2011 11 nov scrawls

I s s u e T w o | N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 1 A publication of the Junior League of San Antonio, Inc.

Scrawls

Our Mission

The Junior League of San Antonio, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

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President’s view

President’s Message

Board of directors Gretchen Garceau-Kragh President Debbie Callihan President-Elect Cameron Armstrong Community Council Chair Sarah Wannarka Membership Development Council Chair Catherine Bell Treasurer Chris Green Board Secretary Alison Boone Sustaining Board Advisor Suzie Bacon Board Member-at-Large DeeDee Benavides Assistant to the President Sakkara Biggs Nominating Committee Chair Kristen Henry Treasurer-Elect Korrie Lawson Bylaws Committee Chair/Parliamentarian Lauren McLaughlin Vice Chair of Member Retention Syndi Phillips Fund Development Council Chair Kate Stevenson Communication Council Chair Kristal Thomson Planning Council Chair Melissa Unsell Vice Chair of Research and Development Denise Reams White Managing Director

Gretchen Garceau-Kragh President 2011-2012

“From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life.”

--Arthur Ashe

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e are entering what some call “the season of giving,” but for the Junior League of San Antonio, there is no defined time to give League members give their time and talents all year, working with children at the Clarity Guidance Center, supporting our signature fundraisers or through countless other volunteer opportunities. This year, League members have given more than 2,000 hours of support to 17,000 San Antonio residents, both two-legged and four-legged, and we are not done yet!

We have the opportunity to do more by giving of our gently used items to Goodwill or by giving to the league financially with a contribution to the annual fund. Your donation to Goodwill will change lives. Parents will be able to buy much-needed items for their families and a Goodwill employee will get back on his or her feet with critical on-the-job training. By giving to the annual fund, you will allow the league to focus on what we do best, sending trained volunteers into the community to make a difference.

jlsa staff Denise Reams White Managing Director 210.225.1861 ext. 302 / denise@jlsa.org Shannon Grabill Financial Administrator 210.225.1861 ext. 301 / shannon@jlsa.org Megan Gallaway Membership Program Administrator 210.225.18621 ext. 300 / megan@jlsa.org

However you choose to give, know that your contribution to the Junior League of San Antonio will be used to build a better community. Thank you for being a valued member of JLSA. Yours in Giving,

Office info The Junior League of San Antonio, Inc. 723 Brooklyn Avenue San Antonio, Texas, 78215 T:210.225.1861 F:210.225.6832 Email: info@jlsa.org Office hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

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Gretchen Garceau-Kragh 2011-2012 President Junior League of San Antonio, Inc.

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FYI

Special update

“Fun Facts”

Communicating our Mission Kate Stevenson, 2011-12 Communications Council Chair

Our mission, as members of the Junior League of San Antonio, is to promote voluntarism, develop the potential of women and improve our community. This year, it is the priority of the Communications Council to effectively market and publicize the message of our mission.

I hope you have already noticed all the ways we are striving toward that goal, including re-branding our website to focus on community impact while offering a user-friendly format. The website includes interactive elements like our JLSA Community Impact Blog, JLSA-TV and links to our social media. We have also re-branded our Scrawls Newsletter, featuring informative sections on membership, community and fundraising. Of course, our most important communications resource is you! As a member, you promote JLSA through your actions and service daily. Please make the most of our communications resources by sharing them with your friends and colleagues.

Our JLSA women are more than volunteers. In many cases, they’re also extremely savvy businesswomen.

Congratulations to JLSA member Michele Pauli, who recently received the Women’s Leadership Entrepreneurial Award from the San Antonio Business Journal.

Sustained Strength 2011 Sustainer Luncheon On Tuesday, September 13, we celebrated some of our JLSA leaders with a Sustainer Luncheon at the Bright Shawl. The event included a welcome and State of the JLSA by Gretchen GarceauKragh, 2011-12 President and membership update from Mireya Villarreal Gideon, Vice Chair of New Members.

Sara Brouillard, Sustaining Committee Co-Chair, created a special event for our Sustainers, and our Bright Shawl kitchen staff pleased both eyes and palates with a lovely lunch of chilled cucumber and dill soup, Bright Shawl cobb salad and our signature almond crunch cake!

