A Publication of the Junior League of San Antonio, Inc.
Spring 2017 | jlsa.org
SCRAWLS
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.
Board of Directors Janet Peavy
Table of Contents
President
Spring 2017
Celina Montoya President-Elect
Katie Kinder DeBauche Secretary
Cassie Schneider Treasurer
Yvonne Addison Treasurer-Elect
Sarah Wannarka Vice President of Community
Brandis Davis Vice President of Membership Development
Heather Blazi Vice President of Communications
Stephanie Girling Vice President of Fund Development
Letter from the President
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Know Your Strengths
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Volunteer Extraordinaire Anna-Laura Howell Block
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Social Hour
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Rummage Around: Goodwill
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New Member Profile Whitney Holt
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Michele Torres Vice President of Planning
Hazel Davis Program Development Chair
CJ Craig Social Inclusion Chair
Casino for a Cause: A Night in Monte Carlo
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GOAL: Growing Our Own Awesome Leaders
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Community Impact
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ยกVIVA! SA Race
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Active Member Profile Evin Eubanks
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1924 Society
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Margaret Tobin FAME Awards
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Jazz Hands: A History of the Sunshine Singers
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AMIGOS: A Mission in Giving Others Support
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Special Thanks to Our Sponsors and Donors
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Stephanie Reese Board Member-at-Large
Danielle Schick Bylaws/Parliamentarian
Joy McGaugh Vice Chair of Research & Development
Libby McKelvain Nominating Chair
Tiffany Nelson Property Chair
Laurin Cothren Sustaining Advisor
Jill Peavy Assistant to the President
Lupita Castrejรณn-Tijerina Managing Director
Letter from the President
Know Your Strengths What an incredible year we have had! As I reflect on this year, I am so honored to serve you as your president and am so proud of all we accomplished together. Our theme, Know Your Strengths, has resonated with me, and I hope each of you has found your own strengths this year. Personally, I have learned many new things about myself, and I wish I could share with you each one of my favorite moments, but there is not nearly enough room. So instead, here are my top 5 highlights:
Cause and our VIVA SA Race. Both events were absolutely spectacular, and the Fund Development Council deserves huge praise for all of their efforts. We tasked them to raise the bar on our fundraising efforts, and they delivered! 4. Our membership team has done an amazing job training our new members, providing timely and relevant trading through our Taboo series, and of course, increasing the level of training and development through our GOAL and LeaderBOARD programs.
1. We have a new look! You have probably seen our new website, which launched in January, and you are flipping through our newly revamped SCRAWLS. This refresh has given us a much more modern vibe, which reflects our membership. Technology and social media have paved the way of the future, and we are excited to be part of this trend. Throughout this year, we have delved more into the digital landscape and have found new ways to reach out to the community we love.
5. Research and Development presented their plan for next year, which includes exciting new placements. They have also worked hard to make the transition from a committee that sits under our Community team to an independent Council that will encompass not only Research and Development, but our Program Development and Social Inclusion. I am extremely humbled that I have been given the opportunity to represent our membership throughout this year. Our volunteers continually impress me with the work they do to make our community better. I hope each of you takes pride in all you have accomplished this year and continues to know your strengths.
2. On that note, we have had an incredible year in our Community. We have successfully completed our 3rd Annual FAME (Funding Arts and Music Education) Awards; we have launched a new partnership between our Community Gardens and Clarity Guidance Center placements; we had an amazing Rummage Around event with Goodwill, with our annual donations resulting in over $28,000 in gift cards to many of our community partners; and lastly, we have entered into an exciting new partnership with University Health System.
