JLCR Leaders Selected to Serve on Association of Junior Leagues International Task Force
Two Junior League of Cedar Rapids (JLCR) leaders have been selected to help set the direction of Junior League policy for Leagues throughout the country and internationally.JLCR President Karen Pelletier and JLCR Past President Nancy Evans, both of Cedar Rapids, will serve on an Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI) Task Force that will discuss possible changes to Junior League policy and explore ways in which Junior Leagues can collaborate on external issues to be more effective locally, nationally and internationally. AJLI is comprised of more than 160,000 women in 293 Junior Leagues throughout Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United States.
AJLI has formed four task force groups made up of 50 members from 44 Leagues to study various issues. Pelletier was named to the AJLI Diversified Fund Development Task Force. Evans was named to the Collaborative League Engagement Task Force. They were selected from more than 150 applicants.
Pelletier has been a member of Junior League for 10 years—six in Washington D.C. and four in Cedar Rapids. During her time in Junior League, she has served in several roles, including Ways & Means Chair and Vice President of Finance.
Evans, who has been in Junior League for more than 30 years, is a former JLCR President and former AJLI President.
JLCR Member Selected for Leadership for Five Seasons
Junior League of Cedar Rapids (JLCR) member Molly Baynes has been selected as one of the city’s emerging and existing leaders to participate in the Leadership for Five Seasons program.Leadership for Five Seasons, a program sponsored by the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, is designed to prepare participants to be community trustees. The goal of the program is to supply the Cedar Rapids community with informed, skilled leaders willing to serve as active volunteers.
JLCR nominates one member each year to the Leadership for Five Season program after an internal application and nomination process. Baynes, 32, has been a member of JLCR for four years and has been chair of the Marketing/Public Relations Committee and assistant chair of the Placement Committee.
A Cedar Rapids native, Baynes decided to apply for the program to increase the value she brings to her job, the community, and volunteer organizations. She had met with several fellow Rockwell Collins employees who had gone through the program and was inspired by their enthusiasm.
“Their experiences in Leadership for Five Seasons left them re-energized about their volunteer roles,” Baynes said. “Many of them took a much more active role in the community based on what they learned during Leadership for Five Seasons. I am looking forward to a similar experience.”
Baynes already contributes her time to several organizations. In addition to her work with JLCR, she volunteers with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Last Hope Animal Rescue and the United Way, and she wrote applications for grants and awards as a volunteer for the Community Health Free Clinic.
The Leadership for Five Seasons program begins this month and continues through May 6. Each year, 35 individuals who have shown a commitment to and a personal involvement in the Cedar Rapids area are selected to participate in Leadership for Five Seasons after an application, nomination, and interview process.
CBJ Awards JLCR for Nonprofit Innovation
The Junior League of Cedar Rapids (JLCR) is honored to have been awarded one of the Corridor Business Journal’s Nonprofit Innovation Awards. JLCR was selected as the winner in the Brand Identity/Unique Marketing Campaign category that assesses an organization’s ability to attract volunteers, sponsors and clients. JLCR received the award for promotional efforts for the Ladies Titan Tire Challenge, a stop on the Duramed FUTURES Tour, the LPGA’s developmental tour.According to Charity Tyler, JLCR member and Co-Tournament Director of the Ladies Titan Tire Challenge, the success of the Ladies Titan Tire Challenge is a “culmination of efforts between JLCR and the Cedar Rapids Area Convention and Visitors Bureau who worked tirelessly to bring this event to the community and we’re enthused to be recognized for the energy involved.”
Ann Oleson most recently served as the Vice President of Marketing for JLCR and was Marketing Chair for Ladies Titan Tire Challenge during its first year. “We are thrilled Cedar Rapids can be the host to this event and for this recognition from the Corridor Business Journal. We fully appreciate the support received from KCRG, the Gazette and all of the event sponsors,” said Oleson.
Each winner at the awards ceremony received a $1,500 check. JLCR plans to put the money toward funding upcoming community projects.
Organizations nominated in the category included the Iowa City Community School District’s Coralville Central Family Resource Center and the Theatre Cedar Rapids.