Emeritus Members, sustaining members who have reached the age of 80, were honored. And many of the Emeritus members were in attendance including: Bette King, Betty Berkey, Helen Harnisch, Margaret Liljenwall, Patricia McAlpin, Amanda Ochse, Nancy Pawel, Louise Thomas, Gretchen Barrett and Jean McCormick.

The luncheon was also an opportunity to recognize our 2012 JLSA Volunteer Extraordinaire Susan Martin. Susan will be honored with a Volunteer Extraordinaire event on March 29, 2012.

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AMIGOS&NEWS

NEWS Amigos! stands for A Mission In Giving Others Support, and we need your help! Please notify Catie Eastland at amigos@jlsa.org when you celebrate an engagement, wedding, new baby, graduation, promotion or anything else exciting! In addition, AMIGOS is also here to support members during hardship, illness or loss, so please let us share in and lighten your troubles.

Announcing Our Littlest Leaguers!

• April and Thomas Michael Beaty welcomed Thomas Wade on April 30, 2011. 5 lbs 3 oz and 18.25 inches.

• Catherine and William Bell welcomed Harrison Phillips on May 25, 2011. 6lbs 12oz and 19 inches.

• Stephanie and John Martin welcomed Grayson James on June 22, 2011. 8lb 10oz and 19.75 inches.

• Rachel Hart and Ernest Williams welcomed Ava Morgan on July 13, 2011. 6lb, 4 oz and 19.5 inches.

• Amanda and Jon Mays welcomed Leighton Olivia on July 28, 2011. 7lb 10 oz and 19.5 inches.

AMIGOS is designed to support EVERY member of the League (and her family) regardless of status. This program supports New Members, Actives, Sustainers and Active Non-Residents. We will reach out and help or celebrate. Volunteers always welcome!

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY’S REPORT Your Corresponding Secretary handles the administrative details of membership, including transfers of membership, resignations, reinstatements and membership status changes. If you have a question about your membership status, contact Linda Molina. You can email her as well! correspondingsecretary@jlsa.org

Linda Molina

or 210-857-1557.

Transfer Out

Resignation

Karen Dickerson (S) (Houston)

Erin Spalten (A)

Transfer In Jesslynn Buddle (A) (from Harlingen TX) Courtnay Keck (A) (from Denver CO) Denise Thieme (A) (from McAllen TX) Amy Hays (A) (from Austin TX) Kirsten Bell (S) (from Corpus Christi TX)

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EDITOR’S NOTE

This month, we celebrate with turkey, Pilgrims and lots of football. Of course, we also have plenty of other things to celebrate, like surpassing our Ole goals (page 6) and kicking off our new fundraiser, Fête de Cuvée (page 6). And, thanks to the hard work of our members, others in the community will celebrate as well. From the mothers we help in our service at Seton Home to the seniors we make smile through our Sunshine Singers performances, there are quite a few people in San Antonio who give thanks for JLSA’s eager-to-serve volunteers. Finally, as a League, we give thanks for the life and legacy of Joan Held, who served as an inspiration to many and a benefactor to us all (page 8).

Happy Thanksgiving, and may you spend it with those you’re most thankful for as well!

Natalie Tate, 2011-12 Print Publications Manager

JLSA COMMUNITY PARTNERs

The Junior League of San Antonio, Inc. is proud to partner with more than 60 agencies annually. Below are the 2011-2012 agencies we partner with:

AccessAbility Fest for San Antonio

Family Endeavors

Salvation Army

Alamo Area Development Corporation

Family Service Association

SAISD Student Showcase

Alzheimer’s Association

Food Allergy Anaphylaxis Network

San Antonio Animal Advocates

American Diabetes Association

Girls on The Run

San Antonio Eye Bank

Art In The Park

Good Samaritan Community Services

San Antonio Fighting Back

Artpace San Antonio

Goodwill Industries

San Antonio Food Bank

Avance

Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center

San Antonio Humane Society

Battered Women’s and Children Shelter

Guide Dogs of Texas

San Antonio Museum of Art

Bexar County Family Justice Center

Habitat For Humanity

San Antonio State Hospital

Bexar County Community Health

Healy-Murphy Center

San Antonio Youth

Collaborative

Hill Country Mission for Health

Seton Home

Bexar County Women’s Bar Foundation

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

SNIPSA

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Kendall County Women’s Shelter

Spina Bifida Texas

Boys Town Texas

La Presa Foundation

St. PJ’s Children’s Home

Brighton Center

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Starlight Children’s Foundation at

