This year, Cinco Ranch Ladies Club celebrates the "Silver Anniversary" of love, laughter, service, and fun in Katy, Texas.
KATY MAGAZINE | May 2018
By Ashley Lancaster
In the fall of 1992, nearly 100 ladies from the fledgling Cinco Ranch suburb of West Houston met at a model home on Beachwater Drive to share ideas and make plans for a social and service organization in Katy.
Getting Started
"In the beginning, CRLC first met at the University of Houston Cinco Ranch. In 1993, we needed more space and moved to Fielder Elementary. in 1994, we moved again to our permanent meeting place the Golf Club of Cinco Ranch," says Nancy Medina, social media and marketing officer for the group.
In 1992, social media and Facebook weren't around to share events and community news, so the ladies of CRLC would put up signs along Cinco streets to invite women to the meetings. The group has grown and prospered, with 248 members that meet weekly and monthly to socialize, connect, and plan their next community service project.
Social Groups and Clubs
With monthly fundraising activities and yearly traditions galore, the club also has events during the week that cater to every woman's particular passion or interest. There are Ex-Patriat meetings, lunch clubs, ladies night out get togethers, coffee and book clubs, crafting, and wine socials on certain days of the week. Often, meetings will be hosted at members homes in Cinco. Acitivites chairman Barbara Burger once welcome 100 people into her home for a buffet salad and dinner.
"Some of my favorite memories are from the end of year luau. Even in the pouring rain we all would have a wonderful time! Last year we even had fire dancers," says CRLC President and Activities Chairman, Annie Gerhardt.
Photo from the 25th Anniversary Celebration at the Golf Club at Cinco Ranch
Charities and Community Service
With all that fun going on, the ladies of CRLC never lose sight of their true purpose and calling, to support local charities and effect real change in the community. The group has given over $200,000 in total to numerous organizations including Katy Christian Ministries, Star of Hope Missions, Hope Impacts, Houston Fire Fighters, Katy Volunteer Fire Department, Project Autism, Fort Bend County Women's Shelter, and Family of Hope, among many others. Each December, CRLC hosts their Christmas Charity Dinner and Silent Auction, benefiting Caring4Katy.
"This is our main fundraiser, held every year, and all proceeds benefit the wonderful local charity, Caring4Katy," says CRLC Second Vice President and Events Chairperson of Fundraising Tracy Gremillion. "Caring4Katy was grateful for a selfless committee of CRLC volunteers and CRLC board members who worked for months to prepare for this event to give back to our community." Last year, CRLC raised over $9000 for the organization that provides support for families of children with life-threatening illnesses.
Silver Stars for CRLC
In honor of their 25th "Silver Anniversary", CRLC hosted an evening of dinner & champagne, dancing, awards, and special speakers, including Katy Magazine Editor-in-Chief, Katrina Katsarelis, Terry Bray, and former CRLC President Elizabeth Hanson Walker.
CRLC is welcoming new members to create strong community ties, and help support local nonprofits.
Women should join CRLC if they are wanting to make a connection with other neighborhood ladies. It is an awesome way to make new friends with like interests. And there are always ways to get involved!," says Gerhardt.
Hear from CRLC Members
Ex-Patriats Feel At Home with CRLC
"Going on tours with the Expat Group to visit areas in around Houston. Being new to Katy, these Expatriates know what it's like to move to a new place and not know the area, not have friends, and feel lost. They welcomed me, showed me around and helped me feel connected. My first outing with them, several cars carpooled to Galveston and I got seated in the 3rd row next to an Italian from New York. We bonded over the 12 hour trip and she has been the best support friend over 5 years now," Nancy Medina, member for five years.
Photo from the International Event - Costume Contest Winners
Lifelong Support and Friendship
"The Cinco Ranch Ladies Club allows women to get involve in activities that are of interest to them such as bunco, walking club and creative kitchen, while making new friends and helping the community. Thanks to the CRLC I now have some life long friends and a support group I know I can count on," Bianka Wells, member for three years.
Photo from the a luncheon at Drix Restaurant
New Things Every Year
CRLC is a great way to meet others with similar interests-we are adding new sub clubs every year (and always open to ideas!) I love how diverse our group is and how many of us have lived all over the world at some point. Makes for great conversation," Cortney Arenstein, member for three years.
Too Many Memories to Choose Just One
Honestly , there are so many good memories, it is hard to choose! I guess one of the fun ones that stands out is when one of the Creative Kitchen luncheons was a Tea Party theme…when we all dressed up like Southern Belles….and acted the part! I had more fun wearing my big hat and talkin’ like I was from the South! J…eating tea sandwiches and sippin’ tea from my dainty tea cup. The minute I walked in the hostesses home that day, I felt taken back into time with the decorations, food and other guests all dressed the part. It was such a delightful luncheon," Pam Heslop, member for two years.
How to Join
The CRLC Membership year runs from September to May, and an annual membership is $40. To join, down load the PDF document, fill it out, and mail it in to the address listed.