The CRIER Fall/Winter 2022-2023

PROMOTING WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Recognized repeatedly by Working Mother magazine as one of the “Best Law Firms for Women,” McGuireWoods empowers our women attorneys to achieve personal goals and professional excellence.

We offer career training and mentoring through our Women Lawyers Network, as well as work-life balance initiatives to sustain career-long success.

We proudly support the The Junior League of Charlotte.

JODIE HERRMANN LAWSON, PARTNER

+1 704 343 2329 | jlawson@mcguirewoods.com

Jodie is a versatile civil litigator who has tried cases in federal and state court and before the American Arbitration Association in matters involving business disputes, breaches of contract, financial services litigation, and other complex civil matters.

STEPHANIE BRIGGS EVANS, PARTNER

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Stephanie has substantial experience with domestic and international capital markets transactions, securities offerings, corporate transactions, corporate governance and general corporate counseling.

Letter from the President

Progress over perfection. WBTV anchor and philanthropist, Molly Grantham shared those words at our September General Membership Meeting, and I love them.

As we take on each day, each Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) training, each JLC volunteer event and each meeting, let’s continue to strive to do a bit better than we did last time. My favorite placements in the JLC were those that provided me the opportunity to do just that, find small ways to make things better. Talk within your committees, councils and our community partners to confirm what works well for you all to be effective or what may need improvement. Take a chance to try something new, and if it doesn’t work, adjust again.

As a volunteer-led training organization, we have both immense responsibility and freedom. We can adjust as needed to better fit our needs and our community needs and should always remain focused on our mission and impact.

For the past five years we’ve made an impact on school readiness in our community. This year, we begin our shift to a new focus area and beginning in June, we will begin a five-year commitment to volunteer opportunities that support children’s mental and physical health for children from kindergarten to fifth grade. This new focus area brings new opportunities for partnerships in the community and I am excited to build on our 96 years of service in the community to continue our commitment to Charlotte.

Let’s celebrate our successes and continue to learn and grow.

Cheering for you all,

Christina Gratrix President, 2022-2023

Letter from the Editor

The theme of this issue of The CRIER is #OneJLC (Junior League of Charlotte, Inc.), and as a Transfer this year, I have seen that concept in action.

My first interaction with anyone from the League was at my first CRIER meeting — I really jumped into the deep end on that one after living in North Carolina for just one week! But everyone welcomed me with open arms. Next was my meeting with other Transfers to understand the League, and while it is much different than Denver, I felt an immediate kinship with the people around me. It only intensified when I attended the first General Membership Meeting and interviewed President Christina Gratrix for this magazine issue.

Everyone I’ve interacted with has made me feel the #OneJLC theme in their actions and words. And we hope that the pages of this magazine reflect that. Our biggest goal for The CRIER this year is to involve as many members as possible because that’s who makes the JLC a success.

We hope that you ooh and aww over the adorable little leaguers toward the back of the magazine. We hope that you learn something new about our JLC Building and find out more about community partners, Promising Pages and Wing Haven. We hope that you gain new insights into our members through the Actives, Provisionals, Transfers and Sustainers in our spotlights section.

There is something in this issue of The CRIER for everyone because it all goes back to #OneJLC.

Hayden Pigott

Meet the Reporters

Hayden Pigott, Editor

Hailing from Fort Myers, Florida, Hayden received her Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin and is a huge Longhorn fan. After spending four years in the Mile High City — three of those in the Junior League — she traded the Rockies for the Appalachians and moved to Charlotte in August of 2022. Hayden spent her childhood summers in Linville, so the Queen City felt like the right change up as she now works from home permanently. Hayden works for Miles Partnership, a marketing agency for the travel and hospitality industry. She is their TikTok Platform Manager — a fancy title to say she runs strategy for clients on how they should use the fastest-growing social media platform. Before that, she was a travel writer at the same company. Hayden runs BestEatsCharlotte on TikTok and Instagram, so you can always find her trying a new CLT restaurant. Right now, she’s searching for the best tacos and her next mystery novel.

Best place to meet JLC members for coffee: Rosie’s Coffee & Wine Garden

Elysa Graham, Reporter

Elysa joined the JLC in 2022, soon after moving to Charlotte, as a Transfer from Junior League of Greensboro (JLG), which she joined in 2019. Her last two placements have been on Fund Development, specifically the Day of Giving. She is from Miami, Florida and went to school at a Historically Black university: Florida A & M University, affectionately known as FAMU, during her freshman year before joining the U.S. Army. During Elysa’s 13 years of service, she found an opportunity to complete her education through the doctoral level at Troy University with a concentration in nursing. Elysa has one younger sister and has been married to her husband, Mike since she was 19. They have two schoolage boys. Elysa and her family moved to Charlotte for her husband's work. She currently manages a healthcare clinic that provides comprehensive and compassionate healthcare using a direct care model, which focuses on affordable monthly memberships instead of insurance. In her free time, Elysa likes to watch crime shows and historical dramas, she loves a good Disney trip (Florida girl), and a Florida beach is her happy place.

Favorite walkable neighborhood: South End

Jessica James-Hill, Reporter

Originally from Tampa, Florida, Jessica received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology, MS in Sport Management and a graduate certificate in Fundraising Management from the University of Florida. She worked for the Florida Gators athletic department in ticketing, compliance, student-athlete development, marketing and donor/sponsor relations. Jessica switched to academics as a full-time fundraiser for UF's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, where she joined the Junior League of Gainesville in 2015. In 2018, her husband Mike became the athletic director for the Charlotte 49ers, which moved them to the Queen City. In 2021, while seven and a half months pregnant, Jessica landed a dream role fundraising for the Wikimedia Foundation, the parent company of Wikipedia. She has three children — Luke, Ellie and Bobby.

