News Chief credits JLGWH with creative fundraising in difficult economy

The News Chief's feature story on Sunday regarded the fundraising element so important to many non profits, and what those organizations have done to maitain this revenue source in difficult economic times. Andrea Cruz, Chief Reporter for the NC highlighted our League's creative approach to our fundraisers, and the many community projects and contributions we continue to make as a result. Full story can be read at http://www.newschief.com/article/20090125/NEWS/901250251 Merry fundraising While being able to save water benefits a cause, being able to save shoppers' gasoline and time to ultimately benefit their own community projects was on the minds of the members of the Junior League of Greater Winter Haven, a group of women dedicated to causes in the community. They brainstormed and came up with a one-stop shopping holiday fundraiser last November called the Merry Market. Leslie Heimer, president of the League, said the inaugural year of the Merry Market was an extension of Breakfast With Santa, a fundraiser from previous years. 'It had reached the ceiling of how much to charge someone to come and see Santa and eat pancakes,' Heimer said. So, contacts with boutique owners were made, and soon a buffet of shopping opportunities to offer would-be charitable donors was organized for the weekend of Nov. 21, 2008. Heimer said fun fundraisers generally have a better turnout because people are less likely now, more than ever, to go to a 'froufrou' fundraiser. They need to get something out of it, she said. 'Right now, the economy is in such tough place that people are little bit less likely to just hand over money just for the sake of handing over money,' Heimer said. 'People need an outlet to really get something out of it, a personal satisfaction or a personal reward.' The reward of the small entrance fee to get into the Merry Market was a couple of days of shopping. A stress-relief night out with the girls was the reward of the league's indulging Merlot, Manicures & More event held that same Friday.. The event featured complimentary massages, manicures, goody bags, the chance to pop a balloon dress with a ball inside to indicate a raffle prize, and meet Casey Wohl, author of the 'Girls Getaway Guide.' Fun at the 'casino' Heimer said the Junior League has had to cancel some of the events it has been holding annually for years. She said they just weren't 'in the cards.' What is in the cards, however, is the Junior League Casino Night fundraiser, which will be held March 7 at the Lake Region Yacht and Country Club. 'Money is traded in for a chip. Let's say the chip is worth 50 cents and (the donor) had to give a dollar for it,' Heimer said. She said all monies received from events like these and others go to the League's many community projects, which are meant to enrich the lives of women, children and families. The projects include scholarships for teachers, students who volunteer, an annual women's outreach class series and the Bear Hugs program, which provide gift baskets with toiletries and other necessities to emancipated foster children. A complete list of the League's fundraising events and projects can be found online at www.JLGWH.org. Heimer, who said the League has lost members due to the economy, said the group tries very hard not to nickel and dime its members. Instead, the members would rather place more value on the time they can volunteer. One of those events is Super Saturday, which annually promotes the resources of the local library. The event is geared toward children of all reading abilities, and Heimer said the Junior League members enjoy it very much. 'There's nothing like watching a 7-year-old's face light up when they get to take home three books from our Super Saturday,' she said. The next Super Saturday will be Feb. 7, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Winter Haven Public Library. 'We have been very frugal with our funds over the years and we are good stewards of the community's money,' Heimer said. 'We are very thankful for our community sponsors. We definitely have some generous community sponsors.'