The GFWC/AFWC Book Lovers Study Club held its annual Barbecue Dinner Fundraiser at the Country Cottage March 12.  This year marks the 10th year Country Cottage has sponsored this event for Book Lovers as one of its community projects.

Initially the fundraiser was to be held in conjunction with the club’s March meeting, but with the outbreak of the coronavirus, the meeting was canceled.   

Club members sold 100 barbecue dinners that were distributed by the hostesses of the March meeting – Patricia Cox, Martha Sibley and Michelle Sibley. In order to prevent anyone entering Country Cottage and possibly spreading the virus, the dinners were distributed from the front porch.

The club’s newsletter was sent to members for updates.

A report was given on the GFWC Alabama North District Spring Board meeting that was held at the Valley Hill Country Club in Huntsville Feb. 29.  Representing Book Lovers were Patricia Cox, Cheri McCain, Brenda Oliver and myself.

The program was presented by Pat McKay of the North Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force.  Human trafficking is a form of modern slavery that occurs in every state, including Alabama.  Sex trafficking and labor trafficking are the most common.

The National Human Trafficking Hotline, 1-888-373-7888, works closely with service providers, law enforcement and other professionals in Alabama to serve victims and survivors of trafficking, respond to human trafficking cases and share information and resources. 

Learn more about human trafficking in Alabama by browsing the NHT hotline statistics, resources and local events.

The Huntsville Woman’s Club served as hostess of the district meeting.

A silent auction was held to raise money for the Safe Harbor House. The safe house is for age 16-22 individuals who have been rescued or have been on the street. Clubs and district members donated $25 gifts card from Walmart and Kroger to present to the Safe Harbor House.

GFWC North District region director Gloria Stevens presented AFWC District awards to the various club winners.

Book Lovers Study Club received the first-place award in its category for each of the CPS reports that were submitted: the Arts, Conservation, Education, Home Life, International Outreach and Public Issues.   

Other special project awards presented to Book Lovers were the GFWC Signature Project/Domestic Violence, Junior Advocacy for Children, AFWC President’s Special Project–Scholarship, Fundraising, Community, Leadership, Legislative/Public Policy and WHRC.