Silence is not Golden ... at least not this case :-)

Be sure to submit your nomination for our Annual Golden Gloves recipient. This dedicated individual will be honored at our Spring Banquet on May 12th, for their service to our community. Download nomination form easily at our website, www.jlgwh.org. Deadline is May 1st.

First Family Fit Fest

was raved and complimented, not only by participants and guest, but by our attending health partners that were pleased by the turnout. Estimating approximately 250-300 people in attendance at our inagural event, we were thrilled to fit and 175 kids with bike helmets, complete approx 14 free physicals, complete numerous BMI calculations, and educate hundreds of local families about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. One lucky guest went homw with a Wii Nintendo Gaming System and WiiFIT! Members had a wonderful time and enjoyed this hand-on, large-scale project while enjoying the gorgeous day and scenery overlooking Lake Eloise. Special thanks to the committee! Niki Martin, Jill Dunlop, Allison Lee, Wendy Morris, Jessica Fischer, Mary Beth Jackson, Angela Newell, and Jennie Maretti, and all the members and sustainers that showed their support the day of this exciting event!

Watch out Jane Fonda

Special thanks to Mary Beth Jackson and her husband, Mark for allowing us the opportunity to promote Family Fit Fest on Sports Marketing's live show today. Myself, Jill Dunlop and Mary Beth enjoyed the afternoon doing one of our favorite things... talking about JL! The cast and crew were so friendly and calming (we thought Jill may hyperventilate - but she was a total natural!!!) Watch for our commercial spot on PGTV [Brighthouse Ch. 622, Verizon Ch.20, Comcast Ch.33] at the following times: Sunday 8p Mon 7a Tues 4a Wed 3a Thur 1:30a Fri 9p Sat 7p (DISCLAIMER: keep in mind it was live with no editing or rehersal, go gentle on us!) (the media relations expert was up just before us discussing the Duramed Future tour players - so interesting, it was great to meet her too, added bonus!)

Placement Fair Fun

Tuesday's meeting was kicked off with dessert first, adding tasty toppings at our progressive sundae Placement Fair. Board members and Committee Chairs each set up a display to showcase the different elements of their placement for a tradeshow type feel. Another treat was meeting the well spoken and gorgeous future leaguers as members participated in our themed meeting by bringing their future leaguers to the meeting. With the announcement of the huge profit of a very successful Casino night (APPROXIMATELY $9,000!!!) sprinkled with some fun on top, Junior League Tuesday was as fun as it was productive! The Provisionals get started early and enjoy a festive drink while adding some final touches to the Family Fit Fest planning. Paula Orcutt pulls double duty at both the Super Saturday booth as well as covering the booth for Merry Market! Provisional, Hannah Taylor AND her sundae are booth looking good! Our little Provisional momma-to-be definately deserves an extra scoop! Jancie's display highlights the many community projects from this year. As CRPD, hers will be big shoes to fill! Jae Lynn and Jill creatively described their placement with some added adjectives: Number Nerds, Bean Counters, and Money Bags - pretty much "sum" it up!

Cards for a Cause - Casino Night '09

The Junior League and our Casino Night committee has worked long and hard for one of our year's biggest fun'd raising events (which is why the blog has been a bit neglected!). This Saturday's culmination proved that "Lady Luck" was certainly present. A glamorous crowd, chart topping prizes, and the sights and sounds of a hopping casino, it was was hard to tell we were "working"! After an exhausting day of set up and preparation, a humbling gesture touched each volunteer when a member of the Country Club, passed through the ballroom, and made a simple inquiry about the event. After describing the event the resulting JLGWH projects, the donor subtly pulled out his check book and wrote us a check on the spot... for $5,000!!! It was almost unbelieveable, but yet, the past 2 years have shown me just how compassionate and generous are the members of this great community. So many, give so much. Whether it be time, or talent, or other resources, I was certainly proud to be a member of the JLGWH on Saturday night, with those who do so much to give back. Treasurer, Jill Barton, began our unofficial numbers crunch first thing Sunday morning (perhaps while some of us were still sleeping "late" thanks to time change) with some funds incoming for auction items and possibly a few reimbursements yet to be made, it looks like our NET PROFIT for the event will be close to $9,000! Jill Bentley and Jennifer Myers are officially "Wonder Women"! Jessica and Jae Lynn enjoyed greeting guests! Arlese and Marta worked the Horse Racing! Marta said that "nothing is more fun than someone winning $400,000!" It was so comforting to have Past Presidents, at our event. I breathed a little easier when I could look across the room and see those who have "been there and done that". There is a sense of empathy that another President understands. I feel very honored and humbled to be in such great company! Thank you to all of our Sustainers who continue to show your support and love for our great organization.

Tax Preparation Service Project

Tis the Season... for taxes! This project allowed members the opportunity to learn a new skill while giving back to low income families and assisting with their tax preparation. Special thanks to Jennifer Schaal and her employer, NCT Group for their time and technology on which we depended to complete the e-filing and get our participants their money fast!

We certainly showcased all the library has to offer. Books in Braille, seeing-eye dogs, musicians illustrating how vibrations of music enmhance the reading experience, live art, face painting, scavenger hunt... and books galore. I would say this project was a success. Look for the JLGWH on display at the Winter Haven Public Library highlighting how Women of the League have made a difference in history!