2014 15 fall scrawls by The Junior League of San Antonio, Inc.

F a l l 2 0 1 4 A publication of the Junior League of San Antonio, Inc.

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Our Mission

The Junior League of San Antonio, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

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ON THEBoutique COVER Online

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kristen Henry President Lorena Pena President-Elect Dana Cleveland Assistant to the President Helen Dear Secretary Christina Martin Vice President Fund Development Council Emily Christy Vice President Communications Council Sarah Wannarka Vice President Community Council Stephanie Reese Vice President Membership Council Danielle Schick Vice Chair Research & Development Brooke Meabon Planning Council Chair Tiffany Nelson Property Chair Melissa Unsell Community Leadership Liaison Janet Peavy Treasurer Karen Brown Treasurer-Elect Cassie Schneider Bylaws/Parliamentarian Ardella Anderson Board Member at Large Brett Beyer Bright Shawl Chair Celina Montoya Nominating Chair Lupita Castrejon Tijerina Managing Director Delaina Harrison Board Sustainer Advisor JLSA STAFF Lupita A. Castrejon-Tijerina Managing Director 210.225.1861 ext. 302 / lupita@jlsa.org Shannon Grabill Financial Administrator 210.225.1861 ext. 301 / shannon@jlsa.org Destiny Stivers Membership Program Administrator 210.225.1861 ext. 300 / destiny@jlsa.org

IN EVERY ISSUE Letter from the President Recipe Box New Member Profile Sustainer Profile Community Partner Board Members Calendar

CONTENTS Features Lets Go San Antonio Reading Camp Holiday Ole Market FAME Carol Scott Training The Bright Shawl Rotary Club New Member Project

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OFFICE INFO The Junior League of San Antonio, Inc. 723 Brooklyn Avenue San Antonio, Texas, 78215 T:210.225.1861 F:210.225.6832 Email: info@jlsa.org Office hours: Mon-Thurs 9:00am - 5:00pm Fri 9:00am - 12:00pm W o m e n

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

IT STARTS WITH EACH VOLUNTEER By Kristin Henry

hen I reflect on our Junior League year so far, I can’t help but feel proud to lead such a relevant and impactful organization. Over the past 91 years, the Junior League of San Antonio has notably improved our community – and this year is no exception. It starts with the incredible drive and energy of our members – an energy that was palpable at our first General Membership Meeting in September. The JLSA is truly made up of incredible women who come together to make an incredible difference. Every day we do good that benefits the San Antonio community. Minor Meyers said, “Go into the world and do well. But more importantly, go into the world and do good.” I would add – and do good together. When all of our amazing members come together, working towards our mission, our common goal, we are unstoppable. And when our collective energy partners with the energy of other organizations around the city, we are a force to be reckoned with. Through collaborative partnerships that we continue to create and foster, we can grow our impact exponentially.

no strategic vision, so there would be no impact. The Junior League’s story is one of dynamic women working together to improve each other and the community around them, all while lifting up the spirit of the volunteer.

But it all starts with the individual volunteer her passion, her commitment, her leadership. Each member brings with her knowledge, experience, leadership, and heart. Without those things from our more than one thousand members, we could not do what we do. Without our hard working members there would be no money raised, so there would be no community programs. There would be no training, so there would be no new leaders. There would be

I am honored to be able to work alongside such an awesome group of women, striving to improve the lives of San Antonio families. And to our community partners – thank you for collaborating with us on issues so important to this community. And to our donors – thank you for your continued support. We couldn’t do what we do without your philanthropic spirit. In the end, the impact of the Junior League of San Antonio is a collaborative effort – an act of doing good together.

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And that story continues today. We have already given out thousands of dollars in grants to our community partners, volunteered hundreds of hours in the community, and trained countless members to be more effective volunteers and stronger leaders. All of that talent, wisdom, and determination culminates in long-lasting community improvement that is evident in the smile of jumproping child at the Let’s Go San Antonio booth at Siclovia, in the gratitude of a school nurse being aided in improving the vision of her students by our Prevent Blindness volunteers, in the shared memories of an elderly woman with one of our very own Sunshine Singers, in the thanks from a mother who found support from our members at Family Endeavors, in the increased awareness of our own JLSA volunteers at a training about compassion… This list continues to grow every day thanks to the passion and commitment of our members. And I am grateful to serve and support those members – those women who along the way have taught me so much and supported me through each step of my growth.

