BFD
e m o H n u R PALM BEACH CHAPTER
BLACK FAMILY DAY
MAY052019
MARLINS STADIUM MIAMI, FL
WWW.JACKANDJILLPALMBEACH.ORG
Welcome To
BLACK FAMILY DAY
2019
What's Inside TABLE OF CONTENTS
A LOOK BACK ON A WINNING YEAR Letter from Our President......................................................................................3 The Executive Board................................................................................................4 Graduating Moms......................................................................................................5-6 Class of 2019 Graduating Seniors......................................................................7-8 Grade Groups and Activities.................................................................................9-13 Community Service Events...................................................................................14-16 Jack and Jill Day/Fundraisers.............................................................................17-18 Adult Programming..................................................................................................19 Black Family Day Program.....................................................................................20 National Motto
"Let's work, let's play, let's live together."
A Special Thank You from your Chapter President It is with a humbled heart and much gratitude that I greet the families of the Jack and Jill Palm Beach Chapter on another special Black Family Day. I first must thank the extraordinary Executive Board, dedicated committee chairs, and awesome mothers for exemplary contributions to our chapter this 2018-2019 program year. Black Family Day is one of my favorite “If Not for Jack and Jill” events
STATS
CP KARLENE
WIFE
MOTHER OF 2 DEDICATED HOUSEHOLD CEO
that celebrate the proud cultural heritage of African-American families. This auspicious event recognizes our chapter’s accomplishments, honors our senior teens, and pays tribute to our graduating moms. To the incredible families, I express my sincere gratitude for the wonderful things that you have done in 2018-2019 program year. Together you have lent your support to our local chapter, regional and national organization to the benefit of our children and community. Everyone in the Palm Beach chapter has gone above and beyond to support this phenomenal programming. .
A special thanks to the grade group chairs and committee chairs
who brought our families memorable events from Jack and Jill Day to this end of year Black Family Day event.
We ignited our season with the Inaugural Golf Tournament, Movies & Margaritas fundraisers events that produced exceptional results, thanks to the amazing work of the Foundation, Fundraising, and Community Service committees. Proceeds from these events supported Jack and Jill of America Foundation and their national partners - Boys and Girls Club of America (Riviera Beach and Belle Glade), March of Dimes and local partners - Children’s Home Society, St. George’s Center, and Barracuda Bay. Our monthly grade group and teen activities continued to be impactful. Our inaugural Chapter Tea, a happening Holiday Party and an inspiring MLK Day of Service were all successful gatherings. We plan to close out the year with the chartering of our Palm Beach Associates chapter with six Associates. Congratulations to our four seniors who are graduating out and embarking on a bright future. We hope your Jack and Jill experience was a rewarding journey that you’ll treasure along with the relationships you’ve made over the years. We are extremely proud of you and wish you continued success and many blessings as you begin college. Honor the roots your parents have planted and remember that hard work and perseverance lead to bountiful rewards. To our graduating mothers, our chapter extends our love, appreciation, and gratitude to you and your families. Whether a charter, co-sponsor, or transfer mom you’ve selflessly and generously supported, counseled and had nothing but our chapter’s best interest at heart. You will always be a part of our Jack and Jill Palm Beach family and look forward to your Associate Membership. Mothers our national organization charged us with the “The Power to Make a Difference, We Can Do More”. The Palm Beach chapter has answered the call. I pray we continue working together to create experiences for our children that they will remember for a lifetime and will have a lasting impact on our communities. Your support of outstanding programming, compliance with chapter operations and attending Regional/National events and training has added value to everyone’s membership in the organization. I hope this summer your families will relax, renew and refresh. I am looking forward to seeing all our mothers at the Annual Planning Retreat in June so we can continue the momentum into the 2019- 2020 Program Year. May the Lord continue to bless and keep you all!
With warm regards and much gratitude, Karlene Kiminyo 2018-2020 Palm Beach Chapter President Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
WHO WE ARE
TO BE A LEADER, YOU MUST BE A SERVANT FIRST.
We believe in community, preparation and the power of working together.
