For nearly 70 years, the Rochester Junior Women’s Club has quietly woven service, philanthropy and friendship into the fabric of the Rochester community. This month, the club celebrates that legacy with a lively new fundraiser designed to bring neighbors together for a meaningful cause.
On Saturday, April 18, RJWC will host Heels & Spurs, a Western-themed evening of music, dancing and community spirit benefiting Leader Dogs for the Blind. The event will take place from 6-10 p.m. at Crimson Hills at Big Red Orchard, 4900 32 Mile Road, Washington.
The fundraiser represents more than just a fun night out. It reflects the enduring mission of an organization that has spent 70 years working to improve lives across the region.
A legacy of service
Founded in 1956, the Rochester Junior Women’s Club began with just 16 charter members who believed women could play a powerful role in strengthening their community through service. Supported in its early years by the Rochester Women’s Club, RJWC quickly became part of both the Michigan State Federation of Women’s Clubs and the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, connecting local volunteers to a larger network of service-minded women.
What began as a small group meeting in members’ homes — with annual dues of just $3.75 — has grown into an organization of more than 50 active members who gather regularly at the Rochester Community House to plan volunteer initiatives, fundraisers and community projects.
Over the decades, the club’s impact has been remarkable. Members have contributed more than 1 million hours of community service and helped raise nearly $1 million for local causes. RJWC volunteers have supported or helped launch several organizations that remain pillars of the Rochester area today, including the Rochester Community House, Crittenton Hospital, the Rochester Hills Public Library, the Rochester YMCA and the Older Persons Commission.
“The mission of the Rochester Junior Women’s Club is to promote opportunities for women to connect with and support each other while improving our community through volunteer service,” said Erica Grunwald, club president.
That mission continues to guide the club’s work today.
Service that evolves with community needs
RJWC’s projects span a wide range of community needs, from education and environmental awareness to health initiatives and civic engagement.
Members organize their volunteer efforts through departments such as Arts and Culture, Civic Engagement and Outreach, Education and Libraries, Environment, and Health and Wellness, each responsible for developing activities that benefit the community.
Some projects are public-facing, such as educational programs or speakers. Others focus on hands-on volunteer work. Two years ago, the club dedicated a Little Free Library at 1221 E. Avon Road in Rochester Hills, which members continue to stock with books and maintain regularly.
Other efforts have addressed important social issues. This year, the club assembled toiletry kits for All Worthy of Love, supporting initiatives focused on domestic and sexual violence awareness and prevention. RJWC has also organized drives and volunteer efforts for organizations such as Neighborhood House and Career Dress, responding directly to needs within the community.
“Our members are drawn to the club because of the sense of community, philanthropy and friendship,” Grunwald said. “Those connections keep people involved year after year.”
Friendship is at the heart of the club
For longtime member Toni Wiley, a sense of connection has been one of the most rewarding aspects of the organization.
Wiley joined RJWC in 1998, shortly after moving to Rochester Hills.
“My kids were grown and out of the house, and I wanted to do something for the community,” Wiley said. “I saw a small ad for the Rochester Junior Women’s Club and decided to go to a meeting. I guess the rest is history.”
Over the years, Wiley has served in nearly every leadership role within the organization, including president and treasurer. She has also chaired numerous departments and fundraising efforts.
But what stands out most to her is the camaraderie.
“We come together to support not only the community, but also one another,” she said. “The friendships and the caring and the support that we give each other, that’s really special.”
Those friendships have lasted well beyond club meetings.
“In fact, my best friends today are all members of the Rochester Junior Women’s Club,” Wiley said.
Memorable projects
Among Wiley’s favorite memories is a unique fundraising project called Raise the Roof, held years ago at Meadow Brook Hall.
At the time, Matilda Dodge Wilson’s bedroom required restoration after water damage stained the historic silk wall coverings. RJWC members organized a fundraiser to support the project, ultimately helping restore the room with newly replicated wallpaper produced by the same Detroit company that created the original design.
“It was an incredible experience,” Wiley said. “Being able to help preserve something so historic was really meaningful.”
Moments like those highlight the wide-ranging impact RJWC has had on the community for nearly 70 years.
A new kind of fundraiser
This year’s Heels & Spurs fundraiser marks a slightly different approach for the club.
Traditionally, RJWC committees review requests from local nonprofits before deciding which causes to support through fundraising. For this event, however, the club identified its beneficiary, Leader Dogs for the Blind, in advance.
Leader Dogs, headquartered in Rochester Hills, provides life-changing programs for people who are blind or visually impaired, including guide dog partnerships, orientation and mobility training, white cane instruction and assistive technology education. Thanks to donor support, all services are provided free of charge to participants.
The organization’s strong local presence made it a natural choice for the club.
“They provide an incredible service with many levels of training and care for the dogs,” Grunwald said. “It comes with a sizable cost, so we felt it was a very worthy cause.”
Founded in 1956, the Rochester Junior Women’s Club began with just 16 charter members. It’s grown into an organization of more than 50 active members. Over the decades, members have contributed more than 1 million hours of community service and helped raise nearly $1 million for local causes. Here, they’re shown at the
Stone Wall Pumpkin Festival. (Photo courtesy of Rochester Junior Women’s Club)
A night of music, dancing and community
Designed as a lively alternative to traditional galas, Heels & Spurs promises an energetic evening with a country-western flair.
Guests will enjoy strolling appetizers and small bites, an open bar, live music by Y’all Band, line dancing instruction, a roaming photo booth and even a mechanical bull.
The event will also feature a silent auction, with all proceeds supporting Leader Dogs for the Blind.
“We wanted something that would bring people together in a fun, high-energy environment,” Grunwald said. “It’s a room full of people supporting a great cause.”
The venue, Crimson Hills at Big Red Orchard, provides a scenic setting just 15 minutes from downtown Rochester, helping create what organizers hope will become a signature annual event. Tickets are $125 and available through Eventbrite.
Looking ahead
As the Rochester Junior Women’s Club approaches its 70th anniversary, members are already discussing how the organization will continue evolving to meet the needs of a changing community.
Each year brings new challenges and new opportunities to serve.
“We’re always looking for new ways to support the community,” Grunwald said. “Our goal is to stay responsive to what people need most.”
If history is any indication, the club will continue to play a vital role in Rochester for many years to come.
For Wiley, the reason is simple.
“It’s about people helping people,” she said. “And when you do that alongside friends who share that same passion, it becomes something really meaningful.”
After nearly seven decades of service, the Rochester Junior Women’s Club is proving that a small group of committed volunteers can leave a lasting mark on an entire community.
For Heels & Spurs tickets and event information, visit eventbrite.com/e/heels-spurs-tickets-1981662866980.