SMW Pink Walk

WHO IS SMW?

The Society of Martha Washington began in 1939 to include women and enhance Laredo’s premier event, The Washington’s Birthday celebration. The women chose to celebrate the 1^st First Lady of our land, Martha Washington. The women added a spark of elegance and glamour to the annual celebration where Laredo’s debutante society commenced. Today’s “Marthas” include about 300 diverse, talented, and active women who enhance their community in countless ways.

The SMW is more than 80 years old and continues to foster American Patriotism in Laredo, Webb County and beyond by celebrating the “Father of our Country” and the woman who supported him during the American Revolution becoming the  “First Lady of the Land.”  Though George and Martha Washington may have characteristically shied away from any Grand Celebration, Laredoans honor their places in our nation with gusto annually.

Eligible locals are chosen each year to portray Martha and George Washington, and the SMW presents their daughters and guests from across Texas and Mexico in a glittering colonial-themed pageant. The girls and their escorts include scholars, athletes, artists, and others who use their ‘debut’ year to celebrate and honor life.

The SMW funds a scholarship program providing selected high school students the opportunity to attend educational programs in Washington, D.C. This experience allows students to enrich their patriotism by experiencing history and political science on a real-time adventure in our nation’s capital.

The Sons and Daughters of Liberty are an SMW living history troupe that visits schools and brings revolutionary history to life. The cast includes Laredo’s George & Martha Washington each year with a supporting cast of locals portraying Betsy Ross, Benjamin Franklin, a typical farmer’s wife and others who bring life in 1775 alive to children.

This is the third year of the SMW Pink Walk. This event looks to raise awareness about breast cancer and to provide much needed funds to local patients undergoing treatment. All proceeds from the SMW Pink Walk will benefit breast cancer patients at Mercy Clinic.