The Civic League, Inc. was formed as The Civic League of Farmers Branch in 1963 by three caring women—Glenna Grimmer, Anna Leslie Richardson, and Romona Upfield. Recognizing the many opportunities for service that such a rapidly growing community would have, these women foresaw an organization unique to this area and, thus, sensitive to its specific needs, serving where no other agency was available.

 

Believing a small group would result in the most effective service, the League’s all-volunteer membership was limited to fifty. Because of the close personal associations and the responsibilities placed on each member, the quality of service remains high. In 1982 the name was changed to The Civic League, Inc. to more adequately reflect the Metrocrest-wide membership and the area impacted.

 

The League has raised funds through various projects throughout the years, such as a Spring Gala, Holiday Home Tour, and sale of its own cookbook, “Civic League Serves Soups, Salads, and Surprises!” Of the funds raised, over 95% has been returned to the community.

 

The group chooses a number of recipients for its funds from among organizations that have applied each year in a three-step voting process that starts in a committee and ends with the general membership. Major grants are distributed annually according to the success of the fundraisers. Grants are also awarded in a timely manner to those organizations whose needs are immediate. The League has passed the $2.3 million dollar mark in grants to the area.

 

As a public community foundation, the League has established a number of designated funds for individuals and businesses. These funds serve various purposes, each with its own particular criteria. Several have been established as memorials. Most are scholarship funds. Currently under management by the League are designated funds amounting to over $50,000.

 

To date, the largest recipient of funds is the League’s own scholarship program. Scholarships are awarded to graduating high school seniors residing the cities of Addison, Carrollton, and Farmers Branch or attending the Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD. It includes vocational and continuing education scholarships for past recipients. The program began in 1965 with one $100 scholarship and has grown to a distribution of over $50,000 annually. Since its inception, scholarships have been awarded to students entering a wide variety of studies, including arts, engineering, aerospace, computer science, auto repair, secretarial, philosophy, history, medicine, education, and business, among others.

 

The impact of the League can be found across the Metrocrest . . . in the Senior Adult Services Home Repair Program; the Play Therapy Room at the Trinity Easter Seals Treatment Center; “Tomorrow’s Promise” sculpture at the Farmers Branch Senior Center; performances of the Water Tower Theatre and the Texas Chamber Orchestra; Carrollton Parks & Recreation Department; Lifeline Program at RHD Memorial Medical Center; A.W. Perry Museum; Farmers Branch Historical Park Log Cabin, Gilbert House and Victorian Cottage furnishings; The Family Place/Metrocrest Outreach and Genesis Center; the “Landing Eagle” sculpture at the Farmers Branch Library; Oran B. Good Lion’s Club Park handicapped equipment; the Metrocrest Area Rehabilitation Center van and also their start-up funding; equipment at the Special Care and Career Services; even in park benches, ice cream machines, typewriters, printers, uniforms, etc. Some additional activities of the group have included an essay contest for area ninth grade students, senior citizen luncheons, food baskets for the needy, home repair projects, clothing drives, Easter Egg Hunts, Christmas Parties, and children’s books distributions, among others. Each member must support these projects with time and hard work. The list goes on. There’s hardly an area in the community that has not benefited from the League’s concern and commitment.

 

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