The Executive Board
The 2018-2019 Executive Board is comprised of mothers that understand the importance of commitment. Pictured left to right is Parliamentarian: Latosha Williams Foundation Chair: Jennifer Mazyck-Brown Chaplain: Lorna Foster-Holiday Immediate Past President: Kim Mingo Treasurer: Elrika Richards Editor: Lashonda Overstreet Financial Secretary: Katrina Williams President: Karlene Kiminyo Vice President: Deeawn Roundtree Corresponding Secretary: Vernique Williams Recording Secretary: Charlene Ford Program Director: Tonya Thomas and Program Director: Danisha Rolle. Below, mom wore blue at a chapter meeting in recognition of National Autism Month.
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Graduating Mom
ATTORNEY
MOTHER OF ONE WITTY
STATS Legacy Mom Six Years in the Palm Beach Chapter Served As Fundraising Chair (2016)
MOM CAROL DEGRAFFENREIDT-WILLIS Mom Carol DeGraffenreidt-Willis is a Legacy Member of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Her mother Eddie Pearl DeGraffenreidt was a charter member of the Fort Lauderdale Chapter of Jack and Jill, and Mom Carol is a proud charter member of the Palm Beach County Chapter. One of my favorite chapter memories is the first Christmas Brunch. The families, particularly the children, looked so beautiful dressed in their “Christmas Best”. My other favorite memory is the first Christmas Party at the Boys and Girls Club. It was a veritable Christmas Wonderland and brought so much joy not only to the children at the Club, but the Jack and Jill families as well. If I could offer a few nuggets of wisdom for raising future leaders, I’d recommend that you talk constantly to your children and listen with both your head and your heart, always remembering that you too were once their age; give them less presents and more “presence” in their lives; don’t live your life vicariously through them and recognize that their life is theirs only to live; push them towards their personal passions, not yours; allow them space to find themselves; and give them the gift of unconditional love.
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Graduating Mom
WIFE
MOTHER OF TWO ORGANIZED
STATS Joined Jack and Jill, Inc in 2006 Transfer from the North Oakland Macomb (NOM) Chapter in Michigan
MOM TRACY FOREMAN As the time draws near that Mom Tracy will "graduate out" she reflects on her membership in Jack and Jill and is thankful. Kendall and Braxton have established lifelong connections through Jack and Jill. It gave them a safe space to truly be themselves. They’ve grown into mature and confident young men with compassion for others and the leadership skills to shape the future. The impact for the Foreman family goes beyond the mission of Jack and Jill, it provided substitute moms and dads when Mom Tracy and Father Marcus couldn't be there, an extra cheering section during athletic events and support in times of illness and grief. The list goes on and on. Mom Tracy will truly miss her SisterMoms and Jack and Jill families. As parting words of advice Mom Tracy would like to offer that as parents we must help, encourage and push our children to achieve their dreams. Nothing is truly out of their grasp if they are willing to reach for it.
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Graduating Mom WIFE MOTHER OF TWO DEPENDABLE
STATS Transfer from the Fort Lauderale Chapter Joined Palm Beach Chapter in 2012
MOM GAIL LUCHEY Mom Gail Luchey is the proud mother of Megan (2014 Graduate) and Drew. She is the wife to Andrew. Mom Gail’s Jack and Jill of America membership began in the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chapter in 2007. A transfer to the Palm Beach Chapter took place in 2012. Mom Gail has participated on every chapter committee during her 12 year tenure as a Jack and Jill member. She served as Financial Secretary for a 2 year term as well as Lead Teen Sponsor for a total of 4 years. Mom Gail’s most memorable times in Jack and Jill were attending the National Conference in Miami and On The Hill in Washington, D.C.. Mom Gail believes Jack and Jill offers many opportunities for the entire family beyond the chapter level. Experiencing regional and national Jack and Jill events has been enriching for the entire Luchey Family. Hopefully, other moms will pursue the same for their families.