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JLSA COMMUNITY PARTNERS

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AccessAbility Fest for San Antonio

Kendall County Women’s Shelter

Alamo Area Development Corporation

La Presa Foundation

Alzheimer’s Association

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

American Diabetes Association

MADD

Art in the Park

Main Plaza Conservancy

Artpace San Antonio

McNay Museum of Art

Avance

Mitchell Lake Audubon Center

Battered Women’s and Children’s Shelter

Northeast Senior Assistance

Bexar County Community Health

Pathways Youth and Family Services

Bexar County Family Justice Center

Rainbow House

Bexar Co. Community Health Collaborative

Rape Crisis Center

Bexar County Women’s Bar Foundation

Retired & Senior Volunteer Program

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Ronald McDonald House

Boys Town Texas

Roy Maas Youth Alternatives Center

Brighton Center

Salvation Army

Cancer Center Council

SAISD Student Showcase

Catholic Charities Hygiene Product Drive

San Antonio Animal Advocates

Child Safe

San Antonio Eye Bank

Children’s Bereavement Center

San Antonio Fighting Back

Christian Senior Services

San Antonio Food Bank

Cibolo Nature Center

San Antonio Humane Society

City of Terrell Hills

San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

San Antonio Museum of Art

Family Endeavors

San Antonio State Hospital

Family Service Association

San Antonio Youth

Food Allergy Anaphylaxis Network

SNIPSA

Girls on the Run

Spina Bifida Texas

Good Samaritan Community Services

St. PJ’s Children’s Home

Goodwill Industries

Starlight Children’s Foundation at

Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center

Guide Dogs of Texas

Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf Children

Habitat For Humanity

Susan G. Komen Race for The Cure

Healy-Murphy Center

Texas Organ Sharing Alliance

Hill Country Mission for Health

Unicorn Center

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

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Morgan’s Wonderland

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Holiday Ole Market A CHRISTMAS IN TOYLAND THEME HELPS THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF SAN ANTONIO RAISE RECORD FUNDS Text: Delaney Alford • Photos: Rachel Cole & Heather Blazi

Experiencing the Holiday Ole Market and supporting events is not something that is easy to write about. It’s more about the joy of actually being there that flows so easily. After all – in San Antonio – “Ole” is one of the first inklings of the upcoming holiday season. We’ve been waiting for it ever since that day in June when it hit the 100 degree mark, right? At least the Junior League of San Antonio has been. It’s one of our premier money raising events. We’ve been doing it for over twenty years and we’ve been doing it well. It truly is an exciting time. Holiday Ole Market is a four-day shopping event featuring merchants from all over the country, four special events for the whole family, silent auctions, prize drawings, and, of course, lots of fun! This past October 16th – 19th marked the 21st annual Holiday Ole Market. The year’s theme was Christmas in Toyland and when you walked into the awesomely huge Freeman Coliseum Expo Hall, it immediately felt just like that. Giant nutcracker soldiers stood tall and proud as shoppers walked around visiting the array of vendors. The league decked the halls in just that perfect Christmas-y way to make you want to spend money! In all seriousness, that’s what we’re supposed to do. Spending some hard earned cash directly supports the efforts of the Junior League of San Antonio, Inc. In turn, the League supports agencies and programs that work every day to meet the rising needs in our town, making the Junior League of San Antonio the non-profit that funds other non-profits to build a better San Antonio. Experiencing the array of entertainment options including great events, food, music, auctions, and much more translates to helping our great city. All proceeds from the event advance the Junior League of San Antonio’s mission to promote voluntarism, develop the potential of women, and improve our community. This much needed money helps fund Junior League of San Antonio programs and projects, including our signature project working toward eradicating childhood obesity, “Let’s Go San Antonio.” Since the event’s inception, the Holiday Ole Market has raised $1.6 million to benefit San Antonio citizens. Holiday Ole Market doesn’t just materialize overnight – no way. A committee of 30+ women starts planning the logistics of this spectacular event months and months before pumpkin spice lattes are even a glimmer in our sunglasses. As this year’s committee chair, Whitney Ormond says, “This event is truly a group effort, and we could not W o m e n

