservations@gkwc.org or online at https://gkwc.ejoinme.org/tickets. 

2016 Garden of Roses Champagne Brunch &  Auction
April 2, 2016 Doors Open at 10am
Texas Motor Speedway

Raffle Item: Thank you Kendra Scott Southlake!

A sneak peek at another fantastic Raffle Item available at the 2016 Garden of Roses: Roses & Pearls Champagne Brunch & Auction, compliments of  Kendra Scott Southlake.

Add some color to your jewelry collection with The Harlow Necklace & Elle Earrings in Gold with Cool Blue Periwinkle!  Both Kendra Scott Classics, these coordinating pieces will make a statement this summer season.  14k Gold Plated over Brass. 

Donated by, Kendra Scott ~ Southlake

Value $250

For more information about sponsorships, donations or how to attend the event, please contact GardenofRosesChair@gkwc.org or visit the website at www.gkwc.org. 

Tickets to the Saturday, April 2, 2016 Champagne Brunch & Auction at the Texas Motor Speedway may be purchased by emailing Reservations@gkwc.org or online at https://gkwc.ejoinme.org/tickets.

Sponsorship Update: Thanks to GKWC Member Janice Raver & husband Don

The Greater Keller Women's Club Foundation is pleased to recognize and thank GKWC member Janice Raver & her husband Don for their continuing support and SILVER Sponsorship of the 2016 GKWC Garden of Roses Champagne Brunch and Auction, scheduled for April 2, 2016 at the Texas Motor Speedway.

For more information about sponsorships, donations or how to attend the event, please contact GardenofRosesChair@gkwc.org or visit the website at www.gkwc.org. Tickets to the Saturday, April 2, 2016 Champagne Brunch & Auction at the Texas Motor Speedway may be purchased by emailing Reservations@gkwc.org or online athttps://gkwc.ejoinme.org/tickets.