Thank you for all you do,
3. We also introduced two new fundraisers, our Casino for a
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Volunteer Extraordinaire “Without the Junior League and its invaluable training, I would not have become the volunteer I am today.” -Anna-Laura Howell Block By Crystal Sperber
Anna-Laura Howell Block
Thanks to the examples set forth by her parents, Anna-Laura grew up with a sense of humanitarianism and a philanthropic spirit. Since joining the Junior League of San Antonio (JLSA) in 1989, not a day passes by that Anna-Laura does not think about volunteering. “AnnaLaura is a deserving JLSA Volunteer Extraordinaire; she goes above and beyond in all her Volunteer commitments. Because she volunteers in areas she has a passion, her dedication and perseverance are strong. She has used the annual Volunteer Training and skills she learned in the Junior League to make a lasting community impact. Her impact and leadership during Fiesta is felt and loved by all. Truly, a Spring 2016
2017 Volunteer Extraordinaire,” says Rhonda Calvert, JLSA’s 2016 Volunteer Extraordinaire. Anna-Laura’s love of helping others, along with the training she received as a JLSA member, has enabled her to reach out into the community and make a positive and lasting impact. Michael Block, AnnaLaura’s husband, explains, “My wife Anna-Laura lives to devote her time to volunteering and helping others. Anna-Laura is a nurturer and seems to gravitate to those that need her most. Whether it be a 90-year-old man, like the one she takes care of, or a homeless animal on the street, she has an open heart and fills it with the love of helping others and putting their fears at ease. I have always been proud of her accomplishments, but 5
her love for being there for those in need is what impresses me the most.” Anna-Laura’s vision, dedication, and time are frequently sought after. The countless people and many causes she has invested in have only benefited from her involvement. Whether volunteering at the Battle of Flowers, Animal Defense League, Charity Ball, Conservation Society, Military Civilian Club, Witte Society, March of Dimes, or the San Antonio Zoo, Anna-Laura works with the confidence that can only come from experience. Anna-Laura exemplifies the true spirit of voluntarism!
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CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA! Facebook: Junior League of San Antonio Twitter: @JuniorLeagueSA Instagram: JuniorLeagueSA Snapchat: JLSA1924
SOCIAL HOUR
The latest League chatter.
#JLSA representing our city at ODI!
It was awesome to see a full studio last night at our Energy X Fitness fundraiser class! Thanks to everyone who came! Added bonus: in addition to 100% of the proceeds from reservations, they’re giving JLSA 10% of all class pack and merchandise sales last night, too!!
Big thank you to our community partner University Health System for an informative Community GMM tonight! We posed with an authentic, antique fire truck bell donated by the San Antonio Fire Department for pediatric oncology patients to ring when they have completed chemotherapy.
The 2017-2018 Board of Directors is loving their reusable shopping bags and tasty goodies at board retreat! Thanks Whole Foods Market! #wholefoodssatx
G.O.A.L Conference (Growing our Own Awesome Leaders) is in full swing at the very cool Codeup offices. The Junior League of San Antonio is dedicated to training women to be Awesome Leaders. #JLSAstrong!
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Visitation House Ministries; SAMM Ministries; The Children’s Shelter; Kendall County Women’s Shelter; Arc of San Antonio; Volunteer Services Council of the San Antonio State Hospital; Good Samaritan Community Services; Roy Maas Youth Alternatives; Chrysalis Ministries; Family Services Association; and Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas. All money made at the Rummage Around event goes to Goodwill to help cover the cost of the sale operations and marketing. JLSA volunteers are on site the weekend of sale, as well as the three weeks leading up to the event to help prepare the stores.
Rummage Around: Goodwill
“Since 2009, Goodwill San Antonio has been proud to partner with JLSA on the annual Rummage Around shopping tradition. This year’s expanded event was bigger and better than ever, proving that when two local nonprofits combine their unique strengths to serve the community, our impact is limitless,” says Penny Benavidez, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Goodwill San Antonio.