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have done it without them.” This is a complex operation involving many people, supplies, and merchants, folks! And speaking of merchants…oh the goodies we saw. It’s no mistake that Ole is specifically timed right before the kick-off of the holiday season. We are a savvy group of San Antonians, after all. We know the best time to improve our collecting efforts. We also know that it takes something special, like Holiday Ole Market, to entice the fine people of San Anto to come out and shop for a cause each and every year. As of publication, the committee did not have the final numbers yet on how much money was brought in. However, Whitney was happy to report that the committee beat the budget goal for the Sneak Peek, Pajamas & Pancakes, and Ready, Set, Shop events. They also exceeded the budget goal on the two silent auctions and the golden ticket drawing. These goals were easily achieved through the goodwill spending of the nearly 4,000 attendees that walked through the doors throughout the weekend. Whitney adds that she is indebted to her “fabulous committee for their time, talents and hard work. They were amazing, and I cannot say enough good things about them. I also want to thank the volunteers, board members, merchants, and sponsors who made this event a reality.” Just like years past, the JLSA volunteers worked hard to find an eclectic offering of merchants this go-round. And said merchants worked hard to display the perfect items to top everyone’s Christmas list. We had well over 100 vendors at Ole this year. That’s A LOT of merchandise. Erica Sloan, a long time JLSA volunteer, worked with the dealers this season. She said that this year was one of her best JLSA years because she “enjoyed researching new and exciting merchants to join our incredible show.” I can only imagine the thrill of searching my web browser for the hot ticket items to bring to Ole. It’s online shopping for a cause - that’s gotta feel pretty good! On the Wednesday before go-time, while walking around the amazingness of Holiday Ole Market, I spoke with the ladies of The Crooked Antler booth while they were setting up their displays. They were hard at work perfecting the look of their area. Lexy Manley, who also happens to be a Junior League of Austin member, along with her family, has been participating in the Holiday Ole Market for over 20 years. Their company keeps coming back year after year because they “love the people and always have good customers.” Manley says, “It’s the best show in town!”

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MEMBERSHIP MEMBERSHIP

Sara Briseno Gerrish THIS NEW MEMBER BELIEVES THE LEAGUE IS A PLACE WHERE LEADERSHIP SKILLS CAN FLOURISH

Text: Hannah Steward

Sara Briseno Gerrish was born in Ft Belvoir, Virginia. She is a self-described, “Army Brat,” and moved around while her father was in the service. Both of her parents were in born in San Antonio and brought their children here to live when Gerrish was in the third grade. She is a product of San Antonio Catholic Schools and graduated from Providence High School. In her time at Providence (our neighbor across the street) Gerrish saw The Bright Shawl daily. “I had no idea what went on inside The Bright Shawl or what the Junior League was at the time,” Gerrish says, “But I guess I was destined to become a member.” After graduating, she went on to St. Mary’s University and obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. Recently she earned her Masters in Business Administration from Texas A&M--San Antonio. Gerrish is a real estate broker and joined the family business after college. She has worked in the real estate field for 13 years now. “I love helping people find their perfect dream home,” she says. Gerrish is very active in the realtor community and will serve on the Board of Directors for San Antonio Board of Realtors (SABOR) next year. She also works with the Young Professionals Network. Gerrish is no stranger to volunteer work. Through these organizations, she has volunteered with SAMM Ministries and Habitat for Humanity. Gerrish says she is not afraid to get her hands dirty and loves the chance to roll up her sleeves and lend a helping hand. When Gerrish isn’t working with clients you can find her exploring her neighborhood, Southtown. She lives there with her husband of seven years, Kevin, and their 2 dogs, Roxy and Toby. They love walking to the area’s many restaurants and bars and taking advantage of the walking trails along the San Antonio River. Gerrish loves the downtown corridor and wants

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to encourage more people to explore the area and all it has to offer. She volunteers with Centro San Antonio to make improvements to downtown and attract more young professionals to move to the area and discover all the amenities available. Several League members approached Gerrish about joining the Junior League of San Antonio. President-Elect, Lorena Pena felt she would be a great asset to the League because, “outside of the League I witnessed her leadership skills first hand and I knew she would continue that passion for the JLSA.” After suggestions from a variety of women, Gerrish decided to see what all the fuss was about. She started by attending some social functions to meet on a more casual setting. She went to Sip N’ Shop Events and last year’s Alamo Dinner. She met many great women and had a fantastic time at each event. Gerrish was so excited about joining that she also convinced her sister, Rachel Briseno Castillo, to join this year as well. “The day Sara asked me to sponsor her to join the Junior League of San Antonio I was ecstatic,” Pena says. “I knew the League was gaining such a dedicated, hardworking and dynamic member and future leader.”