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Wings to
Fly
Kendall Ahmad Foreman is a senior at
Andrew "Drew" Luchey, III the son of Gail
Palm Beach Central High School in
and Andrew Luchey, Jr. is a senior at The
Wellington, Florida and the youngest son of
Kings Academy in West Palm Beach,
Marcus and Tracy Foreman. He has been a
Florida. Drew has been a member of the
member of Jack and Jill for thirteen years
Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale Chapters
and transferred to the Palm Beach chapter
for a total of 11 years. Drew is currently
two years ago where he serves as Vice-
Teen Treasurer. He is a member of the Key
President. Kendall is a scholar athlete
Club, FBLA and he is a student
playing football while remaining on the
ambassador. He is also captain of the
honor roll. Outside of academics he was a
varsity basketball team and co-captain of
member of the Iota Rho Lambda Alpha
the varsity football team. Drew is receiving
Esquires, serving as Treasurer and
offers to play Collegiate Division 1
Secretary. Kendall plans to attend Florida
football. He will pursue a degree in
Agricultural Mechanical University and major
Business Management.
in Architectural Studies.
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about the 2019 graduates Ramesses Walker is a senior at William T.
Harry L. Willis, III is the son of Attorney
Dwyer High School in Palm Beach
Carol E. A. DeGraffenreidt-Willis and Harry
Gardens, Florida and is the son of Euclid
L. Willis, Jr. Harry attends Palm Beach
and Francine Walker. Ramesses is the
Gardens High School in Palm Beach
oldest of three siblings and started in the
Gardens, Florida. He has been a member
Windy City Chicago chapter in 2005 and
of the Palm Beach chapter of Jack and Jill
transeferred to the Palm Beach chapter in
for six years, a member of the Naval Junior
2013. A soccer player, Ramesses played on
ROTC and Public Affairs Officer. Harry is a
the Benjamin School and Dwyer teams
member of Alpha Phi Alpha Men of
and in the summer he volunteered as a
Tomorrow youth group, and the Youth
teen coach to elementary school students.
Ministry at Christ Fellowship church. Harry
He hopes to attend Morehouse College in
participates in various oratorical
the fall and major in Business. Ramesses is
competitions and after college, he will
an honor roll student and plays the piano
enlist in the Navy and become a pilot.
and speaks Mandarin.
Palm Beach Chapter 2019 Grade Groups
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Programming HIGHLIGHTS
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Community Service Palm Beach
We Serve
As we are working to ignite, inspire, & impact, we must seek for all children the same advantages which we desire for our own. Therefore, the focus for the 2018-2019 programming year will be several chapter wide and grade group community service events that member families will have the opportunity to participate throughout the year. Through these projects, the Palm Beach Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., would like to empower underserved youth with the philosophy of “There isn’t a person anywhere who isn’t capable of doing more than he thinks he can”; allowing them the ability to become the future leaders that our communities need.
National Day of Fitness March of Dimes Walk National Day of Fitness March of Dimes Walk was held on Saturday, April 27th, 2019 at City Place. The Palm Beach chapter walked in March for Babies in West Palm Beach. March for Babies gives hope to the nearly half million babies born too soon each year.
Boys and Girls Club Max M. Fisher Boys & Girls Club, Riviera Beach, FL During the holiday season, the chapter supported the club’s Holiday Extravaganza for approximately 250 children and teens. The father's auxiliary identified a dad to be the African-American Santa at the event. During our MLK Day of Service, we extended the relationship with the Boys and Girls Club of Belle Glade to beautify the grounds of the Smith & Moore Family Teen Center of the Glades. This project's purpose was to beautify the grounds of the Teen Center and help to install pride in the environment. JJOA families created a simple landscaping design that sought to complement the existing buildings and make the most of the grounds.
Children's Home Society West Palm Beach, Florida The Palm Beach Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. partnered four the fourth year with the Children’s Home Society (CHS) to give gifts to children in their care during a very heartfelt time of the year. The Palm Beach chapter shopped for specific gifts, no more than $25 for a child at CHS. The gifts were delivered to the children’s Home Society by the Father’s auxiliary and all JJPBC families are welcome to attend.
