AUGUST 2021 || Volume 3, issue 8 |
|
|
Farewell Letter from 2020-2021 President, Sarah Edwards |
|
|
At the beginning of the 2020-2021 League year, I spoke about what we could do together -- leveraging our resources, ideas, networks, and support. At that time, I was hopeful that we'd be able to be together soon, but it quickly became apparent that together was going to take on a very different meaning. Our signature fall fundraiser, Touch-A-Truck, had to pivot. The Partnership for Children of Johnston County had requested a grant of $15,000 to purchase approximately 60,000 diapers for their diaper closet. The committee knew a pivot had to be made, ideas started flowing, and together, JWL took on a Diaper Drive. Our members came together and rallied support from other members of the community and beyond, and together, we provided the Partnership for Children with more than 31,000 diapers, as well as wipes and diaper cream, and a Community Impact Grant of $13,000, which provided them with about 50% more combined diapers and funds than they requested. Our meetings became virtual for most of the year, and despite some technical difficulties along the way, we got through them together, actually had some fun, and got to meet some of our members' new additions on a computer or phone screen. We've made cheesecake filled, chocolate dipped strawberries over cocktails and Zoom, and we thankfully, finally, were able to get together some, even if it's been masked and at a distance. Our provisional members joined during a time when none of us knew what to expect, and their experience was very different. What I can tell you is that together, they identified incredible projects this year to meet the needs of people in our community, and I want to congratulate them for successfully completing their projects, which also required them to raise a significant amount of funds to complete, a first for provisional members. Together, and with support from other members, they accomplished so much. |
|
And then came Big Night Out. Although we were crossing our fingers and toes that we'd be able to be together for Big Night Out, it simply wasn't in the cards. But the committee, yet again, pivoted. A new concept, a Big Night Out Virtual Reverse Raffle, was born, and within one month of the go live date, we'd raised enough funds, thanks again to the hard work of our members and the generous support of our community and beyond, to provide a $15,000 grant to Riverside Ranch to build a permanent meeting space for the benefit of their participants, families, and service providers, as well as an accessible restroom. We did it together! Our committees worked so hard this year to make the best of what has been a difficult situation, and they are to be commended for their creativity, determination, and follow through during a time when everyone has been impacted physically, socially, psychologically, and emotionally. But we've gotten through a very tough year together. And in the midst of the last league year, I am proud to share that we have been able to serve our community in a big way together, providing more than 2,100 volunteer hours in service to nonprofit organizations benefitting the people of Johnston County. I would be remiss if I did not thank all of the businesses, organizations, and people who have supported the League and its efforts this year! The work that the League and our members do simply isn't possible without the support of our community, so thank you for your help in making it all happen! It is my honor to pass the gavel to Kelly Blanchard, one of the hardest working and most impactful women I know. 2021-2022 will be an exciting year for JWL, and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together. Sincerely, Sarah Edwards |
|
|
MEMBER & PROVISIONAL SPOTLIGHTS
May | June
Each month, we recognize members who embody our mission and go above and beyond in their service as a part of the Junior Women's League of Smithfield. Thank you to these amazing women!
|
|
|
2020-2021 END OF YEAR AWARD RECIPIENTS |
|
|
The Junior Women’s League of Smithfield would like to congratulate our 2020-2021 Award Recipients and Nominees! We are thankful for the hard work and dedication of every single member in JWL. Despite the challenges of this last league year, it has been extraordinary in terms of what our membership was able to accomplish for the community. We are so proud of all of these women and look forward to seeing what this next service year will bring! Please join us in congratulating our phenomenal award recipients: - Amanda Johnson, 2021 Woman of the Year
- Beth Sawrey, 2021 Impact Leadership Award
- Lindsay Wilson, 2021 Rising Star Award
|
|
|
ANNUAL MUM & PUMPKIN SALE STARTS TODAY |
|
|
JWL's Annual Mum and Pumpkin Sale at Parker Gas Company will be open for pre-sale orders on our web site from August 20 - September 10. Purchase options are 8" mums for $7 each, carving pumpkins for $10 each, Mad About Mums 4 pack for $25, or JWL's Porch Package which includes 2 mums of your choice and a carving pumpkin for $22. Pick up will be required on Saturday, September 25 between 10am - 2pm at Parker Gas Company. Limited quantities of mums and pumpkins may be purchased on the day of the sale. Colors available will be on a first-come, first-served basis. All proceeds will benefit JWL of Smithfield. | | |
|
|
Touch-A-Truck is a unique and interactive fundraiser that allows children to see, touch, and safely explore their favorite big trucks and heavy machinery, as well as to meet the personnel who protect, serve, and build Johnston County communities. Trucks on display will include emergency vehicles, tractors, machinery, construction equipment, farm equipment, service and delivery trucks, and more.
The event is fun for children and adults alike and will also feature food trucks, inflatables, special guests, face painting, and so much more! Admission is FREE! $5 wristbands will be available to purchase for inflatables, face painting, etc.
Proceeds from Touch-A-Truck will benefit House of Hope of North Carolina in Clayton, a family service that provides a residence and counseling for hurting, abused, and rebellious teenage girls, as well as support for their families.
An event overview, flyer, sponsorship details and links to truck and sponsorship registration forms are available at www.jwlsmithfield.com/touch-a-truck. |
|
|
INTRODUCING JWL'S 2021-2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS President: Kelly Blanchard President-Elect: Kendra Hancock VP Membership: Karen Briggs VP Public Relations: Lisa Bland VP Community Outreach & Engagement: Sharon Turner VP Fund Development: Dawn Willcox Treasurer: Dawn Phipps Recording Secretary: Heather Bryant Past President: Sarah Edwards |
|
|
|
|
