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EIGHT DECADES OF SERVICE: The Junior League of McAllen's Legacy
By Dr. Kimberly Selber
There’s a spirit of community and care that threads through McAllen, woven mainly by the women of the Junior League of McAllen (JLM). Founded in 1938, JLM has been dedicated to addressing local needs and enhancing lives for almost 90 years. Beyond just volunteering, these women have shaped McAllen’s history, turning compassion into action in ways that resonate throughout the community.
The Junior League of McAllen is a member of a global network comprising 292 Junior Leagues, bringing together over 155,000 women from Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the United States. These women are united in their commitment to tackling local health and social issues through the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI).
The organization’s journey began as the Junior Service League of McAllen, launched by Mrs. J.V. (Melba) Carpenter at the home of Mrs. T.E. Vessels. Initially, the League focused on educating its members about social service and supporting health campaigns. This foundation set the stage for their pivotal role in establishing the McAllen Child Clinic in the 1940s, a decade that also saw them deeply involved in war relief efforts.
As the 1950s and ‘60s unfolded, the League broadened its scope. It organized charity events and expanded its funding to include various health and educational programs. The Follies, their major fundraising event, played a crucial role in financing significant projects, such as the pediatrics wing at McAllen Municipal Hospital (Now McAllen Medical Center) and the children’s wing at the McAllen Memorial Library.
Transitioning into the 1970s, the League took on a key project—establishing the McAllen International Museum of Art & Science. The following decade solidified their national standing when they were formally admitted into the AJLI, marking an era of expanded outreach to support at-risk children through various educational and health initiatives.
The momentum continued into the 1990s, with the League making substantial donations to enhance local educational and healthcare facilities. Their commitment extended into the 2000s with the development of RioScape, a Discovery Park that earned the prestigious AJLI/BMW Community Impact Award.
More recently, the League has adapted to modern needs with initiatives like the Kids in the Kitchen program, aimed at promoting health and nutrition. Their response to Hurricane Harvey and continued community partnerships highlight their ongoing commitment to improving family wellness and educational opportunities.
Today, as the Junior League of McAllen celebrates over 80 years of service, their enduring legacy is a testament to the power of collective effort in shaping healthier and more educated communities.
As the 85th president of the Junior League of McAllen, I am honored to be part of a legacy of amazing women who have tirelessly worked to empower not only their members but also community partners and Rio Grande Valley families. Our commitment to creating a strong community is reflected in programs like “Kids in the Kitchen” and a variety of provisional projects, aiming to address emerging needs and uplift the community.
Past JLM Presidents
Nina Fritz
Ikie LeBow
Mararite Boettger
Marty Carter
Helen Terry
Katie Herndon
Gracie Elmore
Arlen Kamlah
Jean Moor
Martha Darby
Alva Cox
Ruth Jasper
Lucille Rochs
Jean Byrnes
Virginia Arnold
Jean Duncan
Jean Pitchford
Ellen King
Marge Hart
Carolyn Kern
Marilyn Moffitt
Marabeth Terrell
Nell Bentsen
Betty Ann McCullick
Mary Lou Kennard
Marion Fitch
Polly Sowell
Hilda Lewin
Willavae Etchison
Ann Moore
Judith Bevil
Joy Judin
Gerrie Fritts
Ginger McClure
Sue Zipper-Meek
Elsie Hirsch
Lynda Moor
Dardanella Cardenas
Jane McGilvray
Linda Whitis
Baudelia Crane
Gerry Batte Russell
Gayle Runnels
Geen Wilkins
Mel Johnstone
Karen Henderson
Patty Fallek
Sandy Thompson
Amy Seitz
Tina Martin
Jolene Bitko
Suzanne Gray
Susie Miller
Wileen King
Peggy Baldwin
Karen Boggus
Kathy Collins
Stephanie Wilson
Tracy Crain
Kathy Mills
Debbie Brooks
Dee Dee Hockema
Mary Jane Schwarz
Tracy Twenhafel
Jennifer Lewis
Irma L. Garza
Jamie Runnels
Michelle Kinney
Lisa Keller
Cindee Godinez
Lorena Castillo
Eva Tavarez
Kristy Ochoa
Denise Garcia Thieme
Ann Rowland
Linda Requenez
Stephanie Moore
April Chapa
Brianne Santos
Jessica Johnson Gutierrez
Lindsey Richards
Cassandra Moreno
Liza de los Santos
Vianey Gonzalez
Yirla Gonzalez Nolan
Cynthia Villanueva
