Letter from the President
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ou may have noticed that the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) only bestows one award each year. Though we provide multiple grants, scholarships and other volunteer opportunities, we choose to select one woman who exemplifies the League’s educational and charitable mission. I cannot think of a more coveted and meaningful award, and I’m so proud to celebrate Wendy Beron, JLNO’s 2020 Sustainer of the Year. What a gift she’s been to both the League and the greater New Orleans community. This issue of Lagniappe addresses essential topics for both JLNO’s members and the League as a whole. Learn more about how we are advancing the wellbeing of women through our upcoming Women’s Leadership Summit scheduled for October (page 10). You can also read about Run, Walk, Give — a great fundraising opportunity for the League in partnership with the Crescent City Classic 10k race taking place in April (page 12). Gain insight from fellow members in the article highlighting League members parenting children with disabilities (page 22). Lastly, how can we forget our sustainers who continue to support JLNO after all their years of dedication and service? We checked in with some to learn where they are now. As the year-end is swiftly approaching, I truly want to say thank you to those who have made the year (so far) such a sweeping success. The 20192020 Board of Directors have been dedicated to our League’s mission, ensuring meaningful member experiences long before they said yes to this leadership role. They continue to amaze and educate me. Committee chairs were tasked with unfathomable goals and continuously exceed them. Each and every sustainer, active, transfer and provisional member are a lifeline for our League. Without you, JLNO would not be able to thrive. Some may be reading and wondering — why thank you, and why now? There’s another issue? My biggest thank you of all is coming next. Thanks for all YOU have done so far, and thank you for letting me be part of your JLNO journey.
Christine M. Vinson President
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Lagniappe | Spring 2020
Photo by: Jessica Bachmann
