As the Hoover Service Club celebrates 50 years of service, members are preparing for their 14th annual Hearts in Harmony Gala scheduled for February 21. The organization was founded by Flora Mae Pike, Mary Lou Woolley, and eight other women on May 5, 1975, with the sole purpose of helping and serving their neighbors in need in the Hoover Community.
“I joined Hoover Service Club to be a part of a true service organization making a direct, hands-on impact on our community. One of the greatest accomplishments of the club is serving over 50 years, and donating one hundred percent of funds raised. Over the past five decades, we have donated over $1 million to community service grants and Hoover scholarships,” says Heather Pierce, Hoover Service Club’s 2025-2026 President. “One of my favorite quotes by founding member, Flora Mae Pike, is
‘If you had two of anything, give one away.’”
Hoover Service Club
The 2025 Hearts in Harmony Gala’s Mardi Gras theme showcased an elegant display of green, purple and gold balloons and décor created by members of the HSC Ways and Means Committee.
That mantra and mission are made possible primarily through their annual fundraiser, Hearts in Harmony. Every winter, members of HSC prepare the flowers and decor for a spectacular gala that includes dinner, a silent auction, and a keynote speaker at the Hoover Country Club. “There is a different theme each year, with this year’s theme being ‘Legacy of Light.’ It is definitely the social event of the year for Hoover,” explains Susette Clark-Walker, co-chair for the HSC Ways and Means Committee. “Not only a fun night out, but the gala is also an opportunity to give back to the community. Even if you can't attend the event, you can still make a donation to our organization.”
“We create several silent auction packages with items that have been donated by members and local businesses. Some of the packages from the past galas have included a ‘dine around’ package containing gift cards from various local restaurants, a ‘tailgate package,’ a ‘bird watchers’ package, and a cooking class donated by ‘Classes by Kessler’ in Mountain Brook at the Grand Bohemian. Other unique items, such as custom artwork by a local artist and an estate planning package donated by a local attorney, have been auctioned as well,” adds Clarke-Walker.
In addition to providing college scholarships and community service grants, the club positively impacts numerous Hoover families and individuals through food aid, initiatives for children and women, health promotion, veteran support, and ongoing monthly service projects. Every year, the HSC also distributes more than 100 Easter baskets via food banks, bringing joy to Hoover children in need.
The Hoover Service Club meets monthly, September through May, on the second Thursday of each month at the Hoover Country Club. A business meeting begins at 11am, followed by a program with a guest speaker and optional lunch. Occasionally, they will meet at another location for a tea or other event. If you’d like to join, you can find additional membership details, including meeting dates and locations on their website at hooverserviceclub.com or by sending an email to HooverServiceClub3@gmail.com. Everyone is welcome as they continue in their 50-year tradition of helping others.