by Allison Marble
The 93rd Annual Rummage Around shopping event was held on Saturday, February 25, 2017, at 10 Goodwill stores across the city of San Antonio. In total, over 180 volunteer hours were worked by Junior League of San Antonio (JLSA) volunteers in the weeks leading up to, and during, the Rummage Around event. The Rummage Sale originally began as a JLSA fundraiser. In 2009, Goodwill offered to host the Rummage Sale in their retail locations, thus beginning Spring 2016
the partnership between Goodwill and the League. Throughout the League year, members donate new and gently used items to Goodwill stores. In return for the donations, Goodwill provides gift cards for JLSA to award to community partners. Our members donated $85,283 worth of goods this year, which resulted in $28,425 in Goodwill gift cards. Sixteen community partners received gift cards, including: Alpha Home; Boys Town, Inc.; Family Endeavors; Magdalena House; Seton Home; 7
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New Member Profile Whitney Holt Interview by Crystal Sperber
As her first year comes to a successful close, new member Whitney Holt has made a big impact! To learn a little more we spoke to Whitney’s new member mentor, Carol Godsey, who had these glowing words about Whitney: “Such a genuine and outgoing individual. She’s savvy and committed to making a difference in her community”. New to the San Antonio community and the League, Whitney is starting off on the right track. To get to know Whitney better, we asked her a few questions. Why did you join the League? When I moved to San Antonio in 2015, I was completely out of my comfort zone. Most of my girlfriends live in Houston, where I had moved from, and I was transitioning out of my 6 year career in education. I needed a group that I could join to build strong female friendships and find a purpose in giving back to the community thankfully that’s exactly what I found! What has been your favorite SA Works Shift so far? Why? I loved helping host the Spina Bifida Association Christmas party. It was the perfect mix of opportunity to talk and build connections with other Junior Leaguers while we wrapped presents and to work directly with community members who we could tell were so happy to have us there helping. What inspires you? As women we have an insane amount of pressure put on us from 100 different directions. I am incredibly inspired by women who have figured out that “having it all” isn’t nearly as important as building a life full of the things that matters to them.
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What’s your favorite place in San Antonio? I love The Cove! Any dog- and family-friendly place where I can get a good beer, pig out on a burger, and bask in the sunshine is my favorite kind of place. What’s one item on your bucket list? I want to write a book. I’ve been writing off and on for my blog for a while but had to put it on the back burner while I expand my business, so unfortunately this got downgraded from “To Do List” back to “Bucket List” for this year. Hopefully in 2018! What’s your next vacation? This year I plan to go to Denver and Havana. And if I can make it work, I’m trying to go back to Italy to explore the Amalfi Coast! What’s one item you can’t live without? My iPhone. I know that’s so basic, but I don’t even care - my entire life is in that thing. Best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten? “When in your gut you don’t feel an obvious right answer, pause and wait until you do.” Sometimes this means I’ve waited for months in certain situations before I know what to do, which is VERY against my nature. But I’ve found it to help in everything from business to dating to shopping, and now when nothing feels right, even if it looks right on paper, I wait and listen to my intuition before I move forward in any direction. Biggest challenge you’ve overcome? In September 2016, I left a very toxic relationship. We lived together, and I worked for him, so in the span of 2 hours I found myself homeless, jobless, phoneless, out the entire past year’s income, unable to access the shared storage unit with everything I owned locked inside, and beyond heartbroken. The outpouring of support I received from friends, family, and even total strangers helped me out of what could have been the darkest times of my life. Instead of pulling the covers over my head, I found a new place to live, did some traveling to clear my head, posted a lot on my blog, and started my own business. What is your current occupation? I am founder and CEO of my professional organizing company, Streamline. Our services specialize in helping clients declutter, simplify, organize, and restyle items to make wardrobes and living spaces more accessible and enjoyable. What is your dream job? I currently have it! With my clients, I work just as much on the emotional clutter that they’ve associated with their physical clutter, and empowering women while helping them get their homes in alignment with their goals is one of the most rewarding jobs I’ve ever had. I’m so excited that yesterday I announced that I will be hiring on to expand my team! Eventually I would like to be able to have a team and system in place that allows me to work remotely and travel more. What is your favorite part about the League? I have been impressed with every single woman I have met through the League - they are all hustlers and dreamers and advocates who are passionate about helping people and transforming the lives of those around them.
