History of Women’s Division of the Chamber of Commerce 1936-2015
San Gabriel Women’s Foundation 2015 to current
(82 Years combined)
The City of San Gabriel was incorporated in 1913. Soon after, the wives of the local businessmen and the City Leaders saw the need to bring together these two groups in the first “networking” organization in the area-the San Gabriel Chamber of Commerce. Soon after, the men took over the meetings as “business was men’s work” and the women were “retired” from the Chamber activity.
By 1936, the descendants of those daring pioneers of 1913 were astute enough to realize women needed their own voice in the Community. They started the Women’s Division of the Chamber of Commerce. Among other things, they were the official “City Hostesses”, assisting at all major
events. They also volunteered countless hours for the City’s benefit in various ways. They raised funds for Civic Projects, both large and small. These projects have one overriding goal – to make San Gabriel a better, happier and healthier place for all the citizens of the City.
The San Gabriel Women’s Division has separated itself from the Chamber of Commerce in 2015 to obtain their 501©3 non-profit designation and is now known as the San Gabriel Women’s Foundation.
Our name has changed but our core mission has not.
We have continued to provide the City with monetary support for various civic projects in the form of Civic Grants to such entities as : the San Gabriel Library, the San Gabriel Mission Food Pantry, the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse, the San Gabriel Humane Society and various portions of the City infrastructure and individual school sites and the Holiday Basket Program and Christmas Tree Lighting event, both in conjunction with Community Services.
The SGWF is comprised of volunteers, both men and women, blending together every member’s expertise, experiences and motivations to make San Gabriel a better place to live, work, play or visit.
The Women’s Foundation general membership meet the third Thursday of each month at the Adult Recreation Center, Padillo Room for a luncheon meeting and program at 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The Women’s Foundation is comprised of both working and non-working men and women, making it a delightful blend of service to the San Gabriel Community.
We extend an invitation to all men and women of the community to become a member and join us and help in our efforts to make San Gabriel a better place to live, work and play.
