“When women join hands and work together, there is no limit to the amount of good to be done. Women know how to rally to a cause,” Mrs. Helen Young, former first lady of Pepperdine University, told women supporters of Freed-Hardeman College in Henderson in the 1960s. Young had led women’s auxiliary organizations at Lubbock Christian and at Pepperdine University. Her words were inspirational—and prophetic.
According to a press release from Tajuana Cheshier – The Bramblett Group – Freed-Hardeman College Associates organized in 1963. Over the course of the next 57 years, the group would raise and donate a total of $4 million to the university. The milestone check will be presented Friday, April 16, 2021, in chapel. The Freed-Hardeman University Board of Trustees will honor their success, with a proclamation in chapel and a luncheon at the Hardeman House.
The Associates have raised funds in a variety of ways. They have produced four ladies’ Bible study books over the years which are still in publication and available for use in congregations and for individual study. They have also produced cookbooks. The original Treasury of Recipes debuted in 1966 and has been reprinted eight times.
For many years, the Associates hosted a successful Fashion Show and luncheon that showcased new spring apparel from retail stores in Henderson and Jackson. In 2003, this event was replaced by the Victorian Tea Party at the Hardeman House. The tea party has become a premier event for ladies of all ages. It currently raises approximately $10,000 annually and welcomes more than 300 guests.
Over the last half century, the group has used pretty much every traditional fundraising method, according to Debbie McLaughlin, executive coordinator of the Associates. They have hosted bake sales, car washes, spaghetti suppers, silent auctions and a dinner theatre. In addition to cookbooks and study books, they have sold coffee, custom car banks, prints of FHU buildings, afghans, knives, lipstick, notepads, and handcrafted items.
The first project accepted by the Associates was raising funds for a bus to transport university groups. They completed that project in the first year and immediately started on their second project, a language lab. For the next 30 years, funds raised by the Associates were used by the university in many different areas, including purchasing equipment for the radio station and the science center, work on dorms, and faculty salaries. Since about 1996, funds raised by the Associates, approximately one-half of their lifetime total, have been dedicated to scholarships.
The Chester County chapter of the Associates host annual fall and spring rummage sales which raise more than $30,000 annually. Serving hot lunches during the annual Bible lectureship brings together Associates from other chapters who help provide the food and serve the lunches. A fairly recent addition to the Lectureship offerings is Beloved F.H.Brew Coffeeshop where guests enjoy homemade savories and sweets and caffeinated hot beverages.
Although the Chester County Associates are the flagship chapter, women are also organized in other areas. These chapters have their own fundraisers. They also provide food and work at Homecoming and Lectureship events.
According to McLaughlin, “Associates strive to make friends, to form relationships with university students and to shine a heavenly light wherever they go. They believe in the power of a Christian education at FHU, and they give of their time, talents and financial resources to do so. Yes, they have raised $4 million in lifetime giving, but the other ways this organization has benefited FHU and her students are immeasurable.
(PHOTO: Freed-Hardeman University, Henderson, Tennessee)