Waking Up with Whitney
1. Drink a huge glass of water 2. Go for a walk and use dictation on my iPhone to fill out my gratitude journal 3. Workout class 4. Shower 5. Then I’m ready to face the world (most days) Spring 2016
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Casino for a Cause: A Night in Monte Carlo by Crystal Sperber
On February 3, 2017, the Junior League of San Antonio (JLSA) went big by hosting Casino for a Cause: A Night in Monte Carlo at the Historic Pearl Brewery Stables. Every year JLSA hosts a gala event to raise funds for our various community organization partners and projects. This was Casino’s inaugural year, and there was a lot of support from the community at large. The event sold all 400 available tickets! At a thank you reception before the event, Casey Marcin of Cooksey & Marcin stated, “My law firm views community involvement as very important. We are proud to sponsor such a great cause like JLSA.” Casino for a Cause opened up to the beats of South Texas Jazz and quickly became a full house. Tickets Spring 2016
included valet parking and a casino chip valued at $250. In addition to the plethora of casino gaming tables that included blackjack, roulette, craps and poker, there were also options for the non-gamblers such as raffles, a Kendra Scott prize wheel, and silent auction. Justin Barbour, Casino Night attendee, raved, “Junior League rolled the dice on this event and we all came out winners. It was a great evening with friends benefitting an organization that supports the entire community.” Throughout the evening, emcees Claudia and Michael Garofalo from News 4 WOAI kept Casino attendees entertained. With an open bar serving delicious cocktails and an array of hors d’ oeuvres and desserts, guests were able to leisurely enjoy an evening of gaming for a good cause.
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Whitney Ormond, Chair of the committee of dedicated ladies that organized the Casino event, exclaimed, “I just want to thank www.jlsa.org
everyone for the outpouring of support for this new event! It’s an idea we dreamed up about a year ago, and to see it come to fruition in such a big way is something of which I’m extremely proud and excited! It really seemed like everyone had a great time, and I think this event has the potential to grow into a signature fundraiser for the Junior League of San Antonio and have a positive impact on our community for years to come!” Whitney and her team have a lot to be proud of as this event is expected to net around $18,000. For sure, at the end of the night the biggest winner of all are the many community programs and projects The Junior League of San Antonio, Inc. help to support. The Junior League of San Antonio looks forward to presenting the second annual Casino for a Cause event in Spring 2018.
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Thank you to our Casino for a Cause Sponsors
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Save The Date!
October 26-29, 2017 at Shrine Auditorium
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Over the course of the weekend, GOAL participants attend not only a variety of education training sessions, but also enjoy a night out in downtown San Antonio!
GOAL:
Growing Our Own Awesome Leaders by Ardella Anderson Over the weekend of January 14th, 23 JLSA members participated in the 5th annual Growing Our Awesome Leaders (GOAL) in-league leadership conference. Attendees included New Members, Transfers, and Actives who spent the two days gaining a better understanding of themselves while making new friends within the League. This year’s conference was held downtown at the CodeUp Offices, a unique education startup that teaches students computer programming skills during a 4-month boot camp. This partnership included a large classroom for presentations, a kitchen, a breakroom, and some fun unexpected spaces. Saturday night, the women stayed at the historic St. Anthony Hotel and enjoyed a lively dinner at Ácenar. Prior to the conference, the women all took the Gallup StrengthFinders Assessment to identify each member’s top 5 strengths. During the first session, speaker Kathy Kersten reviewed how each participant could use her strengths in all aspects of her life and demonstrated how people with complimenting strengths could work effectively together. Immediate Past President Lorena Peña came to discuss how to build cohesive teams. After lunch, Sustaining member Brooke Meabon visited the group and discussed how to effectively set goals, and Spring 2016
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another guest, Marion Lee, engaged the class on the fundamentals of fundraising. Sunday’s topics included a presentation from local awardwinning reporter Emily Baucum on public speaking, and Junior League of San Antonio President Janet Peavy came to end the conference with an overview on leadership. Participants were also given time to get crafty and create vision boards to supplement their goal setting. Overall, the women were able to build and gain skills that they can use both inside and outside the League.
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Did You Know?
2016-17 LeaderBOARD Class
The Junior League of San Antonio runs a second leadership academy, LeaderBOARD Any community member can participate - male or female! Provides training for individuals who want to serve on nonprofit boards. Graduates go on to make an impact in San Antonio in a variety of organizations.
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making an impact in our c 292
14 gardens
hours
Volunteers in the Community Gardens placement worked over 292 hours in 14 dierent gardens during the League year.