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“I have been blown away by all of the professional, like-minded women I’ve met in my short time in the League,” Gerrish says.

Sara Gerrish is very passionate about her volunteer work with the Junior League of San Antonio. She pictured on the opposite page during the New Member Project of painting St. PJ’s Hall. After earning her Masters from Texas A&M Gerrish joined the family business and became a real estate broker and has worked in the field for 13 years now. In 2007 she married her husband, Kevin (this page top) and the couple live in Southtown with their two dogs. Gerrish is passtionate and dedicated to her volunteer work. She has helped the JLSA with fundraisers including “Stuff the Bus”.

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For Gerrish, the League is a place where her leadership and organizational skills can flourish and add to the mission of empowering women. Gerrish also sees the League as a way to make new friends. She has, “been blown away by all of the professional, like-minded, women I’ve already met in my short time in the League.” While she is very busy with work, Gerrish is still looking for a social outlet on the evenings and weekends as a way to expand her network of friends and experiences. Gerrish is already putting her leadership skills to use. She is serving on the New Member 5k Committee and looks forward to helping put on the New Member’s biggest fundraising event. “Sara is a very active and enthusiastic new member who can offer great ideas and the organizational skills to accomplish them. She is determined to make a positive impact in the league,” her New Member Mentor Marianna Coindreau notes. Sed, vulputate nec diam.toMaecenas Gerrish also worked with other New Members paint several rooms at St. PJ’s in September. They worked on sprucconsequat diam venenatis quam ing up the Dining Hall, Children’s Emergency Shelter, Theatre pellentesque quis rutrum neque and the Board Room. Nunc mi turpis, dignissim Gerrish is most excitedsodales. about the educational opportunities and chance for self-growth that the League provides. eget malesuada et, tinciduntShe quis has enjoyed attending Community Awareness presentations and turpis. Nullam semevents leo, bibendum SA Works shifts in the community at large. These have at tincidunt ut, called blandithome sed metus. broadened her horizons for a city that she has for most of her life. Pellentesque ultricies sodales tortor “Sara is a very passionate and dedicated volunteer with ac lacinia. boundless enthusiasm,” Coindreau says. Morbi iaculis, leo a suscipit scelerisque, lacus purus laoreet In August, Gerrish worked with other members in con- nibh, junction with Communities in Schools of San Antonio’s (CIS-SA) nec commodo nisl diam et velit. Susto help, “Stuff the Bus.” The mission of the campaign is to raise nibh dui, vestibulum awareness and collect/organizependisse donations of school supplies toeget condimentum cursus, Gerrish condimentum be distributed to school age children in San Antonio. says she was “really blown away by our city’s generosity. at leo. Maecenas tristiquePeople would selflessly drop off bags of supplies and empty out their purses and wallets for a donation; even school-age children porttitor sapien, quistoconsequat dui emptied their pockets so that others would be able go to school with their needed supplies.” vulputate et. Aliquam velit mi, ornare Pena has enjoyed watching Gerrish flourish in her tinidunt nibh. Ut orci leadership roles so far. “I knewatSara wouldet, besuscipit a great amember felis,Inviverra sed viverra sitof amet, and she has not proven me wrong. just the few months her new member year Sara has already stepped up to help lead her new member class. I can’t wait to see what her Junior League career will hold….but I know she is a new member to watch!” We couldn’t agree more!