Pictured: Karen Pelletier, Charity Tyler, Ann Oleson and Ashley Felder
JLCR HONORS MERCY MEDICAL CENTER AT ANNUAL DINNER
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Molly Baynes, Marketing/Public Relations Chair, (319) 551-7540
Ann Oleson, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, (319)-533-6283
Current and Future Members on Hand to Celebrate
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – At this year’s JLCR Annual Dinner, thirty-one past Presidents of Junior League of Cedar Rapids members were on hand to celebrate the 2009-2010 year and to honor award recipients from the organization and the community. Mercy Medical Center was awarded the Robert O. Daniel Community Service Award for their support of the Ladies Titan Tire Challenge golf tournament. This award recognizes an individual, business, or organization that has contributed greatly to the success of Junior League activities, projects or fundraisers over the past year.
The Honorary Member was awarded to Tyler Culver. This award is presented to members of the community whose involvement and contributions to the efforts of the JLCR warrant recognition by honorary membership in the organization. Using his own equipment and free time, Tyler completed several professional-quality video projects for JLCR throughout the year.
The Annual Dinner capped off JLCR’s 75th year of service. Throughout the League year, 97 active members volunteered over 2000 hours of their time to various projects and fundraisers. In addition to the partnership with The Arc of East Central Iowa to create an expressive art studio and retail store, members participated in nine “Done-in-a-Day” projects. These monthly activities included a coat drive with Tanager Place that collected over 150 coats, a Valentine’s Skating Party for over 50 children with Families Helping Families, and The Arc of East Central Iowa’s Easter Egg Hunt which served over 100 children. JLCR’s new member class also partnered HACAP to deliver bags of toiletries for the 175 residents of Geneva Towers, where many of the residents live on a limited income.
JLCR held four fundraisers throughout the year: Lil’ Kids & Big Rigs, an event at Hawkeye Downs where children can see their favorite trucks; Butterfly Kisses, a father-daughter dance; Iron Chef, an event that showcases local chefs and restaurants; and Ladies Titan Tire Challenge. The fundraising efforts allowed JLCR to award over $9000 in grants to local nonprofits, including Theatre Cedar Rapids and the African American Museum.
Founded in 1934, Junior League of Cedar Rapids is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. For more information, please visitwww.juniorleaguecr.org.
FOURTH ANNUAL IRON CHEF EVENT TO BENEFIT JLCR MISSION
News Release
[Monday, March 1, 2010]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Molly Baynes, Marketing/Public Relations Chair, (319) 551-7540
Ann Oleson, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, (319)-533-6283
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – The coveted title of “Iron Chef” is on the line once again as Junior League of Cedar Rapids (JLCR) holds its fourth annual competition Wednesday, March 10 at 6:30 p.m. The Mansfield Center on the Kirkwood Community College campus is the place to be as Cibo Fusion defends its title against chefs from LJ’s Catering, DeVotay, and Kirkwood Culinary Arts Department.
While the chefs work their magic in the kitchen, attendees sample hot and cold appetizers provided by this year’s People’s Choice competitors: Jiamen, Zins, and Vino’s. Dale Lee Distributing and Millstream Brewery will provide a beer tasting; First Avenue Wine House, Secret Cellar and Fireside Wineries will provide wine tastings. In addition to door prizes, attendees may also purchase raffle tickets and participate in a silent auction to win some unique prizes, including a tasting of one of the competing Iron Chef’s final plates.
“Please join us for this fun, unique event! Enjoy local cuisine, watch the skills of the competing chefs, and try some great local wine and beer, all the while supporting a charitable organization,” said Liz Wardzinski, co-chair of this year’s event.
A sell-out crowd of approximately 250 guests is anticipated. Tickets are on sale for $35 per person. Emailinfo@juniorleaguecr.org or call 364-7892 for more information or to purchase tickets. Reservation and payment may also be made online at www.juniorleaguecr.org.
Iron Chef will help fund JLCR's annual budget, which, in turn, helps the non profit organization fulfill its mission of promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving our community. JLCR is currently working with The Arc of East Central Iowa to create an expressive art studio and retail store.
JLCR is proud to partner with the following sponsors to help make Iron Chef a success: media sponsor Mix 96.5, Dan Kempf Photography, Farmers State Bank, Bankers Trust, Iowa Pork Producers Association, and OPN Architects.
Founded in 1934, Junior League of Cedar Rapids is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. For more information, please visitwww.juniorleaguecr.org.