Over three years, the Margaret Tobin FAME Awards have awarded
$26,000
in grants g to San Antonio area high school performing arts programs. Clarity Guidance Center volunteers spent 560 hours with 464 children and used 168 glitter pens.
122 girls
16 days
46
sessions
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JLSA Science Camp volunteers taught 46 session to 122 girls over 16 days.
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r community 3,229 SA works hours completed
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410 senior citizens
facilities
Sunshine Singers performed at 30 facilities for a total of 410 senior citizens.
5,844 Prevent Blindness screened 5,844 children in San Antonio ISD.
children
0
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At Family Endeavors, children searched for 450 eggs in an Easter egg hunt.
0
Doseum placement participants trained 300 volunteers.
r league of san antonio Spring 2016
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¡VIVA! SA Race BY Crystal Sperber
On Saturday, March 25, under a bright blue sunny sky, people were dressed as tacos and piñatas as they gathered downtown at San Antonio’s illustrious Hemisfair Park to run for a good cause. The 5th annual Junior League of San Antonio (JLSA) Viva! SA Race was on, sporting a colorful barrage of participants and onlookers dressed in this year’s fiesta theme. The annual 5k/10k Race was filled with approximately 700 runners, all supporting the cause of not only JLSA, but the more than 60 community partners the League supports. In addition, over 45 vendors/sponsors were in attendance, includng our title sponosrs University Health System and Whole Foods Market.
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¡VIVA! SA runners along the San Antonio River Walk’s Mission Reach.
This family-friendly event engaged and delighted the entire San Antonio community. Grand marshals Leslie Mouton and Mark Austin of local ABC affiliate KSAT 12 helped to kick off the race and festivities. Early registrants received TEK-Tees to help stay dry as they went out to dominate the course. Not only did local businesses support JLSA, but so did many individuals within the San Antonio community. This race was a record year, increasing race participation by 30% and doubling the amount of money raised last year. Post-race celebrations included food, drinks, music, tons of family-friendly activities, goodies from health and wellness vendors, and fun awards.
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Each participant also received a swag bag loaded with coupons, discounts and promotional items from sponsors! Sadie Schweers, ¡Viva! SA Race Business Chair, had this to say about the event: “¡Viva! attracted many participants to the beautiful Hemisfair Park and provided a great event for many ages, all while raising money for the Junior League of San Antonio. It was a wonderful race!” Amanda Crouch, ¡Viva! SA Race committee chair added: “¡Viva! SA Race was such a successful event! Runners enjoyed fabulous weather and a brand new course that ran along the San Antonio River and through the King William district. The Viva committee enjoyed
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getting to work with all of our fabulous sponsors and vendors, especially our title sponsors, Whole Foods Market and University Health System, to execute a fun post-race celebration full of free food and swag for runners to enjoy. Thanks to all of our runners and sponsors – we look forward to seeing you again next year!” JLSA is looking forward to next year’s 6th annual ¡Viva! SA Race, where we hope to continue breaking records and raising money to support our great mission: ¡Viva! JLSA! ¡Viva! Community!
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Runners participating in a group warm up before the race start.
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Active Member Profile Evin Eubanks Interview by Crystal Sperber
Active member Evin Eubanks has been a member of the League since 2015. Evin currently sits on the Margaret Tobin FAME Awards committee. FAME Chair, Tracey Garza and assistant chair Courtney May, were happy to tell us just how valuable an asset Evin is to their committee: “As Program and Staging Chair, Evin has leveraged her relationships with influential leaders in the San Antonio performing arts community to help spread the word about the exciting ways the FAME Awards program is impacting our San Antonio high schools. Evin utilizes her performing arts background to bring creative ideas and a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team.” An integral member of her committee, we wanted to get to know Evin a little better. Why did you join the League? Sarah Wannarka invited me to join when I moved back to San Antonio from Chicago. It seemed like a great opportunity to meet new people and get involved in the San Antonio community – it turned out to be true! What has been your favorite SA Works Shift so far? Why? Habitat for Humanity. Working alongside the families that our service would be benefiting showed us first hand the impact of our work in the community. What’s your next vacation? My family is planning an Alaskan cruise at the end of this summer. We have heard it is spectacularly beautiful, and we are all excited to experience this together. One thing you can’t live without? My family. They are my biggest supporters, my reality check, and the people I love most in the world.