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MEMBERSHIP MEMBERSHIP

Aimee Sparrow Bailey FOR THIS SUSTAINER THERE ISN’T A DAY THAT GOES BY WHERE SHE DOESN’T MENTION JLSA

Text: Hannah Steward

Aimee Sparrow Bailey has been in the Junior League of San Antonio for 10 years. This is her first year as a Sustaining member. In the past 10 years her life and career have changed in numerous ways. What hasn’t changed is her commitment to volunteerism and empowering women through the Junior League of San Antonio. Bailey is originally from the Rio Grande Valley. She moved to the San Antonio area to attend Southwest Texas State. After graduating with a degree in Elementary Education she began working for Judson Independent School District. She has worked for Judson ISD the past 17 years teaching various grades at the elementary level. She most recently became a School Counselor. Wanting to be more involved in volunteering in her newly adopted home of San Antonio, Bailey joined the Junior League in 2004. As a New Member, Bailey has fond memories of volunteering the League’s warehouse for the annual Rummage Sale. Lots of hours were spent sorting clothing items and sweating in a hot warehouse. But with the hard work, came a lot of fun. The women she met have become lifelong friends. Bailey also worked for our Holiday Ole Market as a placement. She will never forget the year Ole was set to be at the Alamo Dome. Six weeks before the big event, the League was displaced by the New Orleans Saints football team. The Saints relocated to San Antonio during Hurricane Katrina. There was a lot of scrambling to find a new location and pull off Ole without a hitch. While this was definitely a stressful event, she learned a lot about thinking on your feet and being flexible. Bailey also served on the Nominating Committee. She loved this position because it gave her the chance to help shape the leadership of the League for the coming year. She felt a real sense of ownership and was invested in helping to select the best leaders for our Board. While this wasn’t an easy process, it taught her much about delegating and identifying strengths of those she works with on a professional level outside of the League. Fellow Sustainer, Barbara Mohs, has worked with Bailey

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on a variety of League projects over the years. Mohs said, “Aimee’s smile and enthusiasm are contagious. She draws people in and makes sure they feel valued.” As a member of Junior League Bailey learned valuable lessons about running meetings efficiently and time management. These skills have helped her greatly in her professional life. In leadership roles at school Bailey is able to run meetings and manage a variety of personalities from skills she learned as a League member. Bailey said, “The Junior League values the time of its members. When I conduct meetings I am mindful of everyone’s time and want the meetings to run effectively and smoothly.” While at Southwest Texas Aimee joined Alpha Delta Pi sorority. Bailey is still actively involved with the San Antonio Alumnae group. She has served the group in a variety of roles even serving as President of the chapter. Bailey works with the women of the Texas State chapter of Alpha Delta Pi during recruitment and serves as an advisor on their Housing Corporation. The sorority’s national charity is the Ronald McDonald House, which she actively volunteers for with the League as well. She helps cook dinners for the families staying there and col-

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lects donations of household goods needed for the day to day operations of the houses. Bailey truly embodies the sorority’s motto of, “We Live for Each Other.” Even with her numerous commitments to Junior League, Alpha Delta Pi, and work Bailey fulfilled her personal goal of going back to school and earning her Master of Arts in Counseling. Bailey went to night classes at the University of Texas at San Antonio and graduated last spring. Bailey remarked how flexible and supportive the League was during this time. “The other women in the League were aware of my schedule and time restraints. I was able to tailor my commitment around school and work.” This is one of Aimee’s favorite things about the League. The women come from such a variety of backgrounds, professions, and personal commitments that everyone supports each other. Another thing Bailey loves about the League is the impact we have on the community. Aimee has always worked with at-risk students and children living at or below the poverty line. Volunteering in the community, through various League projects, she was able to directly impact children at families like those she works with daily. Bailey was also able to see firsthand the positive contributions the League makes to San Antonio’s children. When Bailey isn’t working or volunteering she is spending time with her two dogs. She is completely devoted to her West Highland Terriers, Missy and Lilly. She also works each summer as at Kickapoo Kamp for Girls in Kerrville. She has spent more than half her life at Kamp, either as a camper, counselor, or one of the Assistant Directors. Mohs says, “Bailey is completely fearless. Just ask to see her pictures of insect conquests from Kamp!” Bailey is also a Walt Disney fanatic, taking numerous trips with her mom to spend time at the “most magical place on Earth.” Bailey also loves live music and attending concerts and shows in the San Antonio area. On joining the League Bailey made a commitment to serve, “for me it was important to put in my ten years and become a Sustaining member.” For Bailey there isn’t a day that goes by that she doesn’t mention her membership in the Junior League of San Antonio, “I am proud of say that I’m in the League and tell everyone about the good that we do in the community.” As a Sustainer Bailey will take a different role but her commitment to the League is as strong as when she made the decision to join. She looks forward to continuing to serve the San Antonio community and empowering the women of the League as they have strengthened her over the last decade. For Mohs, “Aimee personifies the mission of the JLSA in everything she does. From her work with her sorority, her summers at Kamp, and her job as school counselor, she is always working towards improving the community and developing the potential of women.” W o m e n