Cancer Center Council

Main Plaza Conservancy

Morgan’s Wonderland

Catholic Charities Hygiene Product

McNay Museum of Art

Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf

Drive

Mitchell Lake Audubon Center

Children

Child Safe

Northeast Senior Assistance

Susan G. Komen Race for The Cure

Children’s Bereavement Center

Rainbow House

Texas Organ Sharing Alliance

Christian Senior Services

Rape Crisis Center

Unicorn Center

Cibolo Nature Center

Retired & Senior Volunteer Program

WINGS

City of Terrell Hills

Ronald McDonald House

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Roy Mass Youth Alternatives Center

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C.O.R.E. Community Partner Placement There’s a new…Committee…in town!

CORE is the Junior League of San Antonio’s newest community placement – a placement geared towards public policy. It stands for Community OutReach and Education. The vision of CORE is to learn more about the city of San Antonio and its needs, while educating the community and expanding awareness about the JLSA. Our goals include: • Working with city council districts to showcase JLSA activism in each area • Encouraging city projects to apply for JLSA funding/partnerships • Helping JLSA volunteers learn about city council government; encouraging them to advocate for change and make an impact in our city.

Currently, the committee is preparing to present “The 2012 Project” to JLSA membership. This project is a national, non-partisan campaign to increase the number of women in Congress and state legislatures.

Specifically, “The 2012 Project in Texas” is a state-based coalition, spreading this message and identifying potential women candidates in Texas. It’s an excellent fit for an organization like JLSA, one that is focused on the training and development of women leaders.

Additionally, the committee will meet with San Antonio’s Mayor to share the vision and goals of CORE. Our goal is to connect in areas where JLSA has not yet had an opportunity to make an impact. We are also reaching out to their assigned city council districts to do the same, so community service events can be scheduled.

If you are interested in serving on the CORE team, please email daniela1129@hotmail.com.

Sunshine Singers spread cheer wherever they go Everyone needs a little sunshine in their lives. Thanks to the JLSA Sunshine Singers, the elderly in our community get a monthly dose of sunshine, cheer and goodwill.

How? By singing and performing for the elderly, adding a little fun and excitement into their daily routines.

for those who join them to sing Christmas carols. Watch for more information on how you can bring a little extra holiday cheer into the lives of some of our friends and neighbors.

The Sunshine Singers charm and captivate their audiences yearround, but we can join in sharing the holiday joy. Watch for details on jlsa.org so you can spread love and laughter as well.

While Sunshine Singers is a JLSA placement, everyone can join in the fun during the holiday season.

The Sunshine Singers will offer a Member Credit Opportunity

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MEMBERSHIP

meet the board: board member spotlight Alison Boone 2011-12 Sustaining Advisor Alison served as President of JLSA during the 1995-96 year, and she truly appreciates how JLSA makes an impact in the community and promotes longlasting friendships between remarkable women.

In her 32 years of JLSA service, Alison Boone has had many wonderful opportunities to serve our community. Her most memorable placement?

Waitressing at the Bright Shawl during her provisional year (plus side: she mastered the art of making champagne cocktails!). She also worked as a Patient Advocate at San Antonio Free Clinic, advising men and women on reproductive health.

On a personal level, Alison has been married for 30 years to her husband, Taylor, who is an attorney and has two daughters, Virginia (a newlywed) and Catherine (who will soon give Alison a first grandchild).

JLSA calendar Mark your calendars...for all these great JLSA events!

Dec. 3

Nov. 9

Breakfast with Santa - 9:00 a.m. at The Bright Shawl

President’s Chat 12:00 p.m. – the Bright Shawl Board Room

Dec. 6

Nov. 10

December General Meeting - 7:00 p.m. at the Bright Shawl

Prospective New Member Meetings - 6:30 p.m. at the Bright Shawl

Dec. 7

Nov. 13

President’s Chat - 9:00 a.m. at Madhatter’s Tea House

JLSA Family Day Fundraiser at Kiddie Park - 2:00–6:00 p.m. at Kiddie Park Jan. 15 Nov. 17

Met Opera Finals - at Trinity University. *Open to the public

Book Club Meeting - 7:00 p.m. at Pam’s Patio Kitchen - The Pioneer

Jan. 25

Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels (by Ree Drummond)

Goodwill Quota Due Date Feb 25 JLSA “Rummage Around” Sale at select Goodwill Industries Locations

November General Meeting: the November General Membetship Meeting will be our “Community Partner Meetings” held throughout the month at various Community Partner Locations. Meeting details are posted on our website.