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What’s in Your Fridge?
Bottled Water
Turkey Chorizo
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc
Whole Foods Seeduction Bread Peanut Butter Bailey’s Wet Dog Food
Best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten? Everything will be fine in the end. If it’s not fine, it’s not the end. Favorite quote? It is a toss up between, “Enjoy the ride” and “What are you waiting for?” What’s your favorite placement? FAME. It is important to me to support the performing arts programs in the public school system. Those programs were the foundation for where I am today professionally. What brought you to San Antonio? San Antonio is my hometown. After Texas Tech (Guns Up!) and 14 years in Chicago, I was excited to come back. San Antonio has so many wonderful and unique things to offer, plus it is home to incredibly kind, warm, and generous people. I am proud to call it my home. Favorite place to grab a drink? Any place where my friends are! What is your current occupation? I am the Executive Director of Ballet San Antonio. I am thrilled to be a part of this organization and the performing arts community in San Antonio. What is your favorite part about the League? Friendship. My closest girlfriends are those I have met in the League. What inspires you? People. They are a constant surprise. Spring 2016
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1924 Society Thank you to the members of the 1924 Society, who have donated $500 or more to the Junior League of San Antonio during the 2016-2017 League year.
Karen Brown Lisa Cohick Rachel Scarbrough Cole Elizabeth Forster Crystal Fuller Gretchen Garceau-Kragh Stephanie Girling Joy McGaugh Celina Montoya Kristen Palme Janet Peavy Courtney Ringelstein Cassie Schneider Laura Talley Andrea Tingleff
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Margaret Tobin FAME Awards BY Allison Marble
Seventy-one students across nine high schools, representing six independent school districts, competed as finalists in the 2017 FAME Awards. The winners included: Ronald Reagan High School for Best Instrumental Performance and Best Dance Performance, Earl Warren High School for Best Theatrical Performance, and Seguin High School for Best Vocal Performance. The third annual Margaret Tobin FAME Awards took place on April 9, 2017. The Funding Arts and Music Education (FAME) Awards are named for Margaret Tobin (1900-1989), a civic leader and Junior League of San Antonio member, in honor of her vision and generous support of the performing arts. Through the FAME Awards, JLSA is able to recognize the best and brightest performing arts programs in public and private high schools in the San Antonio area. To compete in the FAME Awards, all applicants posted a video of their performance to YouTube for judging in one of four categories: Theatrical, Dance, Instrumental, or Vocal Performance. Three finalists were chosen in each category to compete at the awards on April 9th. The final scores are a compilation of Technical Skill, Artistic Presentation, Level of Difficulty, and Overall Performance.
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“The FAME team did a remarkable job orchestrating the third annual Margaret Tobin FAME Awards, and we all had a blast at the show! We are very grateful for the Junior League of San Antonio Board’s support for growing this program. It was extremely gratifying to get to award grant money to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place performances this year. The students’ performances were phenomenal, and we are delighted to get to showcase San Antonio youth’s talent in the performing arts,” says Tracey Garza, FAME Chair. Over the past three years, the FAME awards have given $26,000 in grants to the San Antonio area performing arts programs. with $12,000 in grant money given in 2017.
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Improving Communities. Impacting Lives.
136,000
community hours in 2014
$100.9M
$38M
raised for children’s charities since 2002
donated to charities in 2014
2-time
Civic-50 award recipient
As America’s largest refiner and a leading marketer, we’re proud to fuel America’s needs. We make it our mission to improve the lives of people in the communities where we live and work. Our employees raise millions of dollars and volunteer thousands of hours every year to worthy projects in their neighborhoods. It’s a commitment that has been part of our culture from the beginning. We are driven to make an impact in the lives of others.
