Disney is not the only organization that makes Dreams Come True

The Junior League of Clearwater-Dunedin is continuing to make dreams come true for foster children in Pinellas and Pasco Counties. On Sunday, September 28th, over 60 young ladies descended upon the League's upscale thrift store, The Scot Shop, to choose a formal dress, shoes and accessories for their upcoming homecomings, holiday formals and prom 2009. The 'Princess for a Day' event was also held in May of this year and outfitted nearly 75 young ladies with formal dresses as well as 17 young men with tuxes for prom.

Thank you to the 14 JLCD members who helped make this a dream come true!

Provisional Meet and Greet

On Wednesday night, I attended the Provisional "Meet and Greet" at Sea Sea Riders in Dunedin. It was a great way to meet new faces. Joanna led a short meeting that focused on the preparations for the provisional project, holiday gifts for foster children. Last year, JLCD provided over 300 gifts for area foster children. I know the provisional will do a wonderful job again this year!

Communication Conduit

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending one of our JLCD Council meetings. JLCD relies on the Council system to be the primary conduit of communication between the general membership, each committee and the Board of Directors. Each committee has a delegate on their respective Council. JLCD presently has 4 councils: membership, finance, communications and community.

When a motion is discussed and approved at a committee, it is then brought to the Council for discussion and input. For example, at last night's Council meeting, the Casino Night Committee brought forth a motion for a membership requirement. Members of the Council were sent the motion prior to the meeting, requested comments from their committee members and conveyed those comments to the members at the Council meeting. In true JLCD spirit, the Casino Night Chairs listened to each representative's report from their committee. After much discussion, consensus was reached and recommendations from the Council members were proposed and accepted.

Now what? At this point, the Casino Night Committee representative will take the revised recommended motion back to their committee members for approval. If it is approved, then the motion will go to the Board of Directors, then to the General membership for final approval.

This process allows input on all motions before it is time to vote at the General Membership Meeting. Last night was a true example of women working together to reach consensus about an individual motion.

Thank you to each participant for their dedication to making our fundraiser, Moonlight in Monte Carlo, a great success!

Done in a Meeting (DIAM)

At every general meeting, JLCD collects items needed to support foster families in Pinellas and Pasco Counties. It is a great and easy way to make an important impact. Our first DIAM, Rise N Shine, was a huge success.

Thank you to all of the people who donated pajamas, toothbrushes, toothpaste and other toiletry items to Raising Hope at our last meeting. Raising Hope, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit organization established in 2004 to meet the emergency clothing and toiletry needs for children coming into Pinellas County’s foster care system. Gloria Lawson from Raising Hope will be speaking to us about their organization at the October General Meeting.

League members that contributed included:

Angie Ewbanks,Stacy Barnett, Felicia Leonard, Gwin Londrigan, Amy Connors, Jill Holcombe,
Kristine Hann, Dawn Scott, Lisa Shadroui, MeganTolliver, Amanda Warner, Ellen Kent, Janet Hudak, Susan Traub, Susan Mucci, Julie Halladay, Michelle Rooney, Merideth Hawkins, Diane Manuel, Gail Christiansen, Karen Gaumer, Nola Johnson, Kaye Foster, Julie Townsend, Erin Ester, Maggie Scott, Jenny Armanious, Molli Kirby, Missy Meek, Teresa Martin, Jennifer Sullivan, Shannon Engle, Sharon Gilberg, Anita Amin, Rodie Purcell, Patti Rivera, Shena Cothran and Marcy Hawk.

Thank you also to people I amy have excluded!

First General Meeting

Thank you to all of thoses who attended our first General Meeting of the 2008/2009 JLCD year. I certainly appreciated hearing from Ashley Rhodes-Courter, our guest speaker. Hearing and reading about her experiences, confirms to me that the JLCD has chosen a very important focus and critical project in our environment. ANGELS FOR FOSTER FAMILIES is needed more than ever, and I know we can make a difference to the system and to the affected families and children. Please stay strong, because this project will require our strength and dedication. Most significant change does not happen overnight. If you haven't purchased Ashley's book, there will be more copies available at the October General Meeting. I urge each of you to give as much time as you can for this important project!

Skating Party at Countryside Mall

Yesterday about a dozen volunteers from JLCD together with volunteers from the YMCA and Eckerd Youth Alternatives coordinated a skating party for 78 children in the foster system in Pinellas and Pasco counties. JLCD volunteers helped the kids put on their skates, skated with the kids, and provided a pizza party for the participants. This JLCD annual event is certainly a highlight to many of these children. Thank you to all who participated. I know your time and efforts put a smiles on the faces of all the children there.

New Provisionals

Please join me in welcoming our new provisionals. Their photos are posted on our website, and I counted 22! A big thanks to those of you who asked a family member, friend or acquaintance!

At the first general meeting, Actives will have the opportunity to serve as a "Buddy" to a provisional or first year active. Actives will be asked to show our new members how our organization functions and introduce her to other members....I know it will be an easy way to meet and get to know our new members.

I hope you will "step up" and serve as a Buddy to one or even two new members!