Women’s Division of Grapevine Chamber of Commerce leads with service

Volunteering is central to the annual activities of the Women’s Division of the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce, which has service-centered roots stretching back to 1965. Each year, the organization sponsors two major charitable events in Grapevine – the Christmas Spirit Program and the School Supply Program – and uses a variety of fun, community fundraising activities to purchase the supplies needed to make the holiday season brighter for seniors and send children to school ready to learn. It’s second nature for an organization with a motto of “S.E.R.V.E,” or  support, engage, respect, volunteer, and encourage. 

Kim Dobecka, an assistant in the Grapevine City Manager’s Office, serves as the current chair of the Women’s Division. Her experience with the Women’s Division started approximately a decade ago. She describes the membership as a diverse group of female community leaders. Some are business owners or attend as representatives of their companies or corporations. Others are retired but retain their commitment to supporting the community and see the Women’s Division as an excellent way to do just that. 

“There is no one like a volunteer, because that is devoting your time – a precious resource you cannot get back,” Dobecka said. “I think anyone who does that is extra special. Our common goal is to support our community and to serve – our motto.” 

Also special are the causes the Women’s Division supports each year. 

Back-to-school fair supports student success

Since the early 80’s, the organization has worked with Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District to provide school supply packages for students. In 2024, the organization met the needs of more than 1,600 identified students as needing support.

Dobecka explained students receive various means of support at the Back to School Fair, such as backpacks, school supply packs, and other necessary items. 

“This year, we’re anticipating more than 1,600, so we are really trying to ramp up our fundraising efforts and annual sponsorships,” Dobecka said.

Christmas Spirit Program shines a light for seniors

The second major event the Women’s Division sponsors is the Christmas Spirit program, an ambitious initiative started in the early ‘70s committed to making the season brighter for seniors in need. 

“We visit them in their homes and interview them to get their Christmas wish list,” Dobecka explained. “Some have a wish list ready to go, and others can’t think of anything they need or want.”

Through a casual visit discussing hobbies, pets, and other interests, volunteers can typically identify unseen gifting opportunities to compile for participants alongside staple items. 

“The community gets to come and choose an angel off the tree and shop for the gifts. Then they return the gifts wrapped,” Dobecka shared. “The Women’s Division puts together a huge gift bag full of household necessities. These include things like batteries, stamps, cleaning supplies – typical things you would need around the house that are extra costs. We’ve also been fortunate enough to have enough funds to add a cash gift. We dress up in our elf and Christmas attire and deliver the gifts and household items right before Christmas.” 

Dobecka highlighted the need for year-round fundraising to support these two initiatives, making volunteering a consistent commitment for the group. In addition to gathering sponsorships to support major charitable initiatives, the organization also creates engaging community events to raise funds. In 2025, a wine-tasting event is already in the rearview mirror, and the Taste of Grapevine is on the horizon. 

“This year we have 19 restaurants participating so far,” Dobecka explained. “For Taste of Grapevine, the community buys tickets to sample all the different offerings from the restaurants and vote on their favorite restaurant. Everyone wants to win as the top restaurant.”

Taste of Grapevine will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on May 7th at the Grapevine Vintage Railroad Depot at 707 S. Main Street. To learn more, visit the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce website here.

The Grapevine Women’s Division also hosts monthly luncheons featuring a guest speaker or special educational program centered on the community. Social brunches and other events also help foster deeper connections within the organization. 

“If any women want to join a group where they feel supported, and they can support our community, our group is one of the best ones out there. We serve our community – that is our main focus,” Dobecka said, adding: “It’s served up with a little bit of fun and camaraderie. We’re a tight-knit group. It’s not cliquish. Anybody can join us. We’re very open to anyone visiting our luncheons – give it a try and meet some of the wonderful ladies.” 

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