In the heart of Dripping Springs, an institution continues to thrive, embodying the spirit of community, volunteerism and women's empowerment.
The Dripping Springs Women's Club, founded over 16 years ago, stands as a testament to the spirit and dedication of the women who have strived to make Dripping Springs a better place. DSWC's origins can be traced back to 2007 when a group of female leaders in the local nonprofit community recognized the need to come together, share resources and get new and long-time residents active in the community. More than 16 years ago, the first DSWC exploratory meeting was held at Rockin’ A’s on Mercer Street. Today, the legacy of these women has grown to over 200 members.
Claireen Fellers, a founding member and the first president of DSWC — who at the time was the president of the Pound House Foundation — realized that like many of the other organizations in town, they needed more volunteers and yearned for more active participation.
“I just thought, why don't we start a women's club to bring some of the new women in and get them active in the community and let them know what all's available,” shared Fellers. She contacted the presidents of most of the other larger nonprofit organizations in town.
“We all had the same need to bring in new people and get them involved,” she continued. “So, we joined together, and that's what we did.”
For the first few years, the meetings were held at a variety of local businesses including the Terrace Cub and the Holy Spirit Episcopal Church. With a focus on community involvement and philanthropy, the club aimed to uplift the area and empower its residents. That mission remains at the core of the DSWC's activities to this day: hosting meaningful and valuable speakers that highlight important and relevant topics, learning about the local non-profits in the region and providing scholarships for young women in the DSISD school district.
Throughout its history, the DSWC has evolved to meet the changing needs of its community. From providing networking and sponsorship opportunities for the growing business community to offering special interest groups with a variety of focuses from gardening to books and hiking, to the giving trees that raise awareness and funds for the needy and disadvantaged in our community, the club stands as a living testament to the power of unity, heritage preservation and women's empowerment.
From its humble beginnings to its enduring impact, the club's dedication to community development has shaped the town's identity and improved the lives of its residents. As Dripping Springs continues to grow and evolve, the DSWC remains a beacon of inspiration, driving positive change and leaving an indelible mark on the generations to come.
The 2023–2024 upcoming season of DSWC will begin in August with a special kick-off party. Regular luncheon programs begin the third week of September and run through May. Luncheon meetings are held 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month at Distillers Hall at Dripping Springs Distilling (5330 Bell Springs Road).
For more information about pricing and membership, visit the Dripping Springs Women's Club website at dswomensclub. com.
Dripping Springs Women’s Club was voted the best social club in Dripping Springs in the Best Of Dripping Springs 2023 Awards presented by the Dripping Springs Century News. The mission of the Dripping Springs Women’s Club is to facilitate interaction, information and community involvement through programs and events of interest and enjoyment.
