AMIGOS: A Mission in Giving Others Support Birth & Marriage Announcements and Accomplishments

AMIGOS: A MISSION IN GIVING OTHERS SUPPORT

Birth and Marriage Announcements

Clockwise from top left

Erinn Walker welcomed a baby boy (Samuel) in August.

Pamela Cantu welcomed a baby boy (Henry) in August.

Stephanie Osterveen got engaged in June.

Rebecca Burshe welcomed a baby boy (Daniel) and a baby girl (Merit) in September.

Hazel Davis got engaged in June. (picture not shown)

Accomplishments

From top to bottom

Kristen Henry started her own literacy consulting practice and wrote a book.

Lauren Malitz earned bronze medals in women’s slalom, tricks, jumping and overall at the 2019 International Waterski and Wakeboard Federation Senior Pan American Championship.

Melanie Tawil was appointed by Mayor Ron Nirenberg to the City of San Antonio Small Business Advocacy Committee.

Ruth Morris celebrated her white coat ceremony. She is completing the Translational Science Ph.D. program in the Graduate School of Biomedial Sciences at UT Health San Antonio.

SUSTAINER LUNCHEON An Annual Reunion

The San Antonio Garden Center was the place to be on October 30 for the Junior League of San Antonio’s annual Sustainer Luncheon. Over 80 of JLSA’s sustaining members celebrated their continued dedication to the League, caught up with old friends, and learned about current happenings in the organization. Along with a State-of-the-League presentation by President Yvonne Addison, four sustainers also spoke to attendees as part of the festivities. The Sustainer Engagement Committee, consisting of Marissa Cox, Ria Patel, Catie White, and special assistants Brandi Adams and Alyssa Ramirez, did an excellent job of putting together this lovely event, to include décor, photo opportunities, and a “Remember When” display table with items from JLSA’s past. Two new members—Hayley Cleary with Crumbs by Hayley and Brooke Morales with Ballooms of San Antonio—helped make this day special by sharing their creative talents with the League. As a small token of appreciation, attendees went home with hand-crafted Junior League logo cookies and individual mini succulents that everyone could not seem to get enough of. Lesley Vernor, the Sustaining Advisor to the Membership Development Council, kicked off the program with a beautiful welcome address and her appreciation for each person in attendance. Gretchen Garceau-Kragh, the 2018-2019 Volunteer Extraordinaire and Sustaining Advisor to the Finance Committee, spoke about how the League played a pivotal role in her life by welcoming her to each new city with an instant group of friends, given her experience as a military spouse having to move multiple times over the years. Highlighting both educational and inspirational aspects, Gretchen attributed JLSA leading her to fundraising and finance expertise, more community involvement with other non-profits, and even getting her hands dirty with the grease trap in the Bright Shawl kitchen. In remembrance of Past President Marilyn Eldridge who recently passed away, Gretchen praised Marilyn’s encouragements, humor, grace, and candor.

“Thanks to all of you, children are educated; the homeless are fed; girls are strong, smart, and bold; and the environment is protected.” Gretchen Garceau-Kragh, JLSA Sustaining Member Introducing the inaugural Sustainer Leadership Board, Sheila Mayfield, the Sustaining Advisor to the Board of Directors, explained how this new group will focus efforts on how sustainers like to be engaged and plans for sustainer-only Done-In-A-Day projects. The Sustaining Advisor to the Fund Development Council Melissa UnsellSmith led a conversation on the importance of “Sustaining our Mission” through the Annual Loyalty Fund. Giving specific examples for exactly how far a dollar can go to support Science Camp, the Children’s Bereavement Center, and FAME (Funding Arts and Music Education), Melissa asked all sustainers to consider what JLSA has done for them personally and how empowering and bold our programs are when considering BY CHALA CRIPPS MCDONALD

26 the significance of additional giving.

President Yvonne Addison delivered a strong message about how the Junior League remains a cornerstone of philanthropy and how we are setting the trajectory for our 100th year coming up in 2024. She described how our members continue the legacy of volunteering with the San Antonio Zoo, which just celebrated its 50th anniversary of the docent program that JLSA created; our partnership with Girls Inc. and inspiring work at Science Camp; and our ongoing support for the Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf Children scholarship programs. As we #Liftoff to 100, Yvonne detailed the reestablishment of the Community Advisory Board, property sale investment plans, search for a new executive director, and our Centennial Partnership with Clarity Child Guidance Center for our Signature Project and Paving New Paths Campaign.

As the Luncheon wound down, there certainly was no shortage of chatter, laughter, poses for the camera, and even new friendships being formed, which afterall, is the best sign of a successful event!