Hoodland Women’s Club Gala Brings Fun and Funds to Community

The Hoodland Women’s Club turned community spirit into celebration this fall, hosting its first Harvest of Hope Gala – a night of good food, live music, and local generosity that raised nearly $14,000 for neighbors in need.

When more than 70 guests gathered at Alpine Events on October 4 for the club’s inaugural gala, it wasn’t just an elegant evening – it was a statement of purpose. Beneath the soft lights, live music, and laughter, the community came together to support an organization that has quietly shaped lives on the mountain for 60 years.

Club president Nichole Watts, who has lived in the area for more than two decades, said she and other members wanted the event to be both meaningful and fun. “Our main goal is to have fun with our fundraisers,” Watts said. “This was our first one, and we wanted people to be eager to come back. I think people had a really good time!”

Guests enjoyed a four-course family-style dinner, live music from Deja 2+, raffle baskets, and a lively auction featuring local craftsmanship and travel experiences – from hand-painted furniture and mountain adventures to a three-night stay in the Grand Tetons. The evening raised $13,846, exceeding the club’s goal. “We were shooting for anything over $10,000,” Watts said. “So I feel really good about that.”

While the gala sparkled, the cause it supports runs much deeper. All proceeds go directly to the club’s Community Giving Programs, which provide assistance to Hoodland residents facing hardship and fund local nonprofits that meet essential needs. The Women’s Club’s 2024–2026 “Mission Moments” initiative nearly doubles its annual giving budget – from $14,500 to $26,250 – with a focus on food security and emergency assistance.

Watts said the club’s mission hasn’t changed, only deepened. “The mission is to help the whole community by providing assistance to members and families of the Hoodland community through benefit projects and fundraising events,” she explained. “For this particular event, all of the money went to the community giving programs.”

That mission has found real resonance among local residents who have experienced the Women’s Club’s support firsthand. One parent who attended the club’s free childcare event before the holidays said, “I thought this event was a great thing for the community and helpful for single parents.”

Others spoke of the relief that came from the club’s Individual Assistance Program, which offers small grants to help with rent, utilities, or medical costs. One local parent shared, “We appreciate this so much! Our family of five, after discovering we’re expecting our fourth baby, all got hit with influenza A, Norovirus, strep throat, and Covid this year, making it hard to work and pay our bills.”

Another recipient wrote, “Over the past few months, unexpected hardships have made it difficult for us to stay on our feet – from a fallen tree damaging our RV to a car accident that left us without reliable transportation. We’ve faced financial strain and urgent repairs, but through it all, we’ve seen the power of this community’s generosity. Your help not only eases our burden but reminds us that brighter days are ahead. We truly appreciate your kindness and look forward to the day we can pay it forward.”

Even local pets have benefitted. One dog owner shared after the Mobile Vet Clinic, “Thank you to the Hoodland Women’s Club and the Mobile Vet Clinic for the services provided today – it was very much appreciated. Things went very smoothly.”

For Watts and her fellow volunteers, those small moments of gratitude are what sustain the work. “This club does a tremendous amount of good for our community,” she said. “I’m fortunate to have the time to represent it and watch it continue to grow.”