About Us

Altrusa was established in 1917 by Dr. Alfred Durham, a member of Kiwanis, in Nashville, Tennessee. Record numbers of women were going to work during World War I and Durham saw the need for women's civic organizations. While he would organize the clubs and collect a portion of the dues, Durham envisioned the Altrusa Institute as a chain of national clubs where business and professional women could meet and exchange ideas.

Altrusa International of Rogers was established in 1954. The members immediately adopted dental care for underpriviledged children as a service project. Over the years, the dental program has continued to be an important part of Altrusa, but members have adopted other important projects as well. They have expanded on the literacy program and volunteered at dozens of community events.

Altrusa of Rogers' "Make a Difference Day" project for Fall 2011 was collecting school supplies for Grace Hill Elementary School. Shown here are Lea Necessary, the school's counselor, left, with Altrusa members Jennifer Gray and Barb Smith. The school is always in need of supplies for its students throughout the year and the staff was appreciative for the contribution of notebooks, paper, folders and many other miscellaneous items.

Fundraising is essential for Altrusa to achieve its mission of community service. In June 2011, Altrusa of Rogers sold chicken hot off the grill with the help of Whitney Smith's Chicken Cooking Crew. Thanks to all involved, the sale met the club's fundraising goal for the first chicken cook.

Altrusans Jennifer Rogers, Brenda Rogers and Leeanna Walker patiently wait for the chicken to come off the grill before it's prepared for selling. And it was so tasty!