VOLUME 34, NUMBER 1
A NEWSSHEET OF
FEBRUARY 2020
THE JUNIOR LEAGUE
Celebrating our Sisterhood of Service
OF HIGH POINT, INC.
EMPOWER President’s Message I can’t think of a better way to close out the calendar year and the decade than the past six months of League service and celebration. As you know, the first half of the 2019-2020 League year was one full of meaningful service and unprecedented member engagement. I hope you are as proud as I am to be involved with this extraordinary organization of women. As you will see in the pages that follow, the Junior League of High Point has been very busy. We have embarked on signature Community Impact projects, like our Youth Empowerment Day with the High Point Rockers, our Hometown Heroes project celebrating first responders, our Kids in the Kitchen program, and a blood drive for the American Red Cross. It has also been a time of great member participation and celebration, including our Welcome Back Party and Holiday Social, as well as our many, fun member socials, like our Sip-and-Stroll around Emerywood, our ladies’ night at Monkee’s, and the Uptowne Holiday Stroll. We’ve also had a banner year for fundraising, including our Designers’ Showhouse, Poinsettia Fundraiser, Sustainer Bake Sale and Soup Sale, as well as our Legacy Investor Initiative. It’s hard to believe we’ve done all this during the first half of the 2019-2020 League year, on top of a visit from AJLI President-Elect, Bett Williams. Taken together, we’ve seen the kind of member engagement, international visibility, and significant community impact that honor and extend the nearly century-long legacy of the Junior League of High Point and its caring, dedicated members.
Sadie Leder Elder President, 2018-2020
Thank you for allowing me to serve as the President of the League during this very exciting and impactful time. It has been one of the most rewarding, inspiring, and empowering roles of my life.
General Membership Meetings This League year our GMM trainings are designed to help members learn about community needs and resources in an effort to help us select a Community Impact focus for the years ahead. Thank you to the Greater High Point Food Alliance, Open Door Ministries, Out of the Garden Project, LEAP, and Communities in Schools for educating us about all that you do for our community!
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Junior League of High Point – HighLights
EMPOWER A Visit from the Association of Junior Leagues International We kicked off our League year with a very special visit from Bett Williams, President-Elect of the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI). During her visit Bett delivered an inspiring training to members at our first GMM, met with our Sustainer Board over a lunch hosted by the Sustainers, participated in a done-in-a-day event, Hometown Heroes, and visited our Showhouse. Bett challenged our members to share what our League does well and consider how we can best work together to make our future even brighter. The JLHP is grateful and honored to have Bett visit us in High Point! Sadie Leder Elder, Bett Williams and Alisha Boger
Conference Update I am most appreciative to each of our members for the opportunity to represent our League at this year’s Association of Junior Leagues International fall leadership conference. Hosted in St. Louis, MO, it was the first conference devoted to members of Small Leagues Big Impact, an affinity group within AJLI focused on the unique dynamics of Junior Leagues with 125 or fewer Active members. Keynote speakers included Julienne Ryan who spoke on the importance of personal storytelling to connect with our members and the community, and Sue McCarthy who shared her story of overcoming the challenges of childhood homelessness to become the founder of a nationally-recognized luxury resale shop, the Vault. I attended several break-out sessions with nonprofit leader and consultant Vicki Clark, Rebecca McCarter with a frequent face at AJLI conferences. Vicki brings a unique perspective and outside AJLI President-Elect Bett Williams purview to many topics including diversity and inclusion. Our League has completed the first step of AJLI’s Diversity & Inclusion model by adopting a commitment statement that affirms we are committed to inclusive environments of individuals, organizations and communities. The second step, evaluating our current diversity and inclusion efforts, is underway and will lead us to the third and final step of establishing a task force to plan and drive the League’s diversity and inclusion efforts. Another memorable speaker from the conference was Lisa Vaughan, president of SLBI and member of JL Evansville, IL. Lisa’s sessions focused on the changing needs of our members and what this means for the future of Leagues, big and small. Understanding that our membership is made up of women who are lifetime learners, she encouraged attendees to focus on providing engaging training opportunities that foster connections between Sustainers, Actives, and New Members. I look forward to sharing more about what I learned and putting these ideas into action in the coming months. Leadership conferences are just one of the ways we are able to enhance membership in the League, and it would not be possible without the financial contributions we call make with our annual dues and fundraising efforts. Thank you for all that you do to help us fulfill our mission of training and empowering women. Sincerely, Rebecca McCarter, President-Elect
February 2020 Newssheet
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IMPACT High Point Rockers Youth Empowerment Day Play ball! To celebrate International Youth Day, the Junior League of High Point hosted a Youth Empowerment Day with the High Point Rockers at BB&T Point. HPU graciously donated us their suite for the day and we filled it with youth from the YWCA, Boys and Girls Club of Greater High Point, and Big Brothers, Big Sisters. We threw out the first pitch, met the umpires, were part of an onfield interview, and offered fun and games at the Kid Zone. Youth received a book from High Point LEAP, participated in activities, and took part in a service project. Rockers players wore Youth Empowerment themed jerseys which were raffled off to support our eague. This wonderful event was part of the inaugural season of our very own High Point Rockers and a great way to empower youth in our community.