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MEMBERSHIP

in Memoriam: Joan Held Joan Held became a JLSA member upon moving to San Antonio in the early 1950s and her enthusiastic service was exemplified in her willingness to take on any role at a moment’s notice. She stepped into the position of Rummage chairperson after tragedy struck the original organizer. She put others, and her community, before her own concerns. Next time you visit the Bright Shawl’s newly dedicated courtyard, please take a moment to reflect with gratitude on Mrs. Held’s life and legacy.

spotlight on: membership You’ve probably seen Mireya Villarreal-Gideon, whether on screen for WOAI or in person at a JLSA meeting. She’s an active League leader, especially in her current role, Vice Chair of New Members. When Mireya’s not keeping new members on track toward their service goals, she’s probably playing competitive tennis or enjoying wedded and domestic bliss with husband Matthew and Basset Hound, Biggie. Why JLSA with all her other commitments? According to Mireya, “With my work, it’s easy to get a skewed perception of the world. JLSA reminds me there are good people out there doing great things for our community.”

spotlight on: new member Janet Pedrotti thinks you’re beautiful. Really. As a new member, she had envisioned JLSA as a group of women, beautiful inside and out, working hard to change the community for the better. Although the new member year has just started, Janet has been busy serving the community and embracing the JLSA’s volunteer spirit. Janet’s favorite SA Works event so far? Serving at Rainbow House, where she encountered sweet spirits and grateful hearts. Her biggest secret? A newfound love for fantasy football.

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IMPACT

community organization spotlight Prevent Blindness helps children succeed

members: making impacts

Sometimes it can be hard to know exactly how to make an impact in your daily life. Between families, friends and careers, sometimes just keeping our daily checklist covered can consume all our extra time and leave us drained.

Imagine the beauty of a fall afternoon. A blue sky. A flock of geese flying south for the winter. Smiles on friendly faces. Our Prevent Blindness volunteers make those sights possible for children.

However, in just minutes, you can be a member who truly makes an impact. Curious to hear how you can change your community in less time than

JLSA’s seven-member Prevent Blindness team will screen more than 3,500 children for vision problems in SAISD elementary schools and San Antonio area Title I Catholic schools. State-certified volunteers identify students with acuity issues and screen for serious vision problems. Some of these problems can be easily corrected if caught in the early years of a person’s life; however, they can lead to blindness in adulthood if left unchecked.

it takes to review your friends’ Facebook statuses, check your work email or fold a load of laundry?

It’s easy – with a simple contribution to the Junior League of San Antonio’s Annual Fund.

Contributions to the Junior League of San Antonio’s Annual Fund go directly toward

Sight is a vital tool in a child’s education. By identifying sight problems, our volunteers provide a stepping stone to academic success. The Prevent Blindness team will donate approximately 300 volunteer hours. This placement is especially rewarding for people who enjoy working with children and task-oriented projects. It is ideal for members who prefer a weekday schedule.

promoting philanthropy. Your gifts will help children find a love of reading, will help mothers learn more about caring for their babies and will provide teen girls resources and leadership as they grow into young women.

With a contribution to the Junior League of San

Please join us while we participate in Prevent Blindness Texas’s Light the Night for Sight 5K Run/Walk at SeaWorld Friday, Dec, 2, 2011. This fun evening event will feature Christmas lights, dinner and a Shamu show.

Join the “Junior League, Family and Friends” team at www.preventblindness.net.

Antonio’s Annual Fund, you are the member who makes an impact on your community. Your gift, whether $5, $50 or $500, impacts lives and helps us live out the mission of our organization.

Contributing is easy – just log into jlsa.org and complete a short donation form. Thank you in advance for making an impact through your gift.

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FUNDRAISING

Fete du Cuvee: Introducing the inaugural Fête du Cuvée Fine Wine Auction – our new Fundraiser!

Fundraiser Logo

Say hello to the newest and most elegant fundraiser in town, the Fête du Cuvée Fine Wine Auction, the Junior League of San Antonio’s newest fundraiser! This inaugural event will take place March 3, 2012 at the Bright Shawl.