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fulfilling for both the residents and the volunteers.” In 1976-77, JLSA created a committee called “Musical Therapy.” Its stated goal was “to provide a musical experience for the elderly in San Antonio area nursing homes.” Morningside Manor and Musical Therapy are both documented in the 1977-1978 Annual Report. From there? B-I-N-G-O (pun intended)! In 1978-79 JLSA created the Sunshine Singers! The stated goal was to “bring cheer through music to patients in hospitals and nursing homes and to increase our own knowledge of the therapeutic value of music.” In 1978-79, “23 volunteers, including 18 provisionals . . . present[ed] a lively musical program. Dressed in blue denim skirts and sporting bright yellow bandanas, the group entertained many patients and encouraged them to sing along with the familial songs.”
Jazz Hands: A History of the Sunshine Singers BY Casey Marcin jazz hands (noun): a gesture in which the hands are waved rapidly to and fro with the palms facing forward and the fingers splayed, used typically to express or indicate excitement or triumph. For the Junior League of San Antonio, the spotting of jazz hands is a telltale sign you have met one of our famous Sunshine Singers. The Sunshine Singers are a group of JLSA volunteers that visits assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and retirement communities across San Antonio to entertain senior citizens. Providing cheer to our senior community is something that is steeped deep in JLSA history. Before the Sunshine Singers, the Morningside Manor Committee provided supportive services to the professional staff and the residents of the church-supported nursing home. According to the JLSA 1974-75 Annual Report, the League volunteers did several jobs, including re-motivation, leading the choir, occupational therapy, and “stitchery.” “Being at the Manor is not only giving hours that are needed but being in touch with people who are often isolated with their own age group and who desperately need contacts with the vitality of our world,” said Mary Beth Williamson, 1974-75 Volunteer Coordinator. However, in the 1975-76 League year, the Morningside Manor placement dealt mainly with playing bingo with the residents. There was a “mix-up” that year, and it was reported that it had not “worked out very well for anyone. I am sure there is some sort of program that could be developed that would be more Spring 2016
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Coming full circle, the November 16, 2009, Event Calendar for Morningside Manor states, “Get ready to be dazzled by the Sunshine Singers’ bright smiles, laughter, memories, and music.” In the Fall of 2016, our Singers performed at 30 facilities for a total of 410 senior citizens. “Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.” –James M. Barrie.
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AMIGOS: A Mission in Giving Others Support Thirteen years ago, the Junior League of San Antonio (JLSA) saw a need to establish a program that would help support our League members during their times of sadness or mourning and celebrate our members when there was cause for acknowledgment or joy. In the Fall of 2004, JLSA created AMIGOS, a program that would give our fellow League members an extra hand when needed. “AMIGOS is one of the special committees that really sets our League apart from others. It is a conduit through which members can celebrate triumphs and milestones with one another. It is also an opportunity for genuine empathy and Spring 2016
compassion during difficult moments. Through the ups and downs of life, we are here to lift one another up and recognize each woman as a unique individual. It has been a true honor and pleasure to serve in this position. I have really enjoyed connecting with so many strong and amazing women on an intimate level.”, shared Carleigh Cadieux, AMIGOS Assistant Chair. This support can come in various forms, such as providing meals, small gifts, cards of celebration or condolence, an ear to listen or a shoulder to cry on. Rachel Brehm, AMIGOS Assistant Chair, says, “I’ve 28
enjoyed my year in this placement because we get to support our fellow league members through significant milestones in their lives. Each of the members we reached out to this year has gone through either a positive transition - from a new baby, to a promotion, to a new home, or completing marathons - or through times where a shoulder to cry on or someone to send uplifting thoughts can make a difference. We support each other during the good times and uplift through the hard times. It’s been a pleasure letting fellow League members know that no one is alone.” If you or a League member you know deserves a pat on the back or some assistance through a difficult time, please contact AMIGOS at amigos@ jlsa.org.
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Little Leaguers
Celebrations
Kayla Bayer welcomed Eastley James Beyer, born on March 6, 2017.
Emily Littlefield and Steve Daugherty were married on November 19, 2016, at Our Lady of the Lake University.
Marguerite Dreiss welcomed Oliver Stephan Dreiss, born on February 15, 2017. Emily Hood welcomed Adeline Margaret Hood, born on November 14, 2016. Katie Westbrook welcomed Bennett Westbrook, born on October 25, 2016. Amanda McChesney welcomed Avery and Elijah McChesney, born on November 4, 2016.
