About

Oklahoma Hospitality Club was started in 1923 by women wishing to extend hospitality to distinguished visitors to Oklahoma and is one of the State's oldest charitable organizations. Monthly meetings were first held at the Huckins Hotel, which at the time, was the center of social life in Oklahoma City.

In the fall of 1926 the first edition of THE HANDCLASP newsletter was mailed to the members of the club. A charter was granted in 1927 by the Secretary of State and the first Constitution and Bylaws were made. By this time the original purpose of the Club was broadened to include philanthropy, service and education. Membership rose quickly from the 35 charter members to over 600 by 1928. Over the years OHC was involved in many activities and fundraisers from bridge benefits, teas, rummage sales, carnivals, cookbooks and even was in charge of the Inaugural Ball for Gov. Johnston Murray.

OHC has raised and given over $1.5 million dollars to Oklahoma charities and its members have donated thousands of volunteer hours. Holding several fundraising activities per year, OHC distributed $60,000 in grants during the 2021-2022 season to Oklahoma charitable nonprofits.

OHC members also serve the community each year by volunteering numerous hours to such organizations as the Salvation Army Angel Tree, The Oklahoma Foundation for the Disabled, Symphony Decorator Show House, as well as donating in-kind items to women’s shelters, nonprofits helping children, and other local charitable organizations. A commendation from Governor Mary Fallin was presented to OHC in 2013 on the floor of the Oklahoma House of Representatives for 90 years of service and philanthropy to our community and state. Oklahoma Hospitality Club operated The Dairy Bar at the annual Oklahoma State Fair for many years. More recently, our main fundraiser has been Ladies in the News luncheon and style show. In addition, OHC has supported other organizations by ringing the bells for The Salvation Army, staffed the Symphony’s Decorator Show House, provided monthly game days for the Daily Living Center and purchased Christmas gifts for disadvantaged children.

Today our members continue this ten decade legacy of warm friendship, hard work, time, talent, service and grants awarded to nonprofits as we give back to our community.