Flight of Honor

Thank you to Jane McGinnis, president of the Woman’s Club of Winter Haven (WCWH), for sharing their latest and most exciting project with us. Find out how they are supporting 172 female veterans on a trip to Washington D.C. in 2026 below.

TELL US ABOUT THE WOMAN’S CLUB OF WINTER HAVEN.

WCWH: The Woman’s Club of Winter Haven is the oldest civic organization in the city of Winter Haven. It was organized in 1913 and was chartered as the Women’s Civic League. The motto “Not for Ourselves but for Others” was adopted by the thirteen original members, with Dr. Mary Bell Jewett elected as the first president. In 1944, the organization changed its name to the Woman’s Club of Winter Haven.

The Club’s early causes focused on community improvement, beautification of the city and each other’s fellowship. The ladies were instrumental in improving sanitary conditions in the schools, getting the mule stables and railroad switching yards moved from downtown, creating a park, and establishing the public library. The Woman’s Club of Winter Haven building at 660 Pope Avenue was dedicated in 1925 and is on the National Historic Register. The Club gifted the building to the City of Winter Haven; it is now home to the Museum of Winter Haven History. As long as our organization exists, we have use of the building for our meetings and special events. New members are always welcome.

WHAT IS THE FLIGHT OF HONOR PROJECT AND WHY IS IT A MEANINGFUL INITIATIVE FOR THE GENERAL FEDERATION OF WOMEN’S CLUBS OF FLORIDA (GFWC)?

WCWH: GFWC Florida President, Sara Drusseau chose to honor GFWC Florida women veterans with her state project – A Flight of Honor. A total of 172 female veterans will be able to experience a wonderful adventure, embarking on a one-day trip to Washington D.C. on March 11, 2026.

The chartered flight, leaving from Lakeland will include a visit to The World War II Memorial, The Korean War Memorial, The Lincoln Memorial, and The Vietnam Memorial as well as a trip to the Women’s Military War Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery to see the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

All the participating veterans, guardians and any GFWC member that would like to attend will be hosted at a dinner the night before the flight and welcomed home with a final celebration.

HOW DID THE WCWH BECOME INVOLVED IN THIS STATEWIDE CHALLENGE?

WCWH: Last fall we were challenged, as each of the 189 General Federation of Women’s Clubs in Florida was challenged, to make a financial contribution for our GFWC FLA President’s project: Flight of Honor. The financial goal of this project is $150,000 which includes not only the flight itself but all of the hotel expenses for the veteran and their guardian.

HOW DID THE IDEA FOR “FLORIDA IS GOLDEN: RICHNESS IN NATURE” COME ABOUT? WHAT KINDS OF IMAGES DID YOU COLLECT?

WCWH: Challenged with this task, the project evolved to not just raising funds for this once-in-a-lifetime event but became another gift to the City of Winter Haven from our 112-year-old organization. In creating a book, “Florida is Golden: Richness in Nature,” we are showcasing the beauty we so love and appreciate. The photographs and accompanying sentiments are from those who have close ties to our natural surroundings. Club member Kimberly Burr originally had the idea that has now become reality.

Nature is the general theme emphasizing the beauty in nature in our present-day surroundings. We are especially respectful of the beautiful nature in Polk County and we made this the focus of our book. As we began collecting images each one portrayed an exceptionally interesting level of diversity and respect for the wonder of our environs. Naturally, our lakes and streams, our sunsets and sunrises, our animal and aviary life, our magnificent flora and fauna are all well represented along with memorable historic images which continue to remind us of our amazing heritage.

HOW WILL THE PROCEEDS SUPPORT THE FLIGHT OF HONOR TRIP IN 2026?

WCWH: The Flight of Honor is funded exclusively from donations, and our sizeable donation will contribute to the cost of the flight, ground transportation, meals, hotel before and after flight, actually wherever deemed necessary. The cost for one veteran to attend is approximately $900.00.

BEYOND THE INITIAL GOAL, HOW DO YOU ENVISION THIS PROJECT CONTINUING TO SUPPORT THE MISSION OF THE WOMAN’S CLUB?

WCWH:The mission of the Woman’s Club of Winter Haven is “Not for Ourselves but for Others” and this project will enable us to continue to engage in innovative and creative ways to engage with others’ needs. Our club annually awards two scholarships to female students at Winter Haven High School. In addition, the club volunteers and monetarily supports innumerable organizations and local causes including Girl’s Inc. of Winter Haven, Friends of the Winter Haven Public Library, Meals on Wheels, Museum of Winter Haven History, Symphony Guild of Winter Haven, Polk Education Foundation, The Mission, Habitat for Humanity of East Polk County, Women’s Resource Center, Heart 4 Winter Haven, Ridge Art Association, Theatre Winter Haven, American Red Cross, and Polk State College Foundation.

YOUR CLUB HAS A 112-YEAR HISTORY. HOW DOES THIS PROJECT REFLECT THE LEGACY AND VALUES OF THE ORGANIZATION?

WCWH: In 1913, when Dr. Mary Bell Jewett, her sister Florence Inman, and eleven other women in Winter Haven formally began their local mission and subsequently joined the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, established in 1890, they dedicated their efforts to community improvement through volunteer service. If we can continue to enhance the lives of others in our community, their goal and ours is surely justified. By Living the Volunteer Spirit, the motto of GFWC International, we remain committed to supporting the arts, preserving natural resources, promoting healthy lifestyles, advancing education, and remaining active in civic involvement.

ANYONE YOU WOULD LIKE TO THANK?

WCWH: My most sincere appreciation goes to Woman’s Club of Winter Haven member Kim Burr who envisioned a one-of-akind endeavor. The proceeds from 100 hundred copies of this publication are thanks to Kim and Duke Burr of Burr Printing Company Inc. who so generously contributed their time, expertise, and publishing costs for a once in a lifetime event.

The Winter Haven community has been most receptive, encouraging and thoughtful to us as members of the Woman’s Club of Winter Haven in submitting precious photographs with brief narratives.

WHERE CAN WE GET A COPY OF THE BOOK?

WCWH: We are hosting our Book Launch Thursday, November 6 from 4 – 7 p.m. at 660 Pope Avenue. The public is invited to come and leave with a signed copy of “Florida is Golden: Richness in Nature” for a $40 donation. Following the Book Launch, members from the Woman’s Club of Winter Haven will be at the Winter Haven Farmers Market on Saturdays at 250 Magnolia Avenue. Additional information is available on our website at wcofwh.weebly.com.