Fifty years ago, fourteen young mothers gathered in the home of one of their own, fueled by a shared desire to make a difference. That evening, they founded what would become the Menomonie Mothers Club. They committed to monthly meetings (taking summers off when school was out) and decided on a mission: to promote the welfare of children, mothers, and families in the Menomonie community.
They decided meetings would rotate between members’ homes, with each hostess paired with a co-hostess responsible for bringing dessert—because, really, who has time to clean the house and bake when you’re juggling careers and young kids? More than just a club, it became a chance for a well-deserved night out with the girls—no hubbies, no kids, and no pressure to buy any Tupperware.
Fast Forward: Menomonie, Autumn 2025 – 50 Years Later
The group is still going strong—stronger than ever, in fact—with 20 dedicated members. Since 2000, they’ve gone by a new name: the Menomonie Women’s Group. Only two of the original founders remain, but the spirit of the club hasn’t changed.
While many members are still mothers, the group now includes stepmothers, grandmothers, widows, divorcees, and even a few great-grandmothers. Monthly meetings continue, though the need for guest speakers has faded; the women themselves have become the wise elders of the village. Through the years, they’ve stood by each other through births and deaths, surgeries and celebrations, challenges and triumphs.
Their monthly “girls’ night” is still a cherished ritual—but beyond that, they’ve built a community-within-a-community. Their families now know and love each other through annual picnics, Easter Egg Hunts, couples’ parties, game nights, and more.
Staying True to Their Mission
As for their original philanthropic mission…it’s still alive and thriving.
Over the decades, the group has raised thousands of dollars and donated countless hours of service. From style shows to baking for the Ludington Guard Band socials, their creativity and commitment have never wavered. Members pay yearly dues, which go directly to local causes, and each month, they collect goods for a chosen nonprofit.
Their impact has reached far and wide, supporting organizations such as: Menomonie Public School classrooms; The Bridge to Hope; Women’s Giving Circle; Stepping Stones; Cairn House; hospital pediatric patients; Middle School Angel Closet; Menomonie Public Library; Boys and Girls Club; Arbor Place; The Foster Closet; Little Free Pantry at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church; Dunn County Health Dept (Christmas gifts, gas cards, gift cards).
They’ve decorated hospital birthing rooms and bedrooms at Bridge to Hope, made teddy bears for police officers to comfort distressed children, and sponsored babysitting and latchkey programs. When urgent needs arose, they stepped up—providing layettes for new mothers, blankets for the homeless, and transportation assistance for a grandmother undergoing cancer treatment while raising her grandchild.
Celebrating 50 Years
This autumn, the Menomonie Women’s Group celebrates 50 years of friendship and philanthropy with a group party.
A special display “Celebrating 50 Years” may currently be viewed at the Menomonie Public Library. (See photo).
We’re proud to be part of such a generous, supportive community—and we look forward to continuing this legacy of love and service for many years to come.
Article written by Sheri Nero, charter member of Menomonie Mother’s Club/Menomonie Women’s Group. (ChatGPT assisted with formatting). Sheri may be contacted at [email protected]