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You Serve
JJPBC Gives Back Super Bowl of Caring Uniting Communities and Empowering Youth Souper Bowl of Caring empowers youth and unites communities around the time of the Big Game to help those in need. Palm Beach Chapter grade groups participated in the National Souper Bowl campaign for a local food pantry. Our members and youth will made a difference in the lives of our communities by donating canned goods to Boca Helping Hands. By means of a a little friendly competition, each grade group participated in a canned food drive. Each month the grade groups submitted their donations at chapter events for counting and tallying.
Gifts Children's Home Society Grade 3 and 4 joined forces to wrap gifts purchased by the Palm Beach chapter. They donated over 100 gifts to the Children’s Home Society.
Donation Boys and Girls Club, Riviera Beach, FL The Palm Beach chapter donated $2,000 to the Riviera Beach Boys and Girls Club.
Made to Serve St. George's Episcopal Church On January 21, 2019, over 70 mothers, fathers, children and teens of JJPBC volunteered by purchasing items, packing bags, and distributed meals to members of the community at St. George Episcopal Church.
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We Serve
Our Community
The Quantum House Grade Group 4 had the opportunity to serve in north Palm Beach during the month of February. Quantum House is a caring and supportive home that lessens the burden for families whose children are receiving treatment in Palm Beach County for a serious medical condition. The teenagers made themselves at home in this full service facility. They purchased and served dinner for 64 families. While waiting on the dinner to be ready, they demonstrated how to create a "motivational photo holder" out of beads, smooth, flat rocks, paint and positive "vibe" stickers. After the demonstration, the children were assisted by our teenagers in completing their projects. Over 25 children and parents participated in this activity and the teenagers received 4 hours of community service for this service project. A letter like the one below is provided to our children as they work to gain more and more community service hours.
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2018-2019
Jack and Jill Day
The Palm Beach Chapter kicked off their programming year with the Annual Jack & Jill Day and an inaugural JJPBC Fundraising Golf Tournament, “Tee It Up for Jack and Jill Palm Beach.” This two-fold event was exciting, and memorable for all. On September 8th, 40 golfers took to the Palmer Course on the beautiful PGA National Golf Course in Palm Beach County. Each player participated in a four-person scramble which included breakfast, golf cart, full range use with range balls, player gift, a playback card to return to PGA National for a future round of golf and an Awards Luncheon. In addition, this event will operate as a signature fundraising event, creating the opportunity to establish community sponsorships in collaboration with Jack and Jill Foundation Inc. The Palm Beach Chapter plans to surpass previous years' total funds raised to increase giving locally. The Palm Beach Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. has partnered with both the Boys & Girls Club of Riviera Beach and the Glades Area and the Children’s Home Society. The chapter set a fundraising goal and a portion of the proceeds will directly support all three organizations and our National Foundation, providing grants to support local communities across the country. The first photo is of the grade groups (kids who participated) and the second photo is of the committee. Thanks so much.
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Adult Programming
We Are Adulting Palm Beach Chapter continued another year with programming activities that enriched the bond of our couples, Lady Palms (mothers), and King Palms (fathers). The King Palms, fathers’ auxiliary, supported our chapter objectives and continued to truly embrace and include all fathers. The Lady Palms had the opportunity to fellowship at our monthly mothers meeting. In addition, mothers’ only social and recreational events occurred. Most importantly, the King Palms will collaborate with the Lady Palms on couples’ events to socialize, share, and enjoy adult company.
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Palm Beach Chapter Founding Motto
“There are only two lasting bequests that we can hope to give our children—roots and wings.”
HODDING CARTER
Black Family Day Program
Welcome Opening Prayer Overview of Negro Baseball League (video) Monologue GG Presentations Perfect Attendance and Best Mom and Dad Moving Up Ceremony Tribute to Moms from Graduates Remarks from Moms Remarks from President/Vice President Closing Move to Clevelander 1:10 pm Marlins vs Braves Game Begins
Thank you for coming! We would like to express our sincerest gratitude for celebrating Black Family Day with the Palm Beach Chapter of Jack and Jill.
BLACK FAMILY DAY COMMITTEE