OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) is a nonprofit women’s club organization dedicated to improving communities through volunteer services across every state of the U.S. and multiple countries. GFWC Florida has roots dating back to the late 1800s and continue to host fundraisers and community projects through volunteer services.

The most recent fundraiser of the GFWC Woman’s Club of Ocala involved an evening of murder mystery and Kentucky Derby. They hosted the “Who Made a Killin’ at the Kentucky Derby” fundraiser dinner that took place at the Oakcrest Baptist Church, 1109 NE 28th St., Ocala on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 5-8 p.m. The event featured a buffet-style dinner with a dessert table boasting a variety of sweet treats. There were two photo opportunities in one corner of the room where crowds of guests took their pictures.

Dessert table with a pink frosted cake and trays of cookies, brownies, and bars on a red tablecloth.
The GFWC Kentucky Murder Mystery Dinner Fundraiser featured a long dessert table on April 18.
Courtesy: Amber Battillo/352today
A group of women in colorful dresses posing under a red balloon arch that reads 'RUN for the ROSES'.
The GOWC showed support, attending the GFWC Kentucky Murder Mystery Dinner Fundraiser on April 18.
Courtesy: Amber Battillo/352today

Tables were topped with simple and elegant decorations that tied into the story of the murder mystery. Balloons were tied at each table with red hearts featuring the names of charities and gold balloons featuring the names of sponsors. Some of the featured sponsors were The Vines Hospital, Directions Luxury Travel, DAFgiving360, Mainstreet Community Bank and more. Proceeds from the fundraiser benefit Project Hope, The Rock and Veterans Helping Veterans among others.

Two people posing under a red balloon arch with a banner that reads 'RUN for the ROSE' at a charity event.
Veterans Helping Veterans attended the GFWC Kentucky Murder Mystery Dinner Fundraiser as a benefit of the proceeds on April 18.
Courtesy: Amber Battillo/352today
A clear, glass vase with flower pens inside of it sits on a circular gold matt on top of a pink tablecloth. Near it is a card on a similar, but smaller gold matt reading, "Table 21." Flyers and napkins are scattered on the table.
Tabletop decorations were placed at each table at the GFWC Kentucky Murder Mystery Dinner Fundraiser on April 18.
Courtesy: Amber Battillo/352today

Upon arriving, guests were given tickets they could put into a bowl for a chance at winning the door prize. Guests could also purchase raffle tickets for an opportunity to win one of 29 baskets or take part in the silent auction throughout the evening. Everyone was encouraged to wear themed hats and take part in the festivities with a prize for the best dressed Derby wear.

Rows of wrapped gift baskets and prize baskets on a long yellow table at a fundraiser, each with numbered tags.
29 baskets were raffled off to guests at the GFWC Kentucky Murder Mystery Dinner Fundraiser on April 18.
Courtesy: Amber Battillo/352today

After grabbing food and settling down, guests heard stories from organization benefitted by the fundraiser including Jordan Libby who was helped by Project Hope and Todd Belknap with Vets Helping Vets. Following the speakers, the murder mystery play began, wherein Unboxed Productions took their places with actors dressed in fun costumes. Although some mic issues made it hard to hear part of the production, the play went on with crowd participation. Crowd of guests cheered every time their designated horse was called, and, in the end, everyone had the chance to write down who they believed the killer was.

This fundraiser was a lively way to support the community and local nonprofit organizations while giving supporters an entertaining evening of connection and production. Learn more about the GFWC Woman’s Club of Ocala, join their club or learn how to support them by visiting their Facebook page here.