Chaparral Women's Club

Chaparral Women's Club

By Amy Stansbury Friday, 06 February 2009

In its 40 years, the Chaparral Women’s Club has contributed more than $500,000 to a variety of local nonprofits. Though the organization started out as an affiliate of the Junior Women’s Club, in 1978 local members decided to sever ties with their national umbrella organization to better serve the needs of the community.

The club’s members are local businesswomen, stay-at-home mothers and professional volunteers who come together to support charities ranging from women and children’s initiatives to elderly and community enrichment programs. The 501(c)(3) organization’s written purpose is to promote volunteerism, develop the potential of women and improve the community through the effective action and fundraising efforts of its members. Last year, the Chaparrals contributed $43,350 in grants to 36 local charities and $4,500 in scholarships to four Williamson County high school seniors.

With about 55 members raising money for the club’s charitable efforts, the Chaparrals are also involved in about one service project per month.

“Everything in the club is split up between fundraising and service projects,” Chaparrals President Kristin Stevens said. “All of our members are required to participate in at least one service project per year, but usually they do more. Our associate members are those who have been active members for more than five years, and our retention is pretty good.”

The Chaparrals hold two fundraisers each year to raise money for grants and scholarships, which will be awarded in May at a grant ceremony that the nonprofit organizations are invited to attend.

The club’s first Babes in Toyland Market and Style Show Nov. 9, 2008, at Dell Diamond raised nearly $6,000. Stevens said the event will be held again next year at the same location, but the date has not yet been set.

The ninth annual Chaparrals gala is Feb. 28, and tickets are on sale.

“The gala is where we get the bulk of our fundraising money each year,” Stevens said. “Without the gala there would be no grants or scholarships.”

Stevens, who has been a member for five years, said there are more benefits to being in Chaparrals than just giving back to the community.

“I like the good relationships I have formed with other women, and I definitely have a better understanding of community needs in Williamson County,” she said.

While new members are often recruited, anyone interested in becoming part of Chaparrals can contact membership chair Deanna Miller at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

For more information, visit www.rrchaps.org.

Grant recipients

The Chaparral Women’s Club distributed $43,500 in grants to Williamson County nonprofit organizations, such as:

• Agape Pregnancy Resource Center
• Round Rock Coats for Kids
• Texas Baptist Children’s Home
• YMCA of Greater Williamson County
• STARRY
• R.O.C.K. (Ride On Center for Kids)
• Faith in Action Caregivers
• Family Eldercare
• Lone Star Circle of Care
• Literacy Council of Williamson County
• Georgetown Palace Theatre

A Night in Casablanca

The Chaparrals’ fundraising event will include live and silent auctions, gaming tables, a band and a seated dinner. Auction items, corporate sponsorships and financial donations are needed.

“All corporate sponsorship donations go back to the community as grants or scholarships,” Chaparrals President Kristin Stevens said. “We pay for the cost of the gala with ticket sales.”

Ninth annual Chaparrals gala

• Feb. 28
• United Heritage Center, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock
• 6 p.m.-midnight
• Tickets available in advance only, $200 per couple or $2,500 for table of eight
• 423-1625 • This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it