JLCR SUPPORTERS SPONSOR THREE GIRLS FOR FATHER-DAUGHTER DANCE
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA - Three lucky girls will get the opportunity to spend a memorable afternoon with their fathers at Junior League of Cedar Rapids' (JLCR) 8th Annual Butterfly Kisses event on Sunday, Jan. 31 at the Cedar Rapids Country Club, 550 27th Street Drive S.E., Cedar Rapids, from 1 - 4 p.m. The girls selected from the Arc of East Central Iowa and Taylor Elementary will receive free tickets to the event, gift cards to purchase dresses and shoes, and complimentary hair and nail services, thanks to the generosity of Salon Neil Boudreaux and other JLCR supporters.
At Butterfly Kisses, daughters and granddaughters alongside their fathers and grandfathers enjoy dancing to a professional disc jockey sponsored by the New KOJC, a corsage, face painting, and a glitz and glamour station. There will also be special appearances by the Princesses by Glass Slipper and Mrs. Iowa, crafts, a fabulous raffle and silent auction, and appetizers and cookies. Every girl who attends will be entered into the grand prize drawing where one lucky young lady will win an "American Girl Weekend" in Chicago.
This event has sold out for the last four years so interested parties are encouraged to register early. Tickets are currently on sale. The $75 ticket includes admission for one father and daughter couple, with $15 for each additional daughter. In addition to the events listed above, tickets also include five raffle tickets per family.
Butterfly Kisses will help fund JLCR's annual budget, which, in turn, helps the non profit organization fulfill its mission of promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving our community. JLCR is currently working with The Arc of East Central Iowa to create an expressive art studio and retail store.
JLCR is proud to partner with the following sponsors to help make Butterfly Kisses, and in turn JLCR's mission, a reality: media sponsor 104.5 KDAT, Gehring Orthodontics, CityWide Cleaners, Dan Kempf Photography, Salon Neil Boudreaux, Farmers State Bank, Hills Bank and Trust and Bankers Trust.
For more information, please contact Junior League of Cedar Rapids at (319) 364-7892 or visit the website at www.juniorleaguecr.org.
Founded in 1934, Junior League of Cedar Rapids 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.
JLCR TO PARTNER WITH TANAGER PLACE FOR COAT DRIVE
News Release
November 10, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Molly Baynes, Marketing/Public Relations Chair, (319) 551-7540
Ann Oleso n , Vice President, Marketing & Communications, (319)-533-6283
JLCR TO PARTNER WITH TANAGER PLACE FOR COAT DRIVE
As Winter Approaches, Donations of New and Gently Used Winter Clothing Are Needed
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Junior League of Cedar Rapids (JLCR) is proud to partner with Tanager Place to collect winter clothing for children in need. With the winter season approaching, Tanager Place, a non-profit children's agency, is in need of winter items for the 68 children they serve on their campus, located in southwest Cedar Rapids. Tanager Place is asking for support from Junior League to embrace this cause by donating winter coats, hats, gloves or mittens, snow boots, snow pants, and scarves. Community members are asked to join JLCR and Tanager Place on November 17 at 6:00 p.m. at the Four Oaks Bridge (2100 1st Ave E, Cedar Rapids) to donate new or gently used items of all sizes, from infant to adult.
"We are delighted to partner with Junior League for our coat drive," said Lezlie John, Community Relations Assistant at Tanager Place. "It is wonderful that two non-profit organizations are joining together to help children in the community."
Tanager Place, founded in 1879, is one of the oldest children's agencies in Iowa and serves children challenged by social and psychological needs. The goal of all programs at Tanager Place is to assure the development and fulfillment of each child's potential. Tanager Place works with children of all ages to restore, heal and re-build lives that have been torn apart with emotional struggles. Professional counsel helps these children learn new coping skills; therapy and guidance helps to build confidence and gives them opportunities to live healthy and happy tomorrows. Tanager Place currently serves over 500 children on a daily basis.
In addition to their regular projects and fundraisers, JLCR participates in monthly Done in a Day (DIAD) projects. These projects typically involve other non-profit organizations that match JLCR's mission of helping women and children. Past and future DIAD partners include Arc of East Central Iowa, ASAC, Waypoint, and Young Parents Network. November's DIAD focuses on helping the children at Tanager Place.
For more information, please contact Junior League of Cedar Rapids at (319) 364-7892 or visit the website at www.juniorleaguecr.org .
Founded in 1934, Junior League of Cedar Rapids 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.
