Everyday Inspirations: Clara Parker a 'Founding Mother' of the GFWC West Coast Woman's Club

Everyday Inspirations is a series that features people in Patch communities who inspire others through their work, or people who have faced extraordinary situations and grown from them. They have been featured by other people in the community that have been inspired by the nominees.

Name: Clara Parker 
Town: Bradenton, FL 
Nominated by: Kelly Helm

Why is this person an "Everyday Inspiration?" 
Clara M. Parker was the inspiration for a group of ladies to start a new GFWC (General Federation of Women's Clubs—oldest nationally known women's group) here in Bradenton, making it the second Woman's Club.

Her tremendous desire to stand out and provide community service and awareness of those people in need. She is the "Founding Mother" of GFWC West Coast Woman's Club who has had two Volunteers of the Year nominated for the state level, been recognized by various charities such as FELT (Feeding Empty Little Tummies), Cup of Joe for a Joe, and most recent charity, Selah House (safe house for victims of human trafficking). 

Clara's commitment and dedication to serving in our community has gone above & beyond and she is exemplary in the club's motto of "Serving Manatee County with Kindness, Grace and Compassion."

Has the nominee's life been changed in an extraordinary way? 

Being the "Founding Mother" of Bradenton's GFWC West Coast Woman's Club, Clara was honored at the most recent spring luncheon in St. Petersburg. Clara's 87 years here on earth hasn't always been easy, she's overcome many "bumps in the road of life," which allowed her to become the woman she is today, mentoring other women and being the example of absolute class.

How does this person work to make others' lives better?

At 87, Clara continues to write a weekly column in the North River News. She is a life coach on nutrition and health and has a wealth of knowledge that she shares on a daily basis. She is active in her church and most recently spearheaded a project that focuses on the hidden story of human trafficking. She has a passion of sharing the story of how GFWC was founded and all the many organizations that benefit from this wonderful foundation.