Our Story
Inaugural Pizza Wars fundraiser
Established the Charitable Foundation of the ZCJA, a 501(c)3
Held the inaugural LunaFest film festival to raise funds to support other local scholarships.
The first Sip and Swirl wine and spirits fundraiser was held at the Jacob Henry Mansion.
The first Festival of Culture fall fundraiser began featuring cuisine from local diverse ethnic restaurants and food purveyors.
Established two scholarships specifically for Joliet Junior College female students studying in the business or professional fields.
The Club held its first fundraiser, a Champagne Brunch, raising $1,615
to benefit "Big Sisters".
Zonta Club of Joliet Area
(Club #06-05-0735) was chartered
on October 25 with 25 members.
1973
1974
1976
1990
1996
2015
2016
2018
2018
2023
2020
2016
2024
2025
2026
Joliet Junior College Foundation awarded ZCJA the Distinguished Partners for Excellence award
Celebrated 50 years as a club
Established the Z Club (Charter # 758), "Fearless Females" at Joliet Central High School, with a class of 30 inductees.
The first Culinary Scholarship of $500 is awarded to a female Joliet Junior College student.
The final spring champagne brunch fundraiser celebrated 30 years.
Initiated a self-funding Young Women in Public Affairs scholarship at the Joliet Junior College Foundation. The first scholarship, for $500, was presented to a woman in a business or professional field.
In November, the Club was presented with its official charter by International President, Harriet Yeckel.
Zonta District and International Participation
Several members of the Zonta Club of Joliet Area have held Zonta International and Zonta District Offices:
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Wanda Onstad served as the International Membership Chair (1989 -1990),
on the International Membership Committee (1990 to 1992) and
as District Secretary (1986-1987)
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Dianna Gliwa served as Zonta District Governor (1986-1988) and
Lt. Gov. (1984-1986), as well as Area 5 Director (1982-1983)
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Mary Baudino served as District Secretary (2010-2012 and 2020-2022) and
as District 6 Area 5 Director (2022-2024) and District 6 United Nations
Chair (2024-2026) -
Bonnie McElroy served as District 6, Area 5 Director (2006-2008)
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Helen Hester Ross served as District 6 Z Club and Golden Z Club Committee
Chair (2018-2020) and is serving as District 6, Area 5 Director (2026-2028)
"I was always a Zontian, even before I ever knew what Zonta represented... an international sisterhood dedicated to the status and contributions of women."
- Dr. Patricia Lynn Miller