Ashley Lansford, Liz Shaver, Laura Johnston and community friend Peggy Adams sporting the Youth Empowerment HP Rockers jerseys!
Sadie Leder Elder, Grace Lackey, Liz Shaver and Ashley Lansford with some of the HP Rockers players.
Kid Zone at the Bobby Labonte Foundation Charity Bike Ride JLHP proudly organized and hosted the Kid Zone at FamFest, a free festival for kids and families at the Bobby Labonte Foundation Charity Bike Ride. The fun included bounce houses, a dunk tank, sidewalk games, bubbles and the opportunity for kids to make coloring books for local children’s hospitals. Our New Member class supported the Kid Zone as part of their Super Saturday. Fun was had by all!
Holly Davis, Ericka Best-Hunt, Cindy Jarrell and Ginger Somers
Our New Member Class spent part of their Super Saturday volunteering at the Kid Zone
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Junior League of High Point – HighLights
IMPACT Kids in the Kitchen Did you know? This fall we hosted our 13th annual Kids in the Kitchen event! This year’s workshop included a nutrition tutorial, exercise program and an exciting ‘Chopped’ event where students used a basket of ingredients to create a healthy afternoon snack. This event is part of a larger initiative set forth by AJLI that is designed to promote the organization’s long-time commitment to improving the health and wellness of children. In partnership with the High Point Millis Regional Health Education Center, we hosted 60 children from the High Point YWCA and the Salvation Army of High Point.
Hometown Heroes We remembered September 11th and honored local first responders by delivering goodies and gift-cards to local firefighters and police officers. We are thankful for their dedication to keeping High Point safe on a daily basis!
American Red Cross Blood Drive at the Briles House Donate blood, save a life. We love hosting the Red Cross blood mobile at the Briles House. This fall, League members and community friends once again supported our blood drive and helped save 3 dozen lives!
Holiday Toy Drive and 5 Before the Feast For the second year, we hosted a toy drive (L-R) Liz Shaver, Carter Chaney, in partnership with Laura Johnston, Hannah Weant, the Hartley Drive YMCA Lane Butler, Allison Kelly and their 5 Before the Feast event. League members, and family and friends, donated toys to make the holiday season brighter for children right here in our own community. Members also gave their time by serving as volunteers at the 5 Before the Feast event on Thanksgiving morning.
Carissa Osborne and Liz Shaver with the blood mobile
February 2020 Newssheet
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SUPPORT 13th Annual Poinsettia Fundraiser What better way to kick off the holiday season than with our annual poinsettia fundraiser? This year marked our 13th sale and we again offered the opportunity for plant buyers to donate purchases to Hospice of High Point. League members were grateful to deliver plants to make the holidays brighter for Hospice residents and their families. Thank you to all the members, families, friends and local businesses that supported this year’s fundraiser. And thank you to High Point University for allowing us to use their space at the Community Center for plant pick-up.
Thank you to all of our wonderful Showhouse sponsors! 2019 Showhouse sponsored by:
dacor • Hansgrohe • Lee
Bronze Level Sponsors Otto & Moore • Packrite • Blakely Financial • Antique & Design Center of High Point JH Adams Inn • Carol Young and Mary Powell DeLille • Mary Drummond
Celebrating Friends Beth and Tyler Earnst • Caryl and Ben Adams • Sallie Phillips • Susan and Michael Samuel • Susan Culp Pinnacle Financial Partners • Lee and Alf Webster • Nancy and Bruce Laney • Barbara and Paul Coughlin Alyce Hill • Carol Young
Supporting Friends Kay and Kim Snow • Ann Busby • Debbie and Thomas Smothers • Lore and Marcus Farris Marilyn and Matt Nowell • Samet Corporation • Courtney and Fred Best • International Market Centers
Friends Julie Delgaudio • Ginger Somers • Claire and Jeff Horney • Nan Kester • Susan Morris • Donna and Andrew Cumby Debbie and Bobby Irvin • Amanda and Travis LeFever • Mary Jane and Mark Ackerman • Ann and Charlie Lynch Edith Brady • Jackie and Bruce Hirschhaut • Sadie and Wil Elder • Lauren and Tom Picha • Laura and Houston Johnston Ann and Bob Brinson • Emily and Matt Thiel • Henry and Katherine McMullan • Meredith and Braden Covington Hands On Massage & Physical Therapy • Ellen and Davis Whitlock • Monkee’s of High Point • Rebecca McCarter Laine and Stephen Ruehle • Betty and Doyle Early
In-Kind Sponsors Spruce Builders Inc. • Lane’s Landscaping & Drainage Solutions • Marsh Kitchen & Bath • Sandhill Turf All Seasons Landscape Solutions, LLC • Weeks Hardwood Flooring • Protection Systems • Phillips Collection Pond Professors • First Bank • Fiber Seal of the Triangle & Triad • Braxton Culler • Tomasz Piotrowski
