President’s
Spring Perspective
What an amazing year we’ve had in league!!! It’s hard to believe it’s actually over!
The year’s theme was “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work” and now, at the conclusion of the year, it’s obvious we made that theme a reality! Our stellar year was made possible because we worked together to get all the jobs done.
Since our last newsletter installment in early February, many events and projects have taken place. In February, we had a great new KIDS IN THE KITCHEN event – with a cool twist on the traditional Kids in the Kitchen premise. We hope to build upon that new foundation and make the event a huge, signature event for our organization. Thanks to the awesome committee and IMG for making the new concept possible.
We had our first ever Putt-Putt Golf Tournament and it was a smashing success!
Attendees enjoyed good food, beer and a cool day near the beach as they puttered their way across The Fish Hole golf course. Thanks to the committee chairs – Laura Johnson and Catherine Bartz - and all the event volunteers who made it a great day and a good profit for JLMC.
Early in March, the American Girl Fashion Show took place and it was HUGE success for us! Tremendous KUDOS to Bev Burdette and Erin Novarro!!! Thank you both for doing such great work for league!!! Many thanks to the scores of JLMC members and volunteers who put forth such incredible effort to make the show a success. I’d like to also recognize Kim Murawski, Jamie Breton, Tiffany Cumberland, Amber Westfall, Anna McSwain and Luquandra Ruckinger, who went above and beyond the call of duty and were instrumental in the event’s success. The other leagues in central Florida wanted the event for themselves but I’m happy to report, we were able to secure it again next year! Hooray!!! This event brings league tons of new member interest and opens us many new community partner opportunities for league, so I sincerely hope we’ll utilize the event for the next several years to maximize our reach in the community.
We closed out the league year with the ninth and final Women In Strength Awards
luncheon. The 2010 award winners are Carlita Encarnancion, Eden Banks and Christina Stockton. We will certainly miss the event and hope that one day, we can partner with another philanthropic group to bring it back. Many thanks to Kara Bettle, Jacki Dezelski and Amy Wick Mavis, PACE’s Executive Director, for their vision and dedication to the event. Patty Eurice and her committee did a fantastic job and made the last luncheon event a truly memorable occasion.
Our year closed with the Annual Dinner event held at Freedom Village on May 11, 2010. Guests dined on scrumptious food, thanks to Chef Luciano Silva and staff, and enjoyed a great slide show presentation and awards ceremony. We had a ton of people to recognize and thank this year, and the award winners will be listed in this edition of Memos. Special thanks to our very special group of Community Partners, whose support has made this fabulous year possible.
“Thank you” is such a small phrase but I hope it conveys to you the feeling of immense gratitude I have for all the wonderful things you’ve done this year. YOU are the reason this has been such a productive and fun year. YOU are the reason our projects and fundraisers were so successful. YOU are the reason we had such a committed group of Provisionals. YOU are the reason we have dedicated Community Partners, whose support has helped us cut expenses and put more money back into the community. Your commitment to league this year has made a difference – to the organization’s future and to the children in Manatee County.
Next year will see us reach new heights and conquer new challenges. Stay engaged with league and find a placement that you are passionate about because I PROMISE YOU that this is an organization for every woman, no matter what your situation. There IS a place for you in league and the experience can truly change your life.
Please thank your outgoing Executive Council members for their leadership and stewardship this year. They’ve done amazing things and put in a ton of hours serving league. We could not have had such an incredible year without them, so please let them know how much you appreciate them. Let’s all give the new Executive Council our support and encouragement in the coming year. They have fun things planned for us!
Thank you for the opportunity and privilege to serve you this year. Thank you for the memories, the support and the words of encouragement. I look forward to passionately serving league with all of you again next year!!! I love you ladies!!!
With thanks and gratitude,
Mimi Sheffer