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MEMBERSHIP

GETTING TO KNOW THE BOARD: WE ASKED THE 2014 JUNIOR LEAGUE OF SAN ANTONIO BOARD OF DIRECTORS THEIR THOUGHTS ON WHY THEY ARE COMMITTED TO THE LEAGUE Photos: Mark Humphries I have chosen to dedicate my time to the League because I enjoy learning from amazing, talented women while working together to impact the San Antonio community. The League is a powerful force of professional women, which has helped me become the person I am today. It has helped me professionally by building skills I never thought I had. These skills, such as communication, public speaking, organization, and time management have helped advance me in my career. The League has also made me grow personally. It has taught me what is important in life - making a difference.

~Tiffany Nelson, Property Chair This year marks my 10th year of being a member of the Junior League. The Junior League has lit a fire for voluntarism in me. I’m proud to say that I can be an example of someone who serves my community for my children, just as my mother (a sustainer) was for me. It has developed my potential as a woman - through each placement I’ve served in, I’ve learned a new skill, been inspired by the women I’ve served alongside and grown both professionally and personally. I’ve seen the impact we, as an organization, make on the community we serve. We are an organization of women that give of our time to ensure that San Antonio is left better than when we started.

~Brooke Meabon, Vice President of Planning W o m e n

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MEMBERSHIP MEMBERSHIP The reason I volunteer with the JLSA, is because I cherish the ability to stand side by side with like-minded, amazing women who want to make a difference in the community. Also, the valuable training the JLSA provides is like none other. We can volunteer anywhere, but the JLSA provides the training and support to make a lasting difference in San Antonio. I see the good that we do, the difference we make, the lives we change. We do this together as the Junior League of San Antonio.

~Sarah Wannarka, Vice President of Community Council I serve the Junior League of San Antonio because it affords me the opportunity to learn about our comunity and the challenges we face. It also gives us a chance to begin tackling those challenges in a meaningful, measurable way. The Junior League of San Antonio’s membership is full of smart, dedicated women. I am so grateful to have met new friends through the League. They inspire me to continue learning and serving on behalf of the city we love.

~Emily Christy, Vice President of Communications Council I am currently serving my sixth year in the Junior League of San Antonio. The League is one of many organizations I am involved in. It is the one I have grown the most from thanks to the many facets the League touches. To me, it is amazing to see how many ways we are involved in the community through our community partnerships, trainings, and fundraisers. I know I have grown through my experiences and created lasting friendships within the League. I knew it was time to give back which is why I accepted the position of Board Secretary; allowing me to learn firsthand the little details that go on behind this extraordinary nonprofit.

~Helen Dear, Secretary Our Voice is Powerful. The potential of our membership, and the collective ability we have to positively impact San Antonio, excites me. Our influence reaches far beyond the grant money and service hours we donate on any given day. We are being developed as the next generation of leaders to this community and being empowered as advocates for the needs of our city. It’s inspiring to work alongside the smartest, most professional women in this community. I learn something new every day.

~Christina Martin, Vice President Fund Development Council The reason I volunteer in the Junior League is for the lasting impact in all aspects of life. I am not just talking about today and the partners we are helping right now. Just think of the ripple effect we are having from the children and mothers at Family Endeavors, to the children with Prevent Blindness that will do better in school because of our vision testing. Within our membership we are building the current and future leaders of our community. The kind of good we are doing will manifest itself in ways we can won’t know until 10/20/50 years from now. I believe the Junior League is not a phase in your life, it’s something you carry with you the rest of your life.