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Junior League of High Point – HighLights
SUPPORT Junior League of High Point Fall 2019 Designers’ Showhouse This fall, we hosted our third Designers’ Showhouse in the “Furniture Capital of the World”. The Dalton-Bell-Cameron house, built in 1913, is believed to be the first example of the Craftsman style in High Point and proudly stands in the heart of the Johnson Street Historic District. The home survived two house fires and was slated for demolition. Now this beautiful house has been rebuilt as a true testimony of forward thinking and the power of historic preservation. We want to thank Rick and Margaret (Bell) Lewis for allowing us to transform this home that is very special to them. And a special thank you to ASPIRE DESIGN AND HOME for serving as our national media sponsor and supporting us throughout the event. The Showhouse officially opened with an evening gala on October 18th. League members, community friends, furniture market guests and many of the Showhouse designers enjoyed one another’s company while being among the first to see the completed home. The Showhouse was then open to the public from October 19th to November 3rd for self-guided tours. League members, along with family and friends, served as docents during open house hours. It was such a pleasure to see community members, furniture market guests and our family and friends tour the home with amazement and awe. Thank you to all the League members who joined us for the opening gala, visited the home for a house tour, and volunteered as docents. This successful event would not have been possible without all of you!
Members of the 2019 Showhouse Committee (Front L-R) Lauren Picha, Heidi Poth, Beth Earnst, Lauren Bott, Mary Powell DeLille, Laura Johnston (Back L-R) Emily Thiel, Rebecca McCarter Not pictured: Donna Blakely, Lane Butler and Hannah Weant
February 2020 Newssheet
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PARTICIPATE Welcome to our New Members! The Junior League of High Point is thrilled to welcome sixteen wonderful women into our 2019-2020 New Member Class. This Class brings a variety of backgrounds, talents, and strengths to the League. Earlier this fall, these ladies took park in a kick-off training, Super Saturday, where they learned about the history and current initiatives of the Junior League, as well as participated in a community impact event. Each month they are visiting a local community organization, such as Leslie’s House and the Arc of High Point, to learn about their initiatives and how they positively impact High Point. Honing in on the skills and insights developed through these service and training opportunities, the new members will collaborate and implement a service project that improves the lives of women and children in our community this spring. (Back L-R) Caroline Georgiadis, Samantha Berg, Macy Maness, Katelyn Welch, Kathryn Cushwa (Middle L-R) Kostantina Sarrimanolis, Cassie Burton, Mara Wedekind, Jamiss Baker (Front L-R) Erin Stone, Emma Ruggery, Christiana Conrad, Ashley Vanadore Not Pictured: Katie Borza, Molly Smith, Erika Turner
Cassie Burton, Katelyn Welch and Kostantina Sarrimanolis
Amanda LeFever and Carter Chaney showcase what our new members hope to get out of their league year!
New members Samantha Berg and Emma Ruggery
Thank you to our Community Advisory Board for their support and counsel! Our wonderful Community Advisors: Front L-R: Heather Cross, Beachy Allen, Gary Simon, Mary Bogest, Richard Wood Back L-R: Jeff Horney, Randy Carda Not pictured: Joe Blosser, Barry Kitley, Heidi Majors, Jim Morgan, Mena Parrish, Monica Peters PAGE 8
Junior League of High Point – HighLights
PARTICIPATE Home is Where the Heart Is - Sustainer Update It’s already been an exciting league year where the Sustainers have had several opportunities to connect with one another. We have enjoyed participating and volunteering in many events; however, we’ve been most excited about welcoming 12 Sustainers who have recently reinstated. We’re so glad you’re back! They say that “home is where the heart is”, and our hearts are quite blessed as we look back over the past several months: • AJLI President-Elect, Mrs. Bett Williams visited the JLHP in September, and the sustainer board members held a luncheon in her honor at the lovely home of Nancy Warburton. It was a wonderful opportunity to spend time with Bett, as we shared stories about some of the impactful, yet fun activities the JLHP has supported over the years. • On September 24, we held our Annual Sustainer Luncheon at the High Point Country Club. We admired the beautiful centerpieces created by Cindy Armfield, talked about upcoming JL events, and enjoyed listening to Mary Powell DeLille share before and after photos of the Designer Showhouse. We ended the lunch with fun door prizes, including wine with customized JLHP labels that were created and donated by Rena Norcross. • October and early November continued our home theme, as it