Zonta Club of Evanston holds an annual benefit, which raises funds that are used to support International Service Projects of Zonta International. Through Zonta International, the organization also contributes to the Amelia Earhart Scholarship fund, which provides scholarships to women worldwide who are studying in fields related to aeronautical engineering. Funds from their benefit also support the Zonta Club’s Evanston Community Service awards that are given on a competitive basis to Evanston organizations benefitting women and children. The club also supports the Homeless Talk Nursery School in Johannesburg with proceeds from the sale of beadwork done by the Ndebele beaders of South Africa. Yearly, since 1984, Zonta Club of Evanston has awarded the Beatrice Horneman scholarship to the outstanding female landscape architectural student at the University of Illinois. The scholarship is presented at a dinner each April. Beatrice Horneman, a member of the club left a bequest which supports this scholarship. In 1964 she designed the Cornelia Lunt Garden on Sheridan Rd. The plans were presented to the City of Evanston as a gift by the Zonta Club of Evanston. Trees have been planted in the Ladd arboretum in memory of deceased Evanston Zontians. With the excpetion of August, a monthly dinner meeting with speaker is held at an Evanston hotel. In August a fellowship-member recruitment event is held in a member’s home.
History
The Evanston Chapter of Zonta International was organized in 1930. Made up of women in various professional fields, it was one of the earliest service organizations that women could join. Providing a place for professional women to network and advocate for themselves and other women, the Zonta Club of Evanston encouraged community involvement, and high ethical and professional standards amongst its members. Through scholarships and service awards, the club also promoted the advancement of women worldwide.
Importance
Throughout the history of the club, many important women were brought together. In the early years before other service clubs opened their membership to women, this was the place for buisness and professional women to come together to advance themselves professionally and to advance the causes of women and the community. These women also made it possible for at least one minority woman to become an alderman of the 5th ward through their support and mentoring.