People Who Lunch

By: Laura Blake

The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) is excited to bring back the fundraising speaker series, JLC Working Lunch: Working together to improve our community. The fundraiser idea originated from a Fundraising Task Force created by the JLC Board of Directors in 201617. The first luncheon was held in 2018, but as with many in-person events, the series had to be paused when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Now that people are gathering again, the JLC is eager to pick the series back up.

When the Working Lunch began, a primary idea behind it was to create a different way to raise money for the JLC.

“The goal for this event was to diversify our fundraisers,” said Alicia Morris-Rudd, who served as JLC President-Elect and then President in the early days of Working Lunch. “Our target audience for Working Lunch was our Sustainers and corporate sponsors, as the Little Black Dress Initiative (LBDI) and other fundraisers were primarily designed for our Provisional and Active members.”

Working Lunch provides a platform for JLC members and nonmembers alike to support the JLC’s efforts in the Charlotte area.

“Working Lunch gives us a brand-building opportunity,” stated Jennifer Emerson, Fund Development Manager. “We open it to the entire community.”

The annual event, held during a weekday lunch hour, has featured nationally renowned speakers. Gretchen Rubin, author of “The Happiness Project” and several other books, spoke at the inaugural Working Lunch in 2018. Elizabeth Smart, child abduction survivor and author, spoke at the second event the following year. Attendees could purchase general admission or VIP tickets for additional perks, such as a signed copy of the speaker’s book and a meetand-greet. Working Lunch sold out during its first two years.

“The hope was that it would continue to grow, and then COVID came,” Alicia said.

But now, the JLC is actively discussing the logistics and timing of bringing Working Lunch back to our members and the community. After a few years of putting things on hold and talking to people through screens, Working Lunch will serve as a warm welcome back to what we knew as normal.

“Being virtual is so easy and comfortable, but we realized how much we miss out,” Jennifer said. “To be able to do something in person is a totally different feel.”

Keep an eye on jlcharlotte.org or jlcharlotteblog.org for updates and details on when the JLC Working Lunch will make its third appearance and spread the word!