was all about the 2019 High Point Designers’ Showhouse, where the Sustainers joined in on the fun. From attending the Showhouse Gala to working volunteer shifts, Sustainers connected with friends and had a great time. • Over the past few years, the Sustainers have had the opportunity to decorate the Briles House for Christmas. On November 24, all Sustainers were invited to decorate the home. Thanks to everyone that helped to make it twinkle! • During the Uptowne Holiday Stroll in early December, we held our annual bake sale, led by Rebecca Atwell and her amazing team! Enjoying creative time in our kitchens and baking in our homes is certainly enjoyable, and we greatly appreciate all the Sustainers that provided yummy treats. • Our famous Soup Sale was January 28, where Sustainers were led by Nancy Warburton and team as they prepared and cooked the very best vegetable beef soup around. As the weather is cold and chilly, enjoying homemade soup in your own home is always a treat to savor. Looking forward to the next several months: • In the spring, the Sustainers are looking forward to hosting the Provisional Tea, where we will welcome our newest active members into the JLHP. We’ll be hosting the tea at our lovely Briles House on Sunday, March 29 from 3-5 pm. Invitations will follow. Hopefully, your heart is warmed with these “home” references, as we look back over the past several months, while anticipating our upcoming events. Thanks to each sustainer for continuing to keep the JLHP in your hearts! You are helping to sustain your Junior League, and we thank you for the love and support. Alisha Boger, Sustainer Board President
February 2020 Newssheet
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CELEBR ATE Thank you to our Legacy Investors! The Junior League of High Point purchased the Briles House in 2002 and upon completing renovations in 2007 it became our headquarters. In total, the League has raised over $1,000,000 to purchase, renovate, and restore this important historical landmark. With the help of our Legacy Investors, we are closer than ever to reaching the goal of eliminating the remaining mortgage. At this point, there is only $114,000 to go. We are grateful to all of our supporters, past and present, for their generous help. This includes our Sustainer Board of Directors, Super Sustainers, Awesome Actives, supportive friends, and the Legacy Investors listed below.
Donna and Rob Blakely • The Covington Family • Sadie and Will Elder Sally and Ken Hughes • Rena and Mark Norcross Karen McNeill Pond and Steven Pond • Ann and Jim Morgan Jordan Washburn • Doug Witcher
Our Shining Stars
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
Taylor Travers
Ashley Lansford and Judy Sweger
Poinsettia and Showhouse Committees
Carissa Osborne
Thank You to our GMM Sponsors SEPTEMBER Wil Elder, Secure Test Results
OCTOBER Jeff Benfield, Caliber Home Loans
NOVEMBER Justin Peek, Model Insurance Group
Thank You for our In-Kind Donations Alex’s House • Blue Restaurant Group • Kepley’s Bar-b-cue • McDonalds Salsarita’s • Texas Roadhouse • Pizza Inn PAGE 10
Junior League of High Point – HighLights
CELEBR ATE
Our June Member Social at Allen & James Interiors
Our July Sip-andStroll event in Emerywoo d
Our After-GMM Social in y’s September at Christina Gra
Friends and fami ly joined us on the trolley at this year’s High Point Holida y Parade!
February 2020 Newssheet
League year We love kicking off the ty! with our Welcome Back Par s, ver Tra lor Tay an, Rag Mary Weant Molly Harris, and Hannah
Thank you to Monkee’s for your support of the League! Macy Maness, Katy Erikson, Samantha Berg , and Molly Harris
Jamiss Baker, Sadie Leder Elder, Marilyn Nowell, Stephanie Young, Rebecca McCarter and Rachel Cuisick greeted the community at the Briles House during the Holiday Stroll
community! mbers in the Leder orting our me ters, Sadie We love supp Pe ca ni Mo e ar lly Davis Pictured here Earnst and Ho th Be y, ad Br Red Elder, Edith the a Little -cutting for Museum. t at the ribbon in Po gh Hi at the Schoolhouse
all at A merry time was had by ial! Soc y ida Hol ual ann our
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NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID HIGH POINT, NC PERMIT NO. 69
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF
HIGH POINT 1103 North Main Street High Point, NC 27262
The Junior League of High Point, Inc. Founded in 1928 1103 N. Main Street High Point, North Carolina 27262 Phone: (336) 889-5479 E-mail: info@jlhp.org • www.jlhp.org Offices Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-1pm 2019-2020 Board of Directors and Management Team with AJLI President-Elect Bett Williams
Connect with Us Join the conversation with #JLHP and #WeAreJLHP
The Junior League of High Point, Inc.
@JLHighPoint
Please see our 2019-2020 JLHP Guidebook for upcoming event dates.
Mission Statement The Junior League of High Point, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.