Caitlin Irwin and Michael Lambert were married on December 31, 2016, at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. John the Baptist. Joyce Fienman and Thomas Watson got engaged on February 4, 2017, at Enchanted Rock. Diane Castillo and Blaine Lewis got engaged at Grape Creek Vineyards on April 2, 2017.
Madelyn Zaragoza and Donald Tiffany Nelson welcomed Hailey Abell Harvey got engaged on October 7, 2016. Nelson, born September 28, 2016. Spring 2016
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Personal Accomplishments Sara Gerrish and Yvonne Addison were installed as Board Members for the South San Antonio Chamber of Commerce Ruth Morris graduated from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Alexander Briseño Leadership Development Program. Leslie Edwards was named President of the Tri Delta San Antonio Alumnae Chapter. Crystal Sperber’s artwork was selected for display at the Hill Country Arts Foundation Visual Arts Center.
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Special Thanks to Our Sponsors and Donors Your Generosity Makes Our Work Possible
3 Thread/Scott-Wynne
Halo Couture
Saks Fifth Avenue
9 Round 30 Minute Kickbox
Hopdoddy
Salons by JC
Absolutely Delicious Catering
J.June
San Antonio Current
Alamo Beer Company
Julianne & David Reeves
San Antonio Symphony
Alamo City Comic Con
JLSA Board of Directors
Sandrine Shelton-Denbow
Alamo City Moms Blog
Karen Brown
SAT Revolution
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema San Antonio
Kathy De La Paz
Shetler Wade Jewelers
Alamo Fireworks, Inc.
Kawasaki of Universal City
Silverhorn Golf Club
Alford & O’Brien PC
Kendra Scott Jewelry
Sister Schubert
Allways Autogroup, Ltd.
Kiddie Park
Slogan Stuff
Americus Diamond
Kristen Palme
Smart Barre San Antonio
Aqua Tots
Lantana Spa
SoLuna
ARG Photographs // Photographs for the
Las Casas Foundation
South Texas Money Management, Ltd.
Lolly’s Land and Sea Travel Agency
Spice of Life Catering
Ashley Brownlee
Sandee Marion
Spurs Sports & Entertainment
Bakery Lorraine
Mash’d
State Farm Companies Foundation
Bambinos
Mazurek & Holliday, PC
Studio Benton Photographic Boutique
Bar Louie
Mary Beth Murphree
SwipeTrack Solutions
Bear and Roo Candle Co.
Moxie Photography
Texas Beer Bus Tours
Belles & Beaux
Napa Flats
The Beauty Lounge at Blanco
Blo Blow Dry Bar
Neiman Marcus San Antonio
The Bra Box
Blue Aura Face and Body
Nina Shokrian
The Bra Chick
Boerne Chamber of Commerce
Nova Aesthetics
The Quarry Golf Club
Briscoe Western Art Museum
Offenhauser & Co. Insurance
The Zachry Foundation
Broadway Bank
Olivia Mansion Bed & Breakfast
Tony Parker
Capital Group Companies
Paige Tate & Co
Topgolf
Celina Montoya
Perry’s Steakhouse and Grille
TPC San Antonio
Cheesy Jane’s
Petal Post
Trader Joe’s
Corner Bakery Cafe
Priscilla Reynosa
Trailer Park Trinkets
Vicki Dieterle
Purple Leaf Designs
University Health System
Dos Carolinas
Raquel’s Skin Boutique
Wave Healthcare
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Rene Mulholland
Waxing the City
Flower and Vine
Rhonda J. Shoppe
Whiskey Cake
Future Sounds
Rich Garza
Whitney Ormond
Gigi’s Cupcakes
Richard Almaguer
Yellow Cab
glassybaby
S&R Properties
GLI Distributing
Sadie Schweers
Modern Family
Spring 2016
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www.jlsa.org
OUR VISION We are a community of women realizing and cultivating our gifts, passion and purpose. We will advance San Antonio through bold female leadership in positions of responsibility and influence.
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
Calendar of Events Annual Meeting
June 13
General Membership Meeting
July 11
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General Membership Meeting
May 9
August 8 General Membership Meeting October 26-29 Holiday Olé Market