The elegant black tie affair will welcome more than 300 wine enthusiasts, food and wine pairings from nationally acclaimed chefs, who will bid for exclusive lots in our remarkable silent auction, and one-of-a-kind offerings in the live auction.

San Antonio’s annual shopping extravaganza, the Holiday Olé Market, kicked off the holiday season in style!

It was a true “SHOPPING ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCE.” This year’s Market featured unique, boutique-like shopping with nearly 90 premier merchants. Our annual event was organized by our hardworking 46-member committee!

This year’s event included a chic Preview Party where guests partied while experiencing delicious food and tasty desserts! The fabulous Ready-Set-Shop featured a presentation by Frances Strange and delicious brunch prepared by Don Strange of Texas, Inc. New this year was “Happy Hour For Heroes” – and we were truly honored to support the heroes in our community! And, who can forget “Girls Night Out” –featuring shopping, cocktails, food, music, and the highly anticipated designer handbag auction!

The 2011 Holiday Ole Market was an unforgettable experience! We are looking forward to next year.

Since the event’s inception, the Holiday Ole Market has raised $1.4 million to benefit the projects of JLSA.

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Our participating chefs represent San Antonio’s finest and the award-winning line up will be announced at our Chef’s Announcement Party on November 17, 2011. An exclusive Patron Preview Party will be held in February. At this event, sponsors and patrons will be led through the highlights and auction lots in preparation for the big event.

Member Credit shifts will be available in the spring to help out with this exciting new event! For ticket information and other details, please visit sanantoniowineauction.com.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

Please contact Brooke Meabon at 210-468-3469 or brooke. meabon@gmail.com for more information. We are also accepting wine donations and wine-related silent and live auction items. If you are interested in donating or would like to host a wine donating party please contact Sheila Mayfield at 858-775-8254 or sheila@alumni.upenn.edu for more information.

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FUNDRAISING

JLSA: giving thanks to our Sponsors & Supporters Holiday Ole Market Sponsors • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Valero Energy Foundation - Presenting Sponsor San Antonio Eye Center Capital Group Companies Clear Channel Communications Foundation Deacon Recruiting - Preview Party Sponsor Desert Glory Ltd - Family Day Sponsor Ken Batchelor Cadillac TCI Training & Consulting, Inc. - Ready Set Shop Sponsor Women Partners in OB/GYN Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry - Girls’ Night Out Sponsor Frost National Bank - Wristband Sponsor The Porter Loring Family Fans of Cannoli NuStar Energy

Holiday Cheer! The Bright Shawl Panty has everything you need for a festive Holiday party!

“Party in a Box” “Party in a box” – is available for you to order your entire holiday meal! Chef’s homemade soups, salads, entrees and desserts will surely make your party the talk of the town. For more information call the Bright Shawl at 225-6366.

“Crunch Cake Fever” Crunch Cake! Place your order today!

Blonde Creative Illusions Rentals and Decor a division of the RK Group News 4 WOAI Don Strange Catering of Texas, Inc. Bjorn’s Audio Video Home Theatre Botanika Flair Floral

1/3 sheet …….. $20.00 serves up to 15 ½ sheet ……… $40.00 serves up to 25 Full sheet…… ....$70.00 serves up to 50 *Please call 210-225-6366, 24 hours in advance.

NEW Non-Profit WEDNESDAYS! Every Wednesday the Bright Shawl is proud to offer its prime meeting space to area non-profit organizations at no cost for the facility – a value of more than $1,000. This program,

Fete du Cuvee Sponsors (to date): • • • • •

Pantry. The Holiday Season is nearing and we are full of

Make your next meal “POP” with our Famous Bright Shawl

In-Kind Contributors • • • • • • •

We are very excited to announce the return of the Bright Shawl

“Non-profit Wednesdays”, is designed for meetings or events of

Frost Bank - Presenting Sponsor San Antonio Eye Center - Cru Sponsor South Texas Money Management - Live Auction Sponsor CHRISTUS Health - Silent Auction Sponsor Wave Healthcare – Silent Auction Sponsor

75 to 280 attendees. Whether for an annual meeting, special workshop, or fundraising affair we are committed to your success. Please contact Erica Clark, Sales Manager at erica@brightshawl.com or 210-225-6366.

And…Don’t forget to book your Holiday Party at the Bright Shawl, contact Erica for more info!

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