~Lorena Pena, President-Elect Out of all the different volunteer organizations within San Antonio, I choose to devote my time to the JLSA for two main reasons: the heart and minds of our members. After being surrounded by smart and strong women, who cared for others with their whole heart, it was awesome to continue serving my community of San Antonio with like-minded women from all walks of life within the JLSA. The heart of our membership is apparent from the eagerness of getting our hands “dirty” to the compassion and insight into our city that each woman brings to our league. These women make the choice of joining JLSA one of the best decisions I have ever made in order to continue my personal growth.

~Stephanie Reese, Vice President Membership Council I am passionate about the JLSA for many reasons, the most important being our unique ability to embrace, encourage, and empower our members. We EMBRACE women as community leaders. We ENCOURAGE members to explore their leadership capacity and skills. We EMPOWER women to become better versions of themselves. These attributes provide a tremendous path to personal growth for our members that in turn transcends communities. By investing in our members, we enhance women and we transform communities. Plus, we are one of the only organizations in the world that does so! Women of the League are community leaders that are transforming the world - that is powerful.

~Melissa Uncell, Community Leadership Liaison

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I am passionate about giving my time to the Junior League of San Antonio because I truly believe in our mission of promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving our community through trained volunteers. When I first joined the league in 2009, I only saw my membership as a way to meet women with similar interests and an opportunity to volunteer. I never anticipated the training and development that I would get from the league that not only helps me in my professional career but also to expand my personal network.

~Cassie Schneider, Bylaws/Parliamentarian I joined the Junior League of San Antonio, mainly because I was still relatively new to the city, and wanted to give back to this place that I enjoyed so much. I had joined some other networking groups, but I felt drawn to the mission of JLSA, in particular, the facet where we improve the communities and make an impact. Along my three year journey, I have been able to develop friendships with women whom I never would’ve met outside of my current social circles. I have attended leadership training which has benefitted me both inside and outside my league life. I visited many area organizations that I didn’t know existed, like The Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas. The sum of these experiences makes me feel grateful to live in a vibrant city like San Antonio, and I hope other members feel the same.

~Ardella Anderson, Board Member at Large I joined the Junior League of San Antonio 9 years ago to meet new people and give back to my community. Through my years in the League I have grown personally and seen the growth of others in the League. I have also witnessed the positive changes the organization has brought to the many agencies we serve. It is such a good feeling to know that I am a part of the change I want to see in my community and to know that I can pass that legacy of giving onto my children.

~Brett Beyer, Bright Shawl Chair My passion for the league derives from my passion within myself. I feel so fortunate for what I have, not only within a socio-economic realm, but also my health, and above all else my family. I was once on the receiving end of amazing people like the women of the Junior League who helped me through challenges and hardships. I feel it is my continued duty to not only volunteer my time but to keep growing. I value the opportunity to develop the potential within myself and other women. Each time we complete a placement and move on to another year, I feel we make an impact however little it may seem. Here is a quote from Mother Teresa…”We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.” I want to keep dropping something… in the ocean!

~Dana Cleveland, Assistant to the President I dedicate my time to the Junior League of San Antonio because of the vast volunteer opportunities and the empowerment of women. JLSA is the only organization that touches so many different areas of the city and county, and with so many different professional women. A sense of service was instilled in me very early in life. Today I volunteer and serve others to build a better community for my children. Through my volunteerism and service on the Board I know I am building a better world for my children to grow up in and leave a lasting legacy. The women of the League have given me a sense of belonging and strengthened me. The League’s volunteerism and the empowerment of women builds better communities in the city, the neighborhoods, and within the women of JLSA.

~Danielle Schick, Vice Chair Research and Development There truly is something for everyone in the League. If you work outside the home, you can use your League experience to broaden your horizons and expand your skillset. If you don’t yet manage a team at work, do it here. If you want experience in e-commerce and social network marketing, we have a position for you. If you want to try fundraising and finance, we have that, too. If you work at home or are a stay-at-home mom, you can have the opportunity to keep your skills up so that when you re-enter the workforce, or if you want to go on to lead some other charitable organization, you will have the experience to do that after working with us. I personally have grown so much through my time in the League, and I’m excited to share and encourage this experience in other members.

