In 1985 a group of Northern Virginia women  joined together to raise funds for the Crittendon Home , an organization aiding women facing childbirth without a partner.

By 1986 the group decided to change its focus and formed a new organization, the Dominion  Guild , with the purpose of funding community programs through a broader outreach effort.

The original organization, with 33 Charter members, gained nonprofit status and thrived under the leadership of its first president, Margie Melnick.

From the beginning, the group decided to host one fundraiser per year with proceeds going to a local nonprofit. The original Christmas Coffee and Boutiques was held in a private home in 1986 and raised $1200 .

As the event grew in  popularity, so did the need to accommodate more shoppers and vendors. In 2017  the vendor show was rebranded as the MERRY MARKET and moved to the Knights of Columbus.  Now hosting over 25 vendors and 500  shoppers and neighbors, the MERRY MARKET is an event not to be missed.

Since its inception, the Dominion Guild has contributed over $1.5 million to over 100 deserving local nonprofit organizations. These organizations serve a diverse array of needs in the community and are selected annually by a special projects committee.
The Dominion Guild is a 501(c)(3) women's organization with 45 active members and  over 75 associate members.
charter-members
 

Charter Members from 1985

 
Nancy Arnold
Nancy Brown
Lyn Clarke
Dorry Cooper
Jackie Coston
Barbara Frisbe
Jane Goetzman
Ginny Groom
Mary Jane Harper
Shelly Henderson
Karen Hoffman
Jackie King
Lee Knebal
Fran Lewis
Margie Luikins
Shelly McCoy
Margie Melnick
Sue Ann Norian
Gayle Palmer
Mary Ann Paturis
Dee Payne
Mary Peyton
Electa Phillips
Betty Settle
Susan Shelby
Janice Sherman
Berta Sleuker
Lloyd Starns
Nancy Tribble
Mary Ruth Walker
Kathie Wilbar


2025-2026 Officers

President
Debbie Onufrychuk

Vice President
Ann Gaffey

Secretary
Lisa McArthur

Treasurer
Diane Wiley

Chairs

Associate Advisor
Maureen Fletcher
Directory
Michelle Zook
Merry Market
Cristin Finkel / Sarah Trimmer
Membership
Michelle Zook / Pam Poth
Hostess Scheduling
Sharon Weiss
Parliamentarian
Juliana Yaskin
Grant Committee
Stephanie Albright
Nominating
Lisa Kenworthy, Cristin Finkel, Sara Trimmer, Pam Poth
Sunshine
Dianne Simmons
Website
Lisa Coyle, Dunia Pasternak

2025 Merry Market Committee

Event Chairs
Cristen Finkle & Sarah Trimmer
Associate Liaison
Maureen Fletcher
Decorations
Peggy Richardson & Stacey Brown
Bubbly & Bites
Kathy Prominski & Kathy Townshend
Tickets Sales
Dunia Pasternak & Diane Wiley
Event Finance
Dunia Pasternak & Lisa Kenworthy
Volunteer Coordinators
Jackie Chipman & Mary Beth Carroll
Printing
Eve Murty
Graphic Design
Michelle Zook
Print Media
Margaret Flickinger
Social Media /Website
Lisa Coyle
Raffle
Maggie Grant & Karen Romness
Sponsorship
Kathleen McKenna & Anne Polk
Vendors
Pam Poth, Cindy McMahon & Stephanie Albright
Vendor Move-in
Heidi Daniels & Margaret Flickinger

Past Presidents

 
1986    Margi Melnick
1987    Jane Goetzman
1988    Sue Trible
1989    Sue Ann Norian
1990    Electa Phillips
1991    Jinny Wilkes
1992    Janice Sherman
1993    Karen Hoffman
1994    Dee Payne
1995    Mary Alice Malesardi
1996    Patti Dillard
1997    Betty Wiley
1998    Lloyd Starns
1999    Jeannie Lindsay
2000    Nancy Nersesian
2001    Pam Wagner
2002    Susie Gardner
2003    Marilou Serafin
2004    Dee Estes
2005    LeAnn Kalita Giglio
2006    Lauren Smith
2007    Betty Baumann
2008    Quincy Butler
2009    Quincy Butler
2010    Eula Bond
2011    Maureen Fletcher
2012    Ellen McAllister
2013    Vicki Kirkbride
2014    Mary McIntire
2015    Judy Smathers
2016    Pam Gibert
2017    Renee Bayes
2018    Sharon Johnsen
2019    Beth Albright
2020    Michelle Zook
2021    Gail Fertel
2022    Paula Millian
2023    Susan von Raab
2024    Juliana Yaskin