Community Corner
Junior Woman's Club Flap Causes Publicity Chair to Resign
Patricia Murphy, who chaired the Books for Troops program, is upset the New Tampa board will not fund the drive this year. It will be supported by the Lutz-Pasco and Land O' Lakes clubs instead.
A flap over funding for the Books for Troops program has led the public relations chair of the GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club to resign from her position.
Patricia Murphy announced her departure from the club’s board in a news release that criticized the actions of the recently installed board.
“I have donated over 3,000 hours to the club and I assumed the new board would be loyal to my projects,” said Murphy, who served as chair for the Books for Troops project that collected some 6,500 books last October — the original goal was 1,000 — for military members serving overseas.
Find out what's happening in New Tampafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Yet the NTJWC Board is not providing financial support to the project this year “although they had $8,000 surplus of unallocated funds,” according to Murphy.
Kim Rothman, 2012-13 president, said the group supports the needs of the communities and GFWC’s adopted partners rather than individual members. The current administration’s focus is mainly on children’s and women’s health, safety, and education issues, plus GFWC’s signature project, domestic violence awareness, Rothman said.
Find out what's happening in New Tampafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“Additionally, the Presidents at the state and national level spearhead projects, and our club will be utilizing our fund-raising efforts to support those two chosen projects, in addition to our many others,” Rothman said. “GFWC NTJWC appreciates Mrs. Murphy's volunteer service and commitment to Books for Troops.”
Rothman added the group supports other military-related advocacy programs, including Sew Much Comfort, United Services Organization and funds for the area VA hospital.
Murphy said she will retain her membership in the club so she can continue to work with the Juniorettes as an adviser but said “it is unlikely” she will support the Juniors.
The Books for Troops program will live on, however. Murphy said the October drive will take place with the assistance of the GFWC Lutz-Pasco Juniors and the GFWC Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club.
Book collection sites and new sponsors will soon be announced, Murphy said.
See Also:
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.