~Janet Peavy, Treasurer

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MEMBERSHIP FUNDRAISING “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” It’s a mantra I often come back to when challenged by my personal goals. JLSA has challenged me to not only do more, but to be more. There is no other organization in San Antonio that gives so much credence to the idea of learning by doing. I am in awe of all the League has accomplished over the years. It’s a testament to this singular organization of women that we continue to passionately pursue our potential and achieve success while shaping our community through effective action and leadership.

~Celina Montoya, Nominating Chair I feel that I joined the league later in life than most of our new members as I was WELL out of college and had been married for several years. I can’t believe I waited so long to join but once I did I couldn’t imagine what my life would be without the friends I’ve made, experiences in the community and continued learning opportunities. During my new member year, I had always thought about being a Mentor and not until last year did I take that step! I know the friendships I have formed are life-long and the training I have been given has the power to transform our community and move us forward for many years to come.

~Karen Brown, Treasurer-Elect I am so passionate about the Junior League of San Antonio because its mission really hits home for me - developing the potential of women in particular. Through my experiences in the League, I have become a more empowered, confident women, as have so many of the women who serve with me. The Junior League of San Antonio truly has the potential to improve lives - the lives of our members and the lives of those we serve in the community. I strive to serve because I want all women to have the same opportunities available to them - doors that open because of the training and experiences the League has to offer. The impact the JLSA can make on the San Antonio community is limitless.

~Kristen Henry, President

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Sustainer Luncheon SUSTAINERS OF ALL AGES GATHER FOR THE ANNUAL EVENT HELD AT THE BRIGHT SHAWL

Text: Hannah Steward & Dee Dee Benavides • Photos: Rachel Cole

Thursday, September 25, 2014 was Junior League’s Annual Sustainer Luncheon. Over 100 sustaining members were in attendance, including three Sustainer Emeritus members and nine past Junior League Presidents! The ladies feasted on salad, baked chicken, vegetables and potatoes. The women reconnected with old friends and made new ones as well.

Sustaining members caught up on League news by several guest speakers in attendance. Michael Guerra, from the San Antonio Food Bank, spoke about the ways Junior League has impacted the Food Bank and ways we can continue to help this very important organization in our city. Lesley Vernor spoke about our signature project, Let’s Go San Antonio. Vernor discussed the League’s commitment to eradicating childhood obesity in our city and incorporating healthy living in the lives of San Antonio’s youth. Christina Martin discussed Holiday Ole Market and the specialty events taking place this year. Many women made plans to attend the annual event! Brett Beyer, Tiffany Nelson, and Lorena Pena discussed the Bright Shawl and the various property improvements W o m e n

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planned as well as our partnership with True Flavors. The Junior League of San Antonio has over 600 sustaining members. They range in age from their 30’s to their 80’s and bring a variety of life experiences to the League. Sustaining Members no longer must complete placement and fundraising requirements, but their ongoing support to the league is imperative to the League’s success. These members continue to provide moral, financial and informational support to the New and Active members of the League. They also have the opportunity to stay involved in League activities, such as general meetings, member credit shifts, and serving as committee advisors. Many of these women continue their commitment to community service through volunteer positions with organizations across San Antonio, furthering the impact of the League’s effort to build better communities.

The League is extremely grateful for the sustainer’s wealth of knowledge and experience. The Luncheon was just one way we could show our gratitude for their continued commitment to the League and the community we serve. The League has many exciting events planned over the year for the sustainers. Up next, they will take a barge tour to see the Christmas lights on the River Walk!

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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID San Antonio, Tx Permit No.144

723 Brooklyn Avenue San Antonio, Texas 78215 T: 210.225.1861 F: 210.225.6832 www.jlsa.org

Our Mission

JLSACALENDAR! 2014

November 18 December 9 10 16

Board Meeting General Membership Meeting JLSA Taboo Series Board Meeting

2015

January 13 14 21 27 31 February 10 11 28 24 March 7 24

General Membership Meeting JLSA Taboo Serues President’s Chat Board Meeting Resolve for a Better SA 5k General Membership Meeting JLSA Taboo Series JLSA Goodwill “Rummage Around” Sale Board Meeting Fête du Cuvée Fine Wine Auction Board Meeting

April 8 14 28 May 12 26

JLSA Taboo Series General Membership Meeting Board Meeting General Membership Meeting Board Meeting