OVER 40 TRUCKS EQUALS BIG FUN AT LIL' KIDS & BIG RIGS
Give kids a chance to steer in support of The Arc of East Central Iowa
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - This Sunday's Lil' Kids & Big Rigs fundraiser promises to be fun for the whole family! Junior League of Cedar Rapids has secured over 40 trucks and other vehicles for kids of all ages to explore, including dump trucks, semi trucks, race cars, a crane, an excavator, a garbage truck, a snowplow, a fire truck, military vehicles, and even a helicopter. Other entertainment includes an appearance by Cinderella from 12-1, carnival games, an inflatable slide, a rock climbing wall, and Big Wheel races.
Performances by Movement Dance Co. and Twisters Gymnastic Studio will perform throughout the day, and the CRPD will be on hand to demonstrate fingerprinting and show off the Canine Unit.
The event will be held on Sunday, Sept. 27 from 12:00-4:00 p.m. at Hawkeye Downs. Admission is $5 per person or $20 for groups up to six members. Food, entertainment, and a unique, hands-on experience with vehicles of all shapes and sizes will be available. Tickets can still be purchased at local Hy-Vee Drugstores, online at JuniorLeaguecr.org, or at the gate on the day of the event (cash only please).
"It's so exciting to see the children's faces light up when they get to see all these magnificent vehicles up close and experience their favorite toys in 'real life'" said Lil' Kids and Big Rigs committee chair, Kären Wilson.
Proceeds from this event fund the non-profit organization's mission of improving our community and developing the potential of women as trained volunteers. JLCR is currently working with The Arc of East Central Iowa to create an expressive art studio and retail store. Volunteers will assist with renovation of the space and activity development throughout the year. JLCR also provides support for existing Arc programs. For more information about this event and JLCR membership, please contact Junior League of Cedar Rapids at (319) 364-7892 or visit the website at www.juniorleaguecr.org.
Founded in 1934, Junior League of Cedar Rapids 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. For more information, please visit www.juniorleaguecr.org.
A League of Their Own Benefits Many
When a group of women formed the Junior League of Cedar Rapids in 1934, their opportunities in public life were relatively limited.
Wife and mother were the jobs that women were made for — or so the thinking went.
But those young women knew they had much to offer their communities in addition to their families.
Seventy-five years after its formation, the Cedar Rapids league continues to make an indelible mark on the place we live and on the women who serve.
It’s a whole new world for women now, perhaps in part because of service groups like the Junior League.
The group is part of the Association of Junior Leagues International, an organization whose stated goals are to promote volunteerism, improve communities and develop women’s potential.
To mark this anniversary, a temporary exhibit, “Women Building Better Communities: 75 Years of the Junior League of Cedar Rapids,” continues through Saturday at the Mary and Carl Koehler History Center.
Today, the Cedar Rapids group counts more than 350 active and sustaining members. Over their decades of service, members have contributed millions of dollars and thousands of volunteer hours to causes that help area women and children.
They have supported children’s educational and artistic development through programs like the Playtime Poppy children’s theater, the Science Station and the Expand and Improve Educational and Interactive Opportunities project at Bever Park.
They’ve provided critical services for women and children in need through the Waypoint Madge Phillips Center, runaway youth shelters, high school day cares, mentoring and other programs.
They have been active in flood relief and recovery, and now are helping The Arc of East Central Iowa to create an art studio and retail store.
Their efforts brought us the Duramed FUTURES Tournament — Iowa’s only stop on the LPGA’s Developmental Tour, which prepares young women for professional golfing careers.
In the past 75 years, they raised more than $4 million for these and other local projects.
Equally as important as the Junior League of Cedar Rapids’ charitable and volunteer contributions, the group also has trained generations of its members as leaders. As example, more than 800 local men and women have received training and support as emerging community leaders through the Leadership for Five Seasons program conducted by the league and the Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce.
Throughout a long history of promoting women’s education and involvement, Junior League members have learned by doing.
That’s as important today — and will be tomorrow — as it was 75 years ago.
JLCR to Sponsor Two Girls for Butterfly Kisses Fundraiser
Proceeds help JLCR to better the community
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA - Two lucky girls from Taylor Elementary School will get the opportunity to spend a memorable afternoon with their fathers at Junior League of Cedar Rapids' (JLCR) 7th Annual Butterfly Kisses event on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009 at the Cedar Rapids Country Club, 550 27th Street Drive S.E., Cedar Rapids, from 12:30 until 4 p.m. The girls selected from the Taylor School 3 Wish List will receive tickets to the event, Von Maur gift cards to purchase dresses and shoes, and complimentary hair and nail services, all courtesy of JLCR. ...<< MORE >>