Southern Hospitality, Hoover Style

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Features

In 1980, Faye Anderson had a vision for Hoover's future. Described as a mover and shaker for the city, Faye was committed to bringing new business to the area and passionate about seeking growth for her beloved hometown.  

Inspired by the women’s-only Hoover Service Club, where she was a founding member, and by the Vestavia Belles, Faye launched the Dogwood Belles program with 11 girls, ranging from freshmen to seniors in high school.

Today, Faye’s vision for the official city hostesses and ambassadors includes 91 Belles, all high school juniors and seniors and all residents of Hoover, who serve the city through thousands of hours of community service each year. While you’ve likely attended an event where the Belles lent a helping hand, it’s also likely they may not have been in their signature dresses.

Barbara Henry, a long-standing member and chair of the Hoover Belles Leadership Committee, shared that when the girls volunteer, whether for the SEC Championship, summer camps, or charitable consignment sales, they are expected to provide hands-on support. As a result, about 90% of the events they serve call for more casual attire.

But there is something special about that dress. While Belles choose which events to volunteer for, they are always quick to sign up for those that require them to wear their dress! “They like to get dressed up and tell us often that they feel like a princess,” said Jennifer Cotney, a Hoover Belle Leadership Committee member. “The dresses bring femininity, grace, and a picture of southern hospitality.”

For the Belles, southern hospitality also means having strong character and pride in yourself by presenting yourself with polish and poise, demonstrating integrity, responsibility and excellence, practicing good communication and time management, interacting respectfully with Hoover residents and visitors of all ages, and treating others well.

“Serving as a Hoover Belle is a huge growth experience,” Henry added. “They are becoming well-rounded young women and begin opening themselves to seeing more than what their own world is about. They are learning what it means to have people count on you, while also developing a passion for community service at a young age.”

Meanwhile, the Belles are gaining access to community service hours that will later be a crucial part of the college application and scholarship process; they are networking and making lifelong friendships and connections; gaining experience with public speaking; and learning that they can make a difference in their community right here and right now.

“The Belles are often surprised by how much fun they have serving,” added Cotney. “They find they love being part of this and being with their friends; they have a passion for what they are doing.”

Do you know any famous Hoover Belles?

The Hoover Belles have quite an impressive group of alumnae! You’ll find them as heads of non-profits, doctors and leaders in healthcare, business owners, CEOs, White House correspondents, cheerleaders at the University of Michigan and Georgetown, titleholders for Miss Auburn University and Miss University of Alabama, NCAA D1 athletes, and making waves in the New York fashion industry.