Favorite restaurant: Fin and Fino

Laura Shintay Blake, Reporter

Laura Shintay Blake, a Charlotte native, graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2015 with a degree in Business Administration. Being a devoted Tar Heel, she spent another year at UNC to complete the Master of Accounting program. She then moved to New York and began her career in public accounting. In 2017, Laura joined the New York Junior League and spent her time there volunteering with children. She moved back to Charlotte during the pandemic and transferred to the Junior League of Charlotte, joining the Renaissance West/Kids in the Kitchen committee. This is Laura's first year as a reporter for The CRIER, and she is excited to put her love of writing to use! Laura enjoys being with family and friends, exercising and participating in a book club. She now works as an accountant for a hedge fund and is happily settled in Charlotte with her husband, Alex, and their Corgi puppy, Carl. Best place to meet JLC members for drinks: Foxcroft Wine

Briana Rinaldo, Reporter

Briana relocated to Charlotte from Syracuse, New York in 2017, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and a Master of Science in Public Relations. Growing up in the Washington, D.C. area, she’s always been curious about diverse spaces and different cultures. Being surrounded by classmates, neighbors, coworkers and friends from all over the world, she sought to get to know as much as she could from all of them. This led her to make storytelling a crucial part of her career, working in communications for a study abroad organization, a marketing firm focused on psychology and now a Charlotte financial company. Outside work, Briana is a semi-professional samba dancer, amateur painter, part-time music journalist and dog parent alongside her wonderfully supportive fiancé.

Favorite walkable neighborhood: Chantilly in Elizabeth

Mallory Pearce Guest Reporter

Mallory came home to Charlotte in 2018 after living in Paris, France. She holds B.A. degrees from Appalachian State University and the University of North Carolina and M.S. degrees from East Carolina University. She is happy to bring her archival knowledge to cover some of the most unique parts of history throughout the last 96 years of the JLC. Mallory has been in the JLC for four years and her current placement is Marketing & PR chair. Mallory works as a process engineer for Wells Fargo to fund her traveling habit. In her spare time, she enjoys college and NFL football, volunteering for Second Harvest Food Bank, running (slowly) and trying new breweries. Mallory lives in the Oakhurst area with her fiancé, Rob and their blended family of three dogs: Baker, Millie and Homer.

Provisional Spotlight Kathryn (Kathy) Davis

By: Hayden Pigott

Tell us about yourself.

I am a wife and mother of grown twin daughters and a son who is a senior at Winston-Salem State University. I am originally from Chicago and moved to Waxhaw 12 years ago from Ft. Myers, Florida. I retired from the Department of Defense, working as a Contract Specialist, Pricing Analyst and Administrator for 19 years in McKinney, Texas. One of the things I loved about my job was the ability to effect change via negotiations on contracts. I’m the owner of Stitchwork by Design, Gotta Travel Planner and founder of Kcreates Memoriez (YouTube) channel. I love to learn and share different things like Chicago Stepping, Detroit ballroom dance and swing dance. The real goal of the channel was to get my husband to learn how to dance. I can’t say that it worked, but I absolutely love to dance. Because I believe in making memories, YouTube has been a great way to share some of my experiences. Now I just need to enhance my creativity. My husband would say I am a jack of many trades. Some of my passions are jazz/ R&B concerts, movies, dining out, traveling, touring and experiencing life.

What made you want to join the JLC?

Learning about the Junior League was very enlightening. I believe in philanthropy and giving back. Growing up volunteering in Girl Scouts, Big Brothers, Big Sisters and becoming a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. have all led me to become more involved in my community. However, what I love about the JLC is the networking, training/development and the community volunteer opportunities offered to include Classroom Central, Bright Blessings, Renaissance West and many others!

What are you most looking forward to in the JLC this year?

A sense of connection with like-minded ladies who share the same values. Networking and developing genuine friendships that are lifelong.

What are your favorite Charlotte restaurants?

Link and Pin (love the Spicy Cauliflower), Nana Soulfood, Cajun Dog or any place with good chicken.

Community Placement Highlight: Thompson Child & Family Focus Services

By: Hayden Pigott and Lauren Cohen

All Active Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) members commit to 40 hours of service and serve on a committee or in a leadership role to complete that commitment. These committees range from internal placements-supporting things like JLC communications and financial operations-to external placements-serving with our community partners. Read ahead to learn about one of the committees doing incredible work for the Charlotte community, specifically in the focus area of school readiness.

What is Thompson Child & Family Focus Services?

Thompson Child & Family Focus Services (Thompson) and its companion service, Friends of the ChildrenCharlotte is the leading provider of clinical and prevention services for children and families across the Carolinas. The agency strives to change the lives of atrisk children and families through therapy-based care. They have four locations specializing in clinical and behavioral treatment, developmental education and proactive care. Their mission is to impact generational change by empowering children and communities through healing, teaching, worship and play. The organization selects children who, by the ages of four and five, have experienced compounding childhood adversities and trauma like intergenerational poverty, neglect and abuse, parental substance abuse, mental health challenges, hunger and homelessness.

What the JLC Thompson Child and Family Focus Committee Does:

In alignment with the JLC’s school readiness focus area — partnering with the community to ensure all children

are school-ready by focusing on health and educational needs of children from birth to fifth grade in priority areas of Mecklenburg County — the committee of 12 Active JLC members is focused on supporting afterschool programming with activities that align with their themes. Committee members serve as reading buddies, collect and package DIY kits, plan holiday events for children and more. They come together monthly to create joy for the children and families involved with Thompson’s services. In addition, members focus on mentoring, relationship building, time management, project development and creative thinking.

In August, the committee assembled 60 backpacks with school supplies and festive, handwritten cards to help the kids start their school year on the right foot. In October, they decorated the center in person and put together Halloween bags with supplies for each child to decorate or make their own pumpkin. In November, the committee hosted a Friendsgiving for the children and their families with a full meal and a food drive.

It has been incredibly fulfilling to be involved with Friends of the Children-Charlotte (within Thompson Child and Family Focus) and work towards their mission. I love that the program is committed to the children and truly there for them — each participant has a salaried, professional mentor and friend for 12.5 years. “It is gratifying that our committee is a part of thoughtful and consistent support for these children.” —

Lauren Cohen, Vice-Chair for the Thompson Child and Family Focus Committee.

History of the Junior League of Charlotte Building

Originally published on JLC Link Blog Oct. 2020

League members all know and love the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) Building — so many memories, groundbreaking sessions and friendships have been forged in its hallowed halls. But it was not until our 35th anniversary that the League began constructing its current headquarters at 1332 Maryland Avenue in Myers Park.

The building was financed by contributions from JLC members and their friends and families. After some additions and renovations, the 7,600-square-foot building continues to serve as the League office and gathering place for many membership events.

Take a look at the timeline of the JLC Building:

1959–1960 – Construction began on a headquarters building financed by contributions from the League members and their friends.

1960–1961 – The new headquarters building opened, and the Headquarters Committee was established.

1985–1986 – The Headquarters Fundraising Committee raised $550,600 to double the size of the League building and celebrated the League’s 60th anniversary at the groundbreaking ceremony.

1986–1987 – The Headquarters Building Committee monitored headquarters renovations and moved into the greatly expanded and renovated building in September. The grand opening was celebrated in October.

1989–1990 – In April, the JLC hosted the Pre-Annual Conference Meeting of North Carolina and South Carolina Presidents and President-Elects at the JLC Headquarters before hosting the POLL (Presidents of Large Leagues) Conference at the Park Hotel in Charlotte in November.

2007–2008 – In February, the JLC hosted the third State Public Affairs Committee of the Junior Leagues of North Carolina (SPAC) meeting of the year at the headquarters. Women from Asheville, Charlotte, Durham, Raleigh and Winston-Salem Leagues were in attendance.

2010–2011 – The League celebrated the 50th anniversary of the headquarters with interior improvements, including fresh paint in the foyer, hallways, Community Room and Boardroom. A framed panel depicting the JLC in the 1920s was unveiled — the first of many panels for each decade of JLC history. A building fund of $90,000 was allocated for the 2011–2012 League year to continue interior improvements.

In March, a 50th Anniversary open house was held at the League building for all members and their guests, with a special reception for those responsible for the original headquarters in 1961 and the major building renovation in 1986.

2012–2013 – The League launched and completed the patio brick campaign that completed the Past Presidents’ Patio.

2016–2017 – The headquarters were cleaned out and repositioned for continued revenue generation (see sidebar on business building licensing). Fund development efforts were reformatted to diversify fundraising by adding a Building and Events team dedicated to maximizing headquarters related revenue.

So, what is building licensing?

It is the means for renting a room or the building for a non-JLC meeting or event. Someone would simply submit their request using the link on the website requesting the date and we would start the conversation from there. There is a licensing agreement that needs to be signed, a Certificate of Insurance is required, as well as a 50 percent deposit to secure the reservation. There are additional details that would be discussed, depending on the type of event (i.e., a bartender is required for alcohol, an event host is required at an additional cost if the event is a non-JLC member event, etc.).

Transfer Spotlight Kimberly Young

By: Hayden Pigott

Hometown: Cleveland, OH

Job: Manager, Anti-Money Laundering Compliance, USAA

How long have you lived in Charlotte?

August 2022

What league did you transfer from?

Junior League of Akron (JLA)

What is your favorite Junior League memory?

There are many! However, it would be when I was elected to serve as the 65th president of the Junior League of Akron and the first black woman to hold the position in the more than 90-year history of JLA.

How has your membership in the Junior League impacted your personal and/or professional life?

I’ve been a member of chapters in the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI) for about 11 years.

I’ve met some great women and developed long-standing friendships and connections. Professionally, I have used my volunteer training and leadership development learned through JL trainings to help strengthen me as a leader, which in turn has assisted me in moving up the ladder within organizations.

What is your current placement in the JLC (if you have one)?

I’m currently double-placed on Digi-Bridge and Promising Pages.

What advice would you give to Provisional Members?

You get what you put in. Be as involved as you can to make the most out of the experience.

What are you most looking forward to in the JLC this year?

I’m looking forward to meeting more League members and learning more about the city of Charlotte.

What has been your favorite “discovery” since moving to Charlotte?

Oh, there are far too many to name! Great food options and awesome weather! What more could I ask for?

JLC in an Elevator Pitch

By: Hayden Pigott

When asked about the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC), members can espouse the virtues in hours and hours of praise — they joined and stayed because they love it, after all. But The CRIER asked members to give us their elevator pitch for the League. How would they describe it to a person they were convincing to join? Or to someone in the community who asked what it is the JLC does? Here are their responses.

Erin Breeden, Vice Chair of Little Black Dress Initiative, Member for 14 years

“Junior League of Charlotte members get work done and have fun doing it! For almost 100 years, the Junior League of Charlotte has trained and supported women committed to volunteering and supporting the greater Charlotte area. Members support our neighbors in need while gaining tools and understanding that will impact their lives for years to come.”

Brittney Bogues, Done in a Day Committee Member, Member for 5 years

“The JLC is where women from all walks of life come together to make things happen in the community. Policy panels, leadership trainings, volunteer opportunities, social gatherings — the JLC offers every type of enrichment experience you can imagine for personal and professional development.”

Christine Craig, Provisional

“I am new to Charlotte and the Junior League here has helped me get engaged with an amazing group. I am meeting like-minded women and am able to volunteer with fantastic teams to help better the community here in the Queen City.”

Eleanor Shell, Education & Training Manager, Member for 9 years

“The JLC is where women come together to make our community and each other better. When I moved to Charlotte, I found an instant community who have become my lifelong friends. As I have grown my reach in the community, I have found that there are few places the JLC hasn’t already touched.”

Rhiannon Samuels, Membership Development Vice Chair, Member for 5 years

“The Junior League of Charlotte has become my home away from home. I moved to Charlotte at a pivotal time in my life and found myself away from the only state I had ever known and the women of this League have become my safe place. I’ve grown as a leader, invested in my community and truly seen the impact our work as a League has had on my new city.”

Sydney Rhoden, Leadership Support Board Task Force member, Member for 3 years

“The Junior League of Charlotte (JLC) is a group of like-minded, multi-cultural and multi-generational women who build, support and empower each other. It offers a lifetime of accomplishments and friendships. JLC is rewarding because we work together to develop ourselves, the organization and community relationships through volunteering, collaboration and training.”

KaTrina Quinn, Membership Meetings committee member, Member for 2 years

“The JLC is a diverse group of like-minded professional and educated women. You’ll find servant leadership and sisterhood as well as an opportunity for personal and professional growth.”

Christine Carradine, Provisional

“As a Provisional member of the Junior League of Charlotte, I have had the opportunity to meet so many driven, community-minded women and to engage with amazing non profits doing impactful work in the Charlotte area.”

CHRISTCHURCH SCHOOL

A CO-ED BOARDING SCHOOL FOR GRADES 9-12. FOUNDED IN 1921 LOCATED

IN-PERSON CLASSES | ATHLETICS & MORE | NATIONALLY ACCLAIMED LEARNING SKILLS PROGRAM TUITION ASSISTANCE PACKAGES | ROLLING ADMISSION | NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SAILING TEAM

“I am grateful to the Junior League of Charlotte for the experiences that I have received. Through my service and volunteerism, I gained the skills that enabled me to be selected as the first female chair of the Board of Governors at Christchurch School, a school that is celebrating it’s 100 year anniversary. As the Chair, I have initiated a strategic planning program that will lead the school into it’s next century.

I encourage you to consider Christchurch School, one of the best college-prep schools in America. Our son is a 2014 graduate and I can’t say enough wonderful things about the curriculum and the experiences.”

CHRISTCHURCH SCHOOL

Top 15%, Best College-Prep High Schools in America

Lynne Tatum Little

Christchurch School, Board of Governors

Junior League of Charlotte, Sustainer member

Feature Article: Sustainer Lynne Little, Making Connections Through the JLC

By: Juliana O’Rork

The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) is filled with extraordinary women. One of those women is Sustainer Lynne Little. Born and raised in Salisbury, North Carolina, Lynne currently resides in Charlotte with her husband of 35 years, Nevan, and their Australian Labradoodle, Tesca.

After moving to Charlotte in 1986 to work and further her education, Lynne started volunteering with various organizations. It wasn’t long until a mentor and friend asked her if she would be interested in joining the JLC. “I was so excited I jumped in with both feet. My provisional year was so much fun! Not only did I reconnect with friends that I had met in college; I made lots of new friends that were like-minded. We all just wanted to do our part to help.”

Over the next several years, Lynne absorbed valuable leadership training through the JLC and was able to volunteer in the local community in many ways. She especially loved her Community Impact placements. It was in these placements that she met wonderful people she is still friends with today.

With an impressive resume including, dental hygienist, co-manager of a startup community bank, serving on the bank’s board for more than 10 years, and then starting her own consulting business, Lynne was asked to serve on the Christchurch Parents’ Council while her son, Carter, was a student. By the following year, Lynne was asked to serve as President of the Parents’ Council. Having taken the Parents’ Council to the next level with her excellent leadership and vision, it came as no surprise when Lynne was asked to become a Governor in 2014 and by 2020, Lynne was named the first female Chair of the Board of Governors in the school’s history!

Through her experiences with the NC State Board of Dental Examiners and the Junior League, Lynne discovered her passion for governance. In addition to Christchurch School, she also serves on the following boards: Piedmont Cheerwine Bottling Company, Carolina Beverage Corporation, Quality Beverage Brands, Central Piedmont Community College Foundation and the Charlotte City Club.

In her role as Chair of the Board at Christchurch School, she puts thoughts and ideas into action, leads by example and walks the walk. Something she has embodied in her roles throughout her time in the JLC.

When it comes to the importance of service, Lynne says, “My grandmothers and my mother taught me the importance of giving back to your community. Seeing their example, the desire to get involved with service and giving back came naturally to me.”

One thing Lynne mentioned that has remained the same throughout her whole life is the desire to always do her best to help others with whatever skills and attributes she has. Philanthropy and volunteerism are in her blood. Helping others while being the best person she can be is what she loves to do and strives for.

“When I think about how I got to where I am today and why I enjoy the things that I do, I credit my family for teaching me the importance of giving back through volunteer activities; I credit the JLC for helping shape me as a leader and most of all, I thank God for the blessings that he bestows and the opportunities that have presented themselves. There have certainly been challenges, but each challenge has been met with a blessing.”

The Queen City Welcomes JLC Transfers

One of the many member benefits of the Junior League is the ability to transfer your membership to any one of the 292 Leagues across the country and abroad. This year the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) has members who have transferred from all across the country to find their new home in the Queen City and the JLC. Take a look!

JLC Transfer Demographics

79 Transfers

52 Cities

23 States (+ D.C. and London, England)

“In my time as a Transfer, I have been able to get to know so many amazing women during the fun events our advisors planned for us throughout the Queen City. Finding a friendly face at the next General Membership Meeting (GMM) will be a breeze!” - Jessica

Swanson

“The JLC Transfer program was great! I loved being able to connect with a group of women who were new to Charlotte and had similar interests. Being paired with a Transfer Advisor who understood JLC requirements and could make connections was another awesome benefit.” - Erica

Dozier

Community Partner Spotlight on Promising Pages

By: Elysa Graham

Kristina Cruise Goeke, a Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) sustaining member and the founder of Promising Pages, started collecting book donations in her garage to curb high school dropout rates and improve childhood literacy. This dream had a domino effect on the hearts and actions of the Charlotte community to impact the lives of hundreds of thousands of children.

Promising Pages’ mission to break the barriers to literacy, improve high-school graduation rates and long-term success for the youngest residents of the Charlotte community has been unwavering since the nonprofit’s inception in 2011. To date, it has provided more than 1.2 million books for children and that number continues to grow.

I met with Promising Pages’ Executive Director Eric Law, to learn more about the organization’s commitment to serving children and feeding the dream of book ownership for all. One of their goals is to eradicate areas termed book deserts, which are defined as locations with less than 10 books total in the home of any type or reading level. Eric explained how their limited staff of four did not slow down during the pandemic, but instead increased operations as community partnerships expanded to help get books in the hands of primary school students who were learning remotely. Partnering with CharlotteMecklenburg Schools, Promising Pages had books processed, cleaned and sent out with school lunches. The local literacy rate for primary public school students is still below 25%, with the pandemic complicating the way forward. The Promising Pages team has doubled down on its effort to erase book deserts by the year 2025 through their programs like:

1. Bookseed – working collaboratively with the housing authority to provide mini-libraries called Reading Resource Centers, to children from birth to fifth grade.

2. Feed the Body, Feed the Mind – which supports a dual need of food insecurity by providing books along with groceries.

3. Books on Break – the flagship summer reading program to send five books home per child in over 23 Title I schools. Today over 250,000 books have been gifted to students to prevent summer learning loss.

JLC President Christina Gratrix

By: Hayden Pigott

#OneJLC From Our President’s View

Our current Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) President’s mission for this year is #OneJLC. The CRIER had the opportunity to go more in-depth with her on how the JLC inspires her, what she sees for the JLC’s future and some of her favorite things — she loves Pitch Perfect, so ask her about the Barden Bellas next time you see her.

Christina and I had our interview over the phone as she got outside, her selfcare ritual of choice, while in between her daughter’s swim practice and dinner. Before we started, she immediately asked me about myself, and we discussed how she needs to move Colorado up on her must-visit list, what Charlotte’s fall looks like and dream jobs. You’ll learn through this interview, and if you stop and chat with Christina, that she embodies her mission for the League year.

What do you love most about the Queen City?

I’ve described it as an English muffin because it has all these nooks and crannies, right? Like Plaza Midwood has its own personality, which is different from Ballantyne, different from Uptown. I love that it’s two hours from the beach, two hours from the mountains. I did not grow up with professional sports or really good concerts because, a lot of times, shows would go from D.C. to Charlotte. And so it’s nice that we have so much that our city attracts.

What is your job when you aren’t President of the JLC?

I work in product management in corporate real estate, and what that means right now is my team and I are focused on building products to support people in hybrid work. So we’re making sure that you have a fun, vibrant work environment with everything you need if you go into the office. And then figuring out ways to support people who work from home, or in coffee shops or other — what we call — third spaces.

How long have you been a member of the Junior League?

I joined via the Junior League of Richmond. I grew up in Richmond, went to Washington and Lee University, moved back and was working 4 a.m. to 12 p.m., Friday through Tuesday. So, I didn’t have a huge opportunity to meet people. So, I did a Google search for volunteer + women + leadership, and that’s how I learned about the Junior League.

And so I joined and I had an amazing connecting person in my provisional small group. If we had a General Membership meeting, she would ask to get dinner before or drinks after. She helped me find my people and they were like-minded, which makes sense because when I think about those first Junior League friends I made, we were all very different. I don’t think I ever would’ve met them had it not been for the Junior League, but we all wanted to do something to give back to our community, and that was what brought us together.

What made you want to take on the role of President of JLC?

In 2020, my son was going to be doing his last year of preschool, and my daughter was in elementary school. I thought if I do this, they’ll both be in school full time, so I’ll have more time.

Part of it as well, was the fact that my daughter had been sent home in March 2020 and had to finish her year at a virtual school. And it was so hard. Both my husband and I work full time, so we were like, ‘we cannot do this, and this is not sustainable,’ but at the same time, we work from home and thinking about the fact that our daughter has reliable internet, parents at home, supervision, food — all these things that I take for granted and thinking about what a challenge it was for especially children, and our focus area tied directly to that. So, I really wanted to get more involved again because it felt like we made it through the rough parts of our challenges, and I wanted to try to do something because I think about all the statistics and data about educational divides due to socioeconomic reasons and how much worse it was getting with COVID-19.

As the world has changed with the pandemic and Gen Z entering the workforce and now joining the Junior League, what do you think are some of the struggles that will come our way, and how can we work to embrace them?

Some of the struggles that I’m seeing, we talked at our September General Membership Meeting. We have so many leadership roles and there’s been a lot of leadership turnover in those roles. When I think about some of the people I know who’ve stepped down from leadership roles, it wasn’t because they didn’t want them or they didn’t think they could do it; it was because they moved or had a job change.

I think that is a challenge that we’re going to have to face. While there are a ton of people moving into Charlotte every day; there are also people moving out. How do we give people the opportunity to lead and own their placement and their leadership role but also recognize that the Junior League is one facet of your life? You’re not going to make a decision to stay in a city if your company wants to move you, or you can work permanently remotely and go work in the Cayman Islands. You’re not necessarily going to stay because of a volunteer organization, so I think that’s one of our challenges.

I was so encouraged and excited and inspired at the September General Membership Meeting because it was the first time I was around so many members in one place in a while. Seeing how many new members we have, it eliminated a lot of thoughts I had on struggles and challenges because the energy and enthusiasm to get stuff done was all over the place.

Your mission for this year is #OneJLC. Can you tell us more about that?

We are strongest when we’re all aligned toward our mission and working as one. While we bring together a wide variety of perspectives and talents, and we support the JLC in different ways, working towards our strategic plan together is my biggest goal for this league year.

So, I think the important thing to me is to have a connection across all membership categories so we can determine if, for example, TikTok needs to be part of our communication strategy and we can figure out what shouldn’t be part of our communication strategy.

There’s a lot to learn across all generations and so I don’t want us to stay categorized or siloed by membership categories when we can do so much when we’re really collaborating. It’s helpful to have a different perspective because we all bring our own bias to things, and it’s just nice to hear about some of the interesting things that the Junior League and our members have done over the years.

You’ve mentioned that JLC is a diverse group of like-minded people. How does that help the organization grow and thrive?

We’re a bunch of women who aren’t afraid to get our hands dirty. We see the need, we figure out what we can do and we do it. And I think it’s that can-do attitude that has helped us grow and thrive. It is women who want to make an impact.

We’re four years into the strategic plan and only one year away from developing a new one. What do you think the JLC has done well during this time?

I think we’ve done a remarkable job in narrowing our focus with our community partners in order to make more of an impact. I think that resonates really well with everybody.

What are you most excited about this year as President of the JLC?

So this sounds cheesy, but one of the things I love about work is helping people figure out what they’re really good at and helping people grow and figure out how they fit into things.

So I’m excited to see people grow into their roles and take on new challenges. I’m excited to see what we come up with next. I think that we are looking really strategically at how we flex as an organization and make sure that we maintain sustainable operations to hit years 100 and 150. I’m excited to see how we all come together and define what the JLC means coming out of a pandemic.

What inspires you most about JLC’s members?

When I get a super excited JLC email at a random time of day, it makes my day. When I see how excited other people are, that makes me excited because it’s not just me.

I think as we talked about in September, our like-minded women are doing a lot, and the fact that we make these commitments to each other, to our community, and we do all of this awesome work. I really want people to feel valued, I want people to feel good, and I want people to feel like it’s a safe space to learn leadership skills. There are definitely a lot of lessons I learned, and I’m grateful I was able to do it with the League in a place where I could take that forward to my career and my family and not have to make some of those mistakes on a professional stage.

Rapid Fire:

Favorite restaurant in CLT: JINYA Ramen Bar

Go-to coffee order: Regular coffee with cream

Favorite queen: Paula Abdul

The thing you collect: Magazine articles

Favorite JLC volunteer event: Love/hate relationship with The Warehouse Spring or fall? Spring

Self-care ritual: Get outside

Social media of choice: Instagram Stories

Favorite movie: Pitch Perfect series

Current read: The Beautiful Little Things by Melissa Hill

Community Partner Spotlight on Wing Haven

By: Laura Blake

When you think of a haven, what comes to mind? Perhaps a place you like to go when life gets a little too hectic? Maybe somewhere that brings a sense of peace and calm? Wing Haven is an organization that offers just the space for that.

The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) formed a new partnership with Wing Haven this year. Located in the Myers Park neighborhood, Wing Haven has gardens and a bird sanctuary for visitors of all ages to enjoy. The JLC created a committee of volunteers to support Wing Haven’s Preschool Environmental Education Program (PEEPs). This program exposes preschoolers to the beauty and lessons that nature so uniquely provides.

Each month from October through May, preschool classrooms from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) will visit Wing Haven for an interactive lesson. The JLC committee members commit to lead one classroom for all eight months. The lessons will build on themselves –this year, for example, the children will create a garden mural for their classroom to add to each time they visit Wing Haven. The consistency from familiar JLC faces and cumulative lessons will significantly benefit the children’s experience. They can form relationships with the JLC volunteers and feel comfortable interacting with them as they get to know each other over the months.

Committee Chair Marsha Perry described how the Wing Haven partnership offers something unique for JLC members and children they help. “It’s something different,” she explained. “A lot of League opportunities are indoors.” In a world with toys and technology that make staying inside so appealing, being in nature is even more important for children these days. Marsha highlighted how it helps them to focus, builds confidence and is good for physical and mental health. “They need to get out of the classroom,” she said. “All kids should be outside!”

Wing Haven also presents opportunities for all JLC members and the public to get involved. “It’s not just the PEEPs program,” Marsha said. For example, there was an event in October called Harvest at the Haven. Marsha described it as “a big celebration for the fall season,” during which Wing Haven coordinated ways for people to give back to the community. Attendees were able to harvest vegetables, prepare the gardens for winter and donate to a food drive.

Highlighting JLC Community Impact through the Years: Part 3, 1980 - 2000

By: Mallory Pearce

For nearly a century, the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) has identified opportunity areas in Mecklenburg County and mobilized volunteers to make a lasting impact. This series outlines the JLC’s successes through the years surrounding community focus. Thus far, in Part 1 (Fall | Winter 2021-2022) and Part 2 (Spring | Summer 2022), we explored that:

• A 1926 membership vote initiated the founding of a Baby Home to provide a safe place for children without parents.

• Youth art classes, a community theater, a children’s radio broadcast and a junior exhibit at the Mint Museum became family fixtures in the 1940s.

• Thanks to membership, the Children’s Nature Museum initiative was constructed in Freedom Park in 1950, where it still stands just under the new name Discovery Place Nature.

• 1960-1961 fundraising efforts allowed for the hiring of a permanent school psychologist to address mental health for school children.

• The Junior League of Charlotte received numerous Charlotte Observer “Club of the Year Award” accolades in recognition of its commitment to underserved populations.

• In response to an uptick in nationwide substance abuse, the JLC initiated drug education and rehabilitation efforts in the 1970s.

• Junior Leagues across North Carolina banded together to advocate for public kindergartens.

• The JLC surpassed one million dollars donated across Mecklenburg County by 1980.

There has been no shortage of effort aimed at community welfare since 1926, and once the League matured into the 1980s, the pace did not change. For area youth, the JLC pressed for improved teacher-to-student ratios in public schools, quality daycare options for lower-income families and educational opportunities designed to meet the needs of children with disabilities. Donations were made to fund a Suicide Awareness Program, Family Support Center and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Teen Center to furnish one year’s salary for its first director.

As membership views evolved, the JLC decided to co-sponsor legislation with The Council for Children, a North Carolina Congressional Candidates Forum focusing on children’s issues. League members also approved two projects to allocate $300,000 in funds: the Open House Halfway House for Adolescents and The Children’s Law Center. Working with 22 agencies in 25 placements throughout the community, volunteers contributed a yearly average of 27,000 hours of direct service to Charlotte and surrounding areas.

The League continued to fulfill financial and volunteer commitments benefitting area schoolchildren in the 1990s in the form of classroom assistance for homeless and underprivileged children. Achievements outside the school system included advocating for children under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court, assisting with English language skill-building for speakers of English as a Second Language (ESL), starting a teen health clinic, facilitating dropout prevention programs for high-risk students and establishing a toy lending library for infants and children of young mothers.

Concentrating JLC resources to maximize community impact was the subject of much discussion and planning in the 1990s. This culminated with the selection of JLC Focus Areas that may sound familiar to us today: “Child Health” and “School Readiness.” Thanks to efforts from JLC members, Smart Start North Carolina was able to expand its presence from its original 55 counties to cover the remaining 45 counties. Those programs exist to this day with a mission to prepare underprivileged youth for success when entering the school system.

The Junior League of Charlotte ushered in a new millennium with an emphasis on utilizing more technological resources, restructuring policies and committees, and planning for its 75th-anniversary celebration. There was much to celebrate, indeed. In 1999, President Kathi Miller Knier summed it up well when she recounted that, “as League members this year, we learned about our community and ourselves through our work with those to whom we offered help and those who helped us. We stretched. We grew. And we made our little piece of the world a bit brighter because of our effort.”

“We stretched. We grew. And we made our little piece of the world a bit brighter because of our efforts.”

- Kathi Miller Knier (JLC President, 1998-1999)

The Children’s Nature Museum was built in 1950 thanks to JLC members and their fundraising efforts.

The Wearhouse helped raise funds and promote voluntarism starting in the 1980s. The location, located on Pecan Avenue closed just a few years ago.

Efforts from this time period helped fuel major updates and funding to the Charlotte Nature Museum.

Active Spotlight Kimberly Gaines

By: Hayden Pigott

Hometown: Tallahassee, FL

Job: Commercial Mortgage Loan Administration — Cash Management

How long have you lived in Charlotte? 10 years

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m an only child who grew up with two loving parents and I’m grateful to still have them with me today. I’ve also been blessed with loving grandparents who are in their 90s! I’d consider myself to be family-oriented, so being away from my family has its challenges because my family means the world to me. I try to lead an active lifestyle filled with strength training, cycling, yoga, hiking and dance. Since being in Charlotte, I have cultivated a great group of friends. We have created such an incredible bond and enjoy having deep, transparent conversations that allow us to feel seen. We also love doing things ladies love to do, such as exploring the city, trying different restaurants and going to festivals and concerts. Being from Florida, I am not a fan of cold weather; however, fall means my favorite season is here: football season! Girls from the south enjoy football, and I am no exception. I graduated from Florida A&M University (FAMU) and Florida State University (FSU), so I automatically cheer for these teams. In addition, I typically cheer for the University of Alabama and the SEC. My favorite TV shows are Friends, The Cosby Show, A Different World, The Price is Right and Law & Order SVU (I love Elliott Stabler.) My favorite movies are Home Alone 1 and 2 and Father of the Bride 1 and 2. I’m not a huge fan of current television series. As you can see, I prefer shows from the 90s. My journey hasn’t always been easy, but I’m learning to be patient with myself and enjoy the process of becoming!

Tell us what inspired you to join the JLC.

I joined the League to build a sisterhood with like-minded women. It was my hope that joining the League would allow me to socialize with women who would expose me to certain abilities and adventures I have yet to discover. I also joined the JLC to make lifelong friends who will become a part of my circle.

What roles have you held in the League and what was your favorite?

Currently, I serve as the Co-Chair of the Membership Advisory Council (MAC) and on the JLC Leadership Support Task Force. Prior to this League year, I was on the Public Policy & Advocacy Committee, Sugar Creek Charter School Committee and Second Harvest Food Bank Committee. My roles for the current League year are my favorite thus far. I enjoy MAC because I know what it’s like to be new to the League and not know exactly who I should speak to about a question or conflict with meeting a requirement. Being a part of the Leadership Support Task Force allows me to affect the framework of incoming leaders, which will subsequently have a positive impact on member experience.

What skills have you learned in your time in the JLC and how have you leveraged them outside of the League?

My time with the JLC has increased my confidence in my leadership abilities and has presented me with opportunities to improve in public speaking and professional development. Because of this, I am more comfortable at networking events, socializing with colleagues and work presentations.

Tell us your favorite JLC experience or memory.

My favorite JLC experience thus far has been the 2021 Public Officials Breakfast which was sponsored by the Public Policy & Advocacy Committee in which I served under the leadership of the chair Shanika Butts.

What is the best advice you’ve received from a JLC member?

The encouragement to step into a leadership role and the amount of support available. I can attest that stepping into leadership has been the best decision ever!

What is your ideal day in Charlotte?

The itinerary for my ideal day in Charlotte consists of an intense morning workout (cycling, bootcamp or yoga), shower, then head to brunch, shopping, an intermission nap, and a night out with friends attending an entertainment/sporting event followed by dinner and drinks.

Donate to the Annual Fund!

The Annual Fund plays a vital role in the JLC’s ability to sustain and advance our mission as an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, to developing the potential of women and to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

We hope that you consider supporting the JLC's mission and donating to the Annual Fund to allow us to continue to support the JLC's community partners and programs.

To make a donation to the Annual Fund, checks can be mailed to:

Junior League of Charlotte

1332 Maryland Ave., Charlotte, NC 28209 or go to jlcharlotte.org/annual-fund/

Week of Service & Thanks

By: Van Dang

In lieu of a traditional General Membership Meeting, The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) continued its custom of Week of Service and Thanks from November 14 to November 18.

“We had opportunities to gather and give back to our community during this week,” said JLC President Christina Gratrix. More than 250 members volunteered with half a dozen local partner organizations.

The service projects included:

• Thompson Child and Family Focus: Volunteers helped organize the activity room and supply closet

• Reid Park Academy: Volunteers packed 250 Thanksgiving bags with turkey and other food items

• Promising Pages: Some volunteers met at Charlotte’s book bank to prepare books for donation and distribution; other volunteers met to color bookmarks or decorated and donated bookmarks on their own time

• Classroom Central: Volunteers gathered school supplies for teachers to use in their classrooms

• Samaritan’s Feet: Volunteers sorted shoes to distribute to people in need

• Wing Haven: Volunteers created educational opportunities for children through outdoor activities

Sustainer Spotlight Suzy Garvey

By: Hayden Pigott

Hometown: South Bend, Indiana.

Job: I became a paralegal in 1975 and retired after 27 years.

How long have you lived in Charlotte?

I moved to Charlotte in 1981 as a new bride.

How long have you been a member of the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC)?

This is my 48th year as a Junior League member. I spent seven years in the South Bend League and 41 years as a JLC Active, non-resident Active and Sustainer.

What is your current placement in the JLC?

Currently, I serve on the Sustainer board and the Archives Committee and am the Co-chair of the Sustaining Transfers.

What is your favorite JLC memory?

My favorite JLC memory was seeing Margueritte (Andresen) Dunlap at a Transfer cocktail party when we both transferred to the JLC in 1981. We had done our Provisional year together in South Bend in 1974.

What was your favorite JLC placement as an Active Member?

My favorite active placement was being a Guardian Ad Litem for abused and neglected children.

How has your membership in the JLC impacted your personal and/or professional life?

My membership in the JLC has opened doors for so many other volunteer endeavors.

What advice would you give to Provisional and Active Members?

My advice to provisionals and actives is that as a member of the JLC, you have an incredible opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the citizens of our community while making lifelong friendships.

What inspires you to stay involved with the JLC?

The JLC is my lifelong commitment to service.

What is your ideal day in Charlotte?

My ideal day is getting dirty in our gardens and woods along with the “help” of our basset hound, Emily.

Community Partner A Look at Done In A Day

By: Laura Blake

A lot can happen in a day. Done In A Day (DIAD) is perhaps part of the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) that best illustrates this adage. DIAD is an initiative that Junior Leagues across the country use to complete volunteer work for a variety of organizations within –you guessed it – a day. The JLC uses DIAD to further its work in removing barriers to school readiness for young children in the Charlotte area.

The JLC’s DIAD committee chair, Devin Black, gave some insight into the DIAD project selection process and events happening this year. “We try to connect with organizations that fit with our mission. It’s a mix that they find us, we find them.” The committee reviews the proposed opportunities and approves the ones that best support the JLC’s purpose and ability to serve. DIAD also provides a way for the JLC to maintain relationships with groups they’ve previously supported. For example, the committee is looking to plan events with prior partners Sugar Creek Charter School and Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center this year.

In one project handled this year, DIAD volunteers completed an event to support Families Forward Charlotte, an organization that aims to help Charlotte families overcome intergenerational poverty. The volunteers collected supplies and backpacks for children for children as they were going back to school. Thanks to the JLC’s help, 54 families received 185 backpacks, 61 baskets of essentials and 50 bags of snacks and books.

The multitude of DIAD’s projects benefit both the community and JLC members. Devin highlighted how DIAD opens the door to “different types of organizations we can impact.” The opportunities are widespread, allowing the JLC to help even more people throughout the year. It also provides a way for JLC members to meet other members and interact in a setting that is outside of their placement. If a DIAD event requires more volunteers than the committee can fill, then JLC members outside of the committee can sign up to help.

If you have an organization that you would like to support from Done In A Day, visit the JLC website, www.jlcharlotte.org, for more information.

Little Leaguers

By: Elysa Graham

Answering the call…

The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) dedicates itself to women’s professional development and community volunteerism. This is a grand task. In the chaos of managing our day-to-day responsibilities of love, life and laundry, may we always find the light in our busy schedules to continue to support each other, our communities and the JLC.

For your viewing pleasure: member’s kiddos, kitties and pups!

Thank you to the members who submitted your photos.

Want to be included in the next The CRIER edition of “Little Leaguers?”

Scan the QR code below and share your favorite photos — be it Halloween, the first day of school or Pinterest successes (or fails). We love to see pup celebrations and pupcakes gone horribly wrong. Share your moments so we can laugh, smile and always bring the light!

Through The Years: JLC Cookbook Recipes

By: Laura Blake

Food has a way of bringing people together. If you want inspiration for your next gathering, look no further than the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) cookbooks! These treasures were a staple of the JLC’s fundraising efforts for years. While new versions are no longer made, the recipes, tips and witty Southern commentary hold up well over time (though the direction to cook your dish in a “hot oven” may need some 21st century interpretation.) Special thanks to Suzy Garvey, Becky Clark and the other Sustainers who helped to preserve these cookbooks and more in the JLC’s archives.

Below are a few recipes and some useful kitchen tips selected from JLC cookbooks over the years. Bon Appétit!

Edenton Tea Party Cakes

Old North State Cook Book (1942)

Recipe contributed by Mrs. John A. Campbell, Jr.

A tea party is an excellent way to showcase Southern hospitality. Add in a common cause to rally behind and you’ll have a party to remember! This recipe has both delectable and historical roots:

“On October 25, 1774, a group of influential ladies met at the home of Penelope Barker, in Edenton, NC, which was then the capital of the state and expressed their disapproval of the English tax on tea by pledging themselves to abstain from the use of this beverage. The recipe for the little cakes Penelope Barker served at this historical ‘tea party’ is given below.”

• 1-quart flour

• ¾ cup butter and lard mixed

• 2 large cups brown sugar

• 3 eggs

• 1 rounded teaspoon baking soda

Beat the eggs together well, adding sugar and then soda, which has been dissolved in 1 tablespoon of warm water — flavor with vanilla. Last, quickly add the flour into the well-worked butter and lard mixture. Roll out as soft as possible and cut into cakes — Bake in a hot oven.

Kitchen Tips:

1.) To get from lemons the largest possible amount of juice, warm them before squeezing.

2.) Magnolia leaves or blossoms make a wonderful centerpiece for a Southern table any time of year.

3) Hollow out vegetables such as bell peppers, cabbage or artichokes and use them as containers for dips. Round loaves of bread also work well.

Cheese and Pimento Biscuits

Dining by Fireflies: Unexpected Pleasures Of The New South (1994)

This cookbook is specifically categorized by meal plans for a variety of events. Hosting a March Madness watch party? Gathering for a wine tasting? This book has you covered! The biscuit recipe shown here is in the recommended meal plan for “Shoppers Anonymous: A Holiday Break For The Ladies.” When you and your friends need a break this holiday season, whip up a batch of these Southern staples to enjoy together.

• 3 cups flour, sifted

• 5 teaspoons baking powder

• 1 ½ teaspoons salt

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

• ½ cup shortening

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated

• ¼ cup pimento, finely chopped

• 1 to 1 ½ cups milk

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Sift together dry ingredients in a large bowl. Cut in shortening. Stir in cheese and pimento. Add milk gradually to make dough. Roll out to ½ inch thickness. Cut with a biscuit cutter and place on greased cookie sheet — Bake for 15 minutes. (Can be prepared ahead and frozen after baking. Reheat before serving.)

Yield: 3 dozen

Liz Taylor’s Favorite Chili-Con-Carne

Charlotte Cooks Again (1999)

Recipe contributed by Betty Wells (Mrs. N. Walker)

In the JLC, we’re all about women helping women. And who better to help us choose the best chili recipe other than actress Elizabeth Taylor? Along with various stars of her time, Elizabeth enjoyed dining at Chasen’s restaurant in West Hollywood, California. She particularly adored their chili – so much so that she supposedly received a delivery of it on the set of Cleopatra in 1963. Chasen’s, unfortunately, closed its doors, but its chili lives on! Consider this recipe for your next tailgate or a Cleopatra movie night.

• ½ pound dry pinto beans

• 3 28-ounce cans of tomatoes

• 1 ½ tablespoon salad oil

• 3 chopped green peppers

• 2 large chopped onions (1 ½ pounds)

• 2 crushed garlic cloves

• ½ cup snipped parsley

• 2 ½ pounds ground beef chuck

• 1 pound lean ground pork

• ¼ cup chili powder

• 1 ½ tablespoon salt

• 1 ½ teaspoon pepper

• 1 teaspoon cumin seed

Wash beans and soak them overnight in a large kettle with enough water to cover them. Simmer in water. Add tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes more. Sauté green pepper, onion and garlic in oil. Add parsley. Add beef and pork and brown. Stir in chili powder and the rest of the seasonings. Cook 10 minutes. Add meat mixture to beans and simmer for 1 hour.

Yield: 4 quarts

Corporate Sponsorship OPPORTUNITIES

The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) offers numerous sponsorship opportunities associated with several fundraising and community events throughout the year.

The JLC welcomes discussions about partnering with companies to fulfill their philanthropic goals and opportunities to engage with JLC members.

JLC partnership opportunities are flexible and can be customized based on company’s priorities.

Multiply the impact of your sponsorship dollars by helping support the JLC mission - to promote voluntarism, develop leaders and improve our community.

To discuss potential involvement, please contact the JLC office at (704) 375-5993 or office@jlcharlotte.org.

1332 Maryland Avenue

Charlotte, NC 28209

704.375.5993

info@jlcharlotte.org

jlcharlotte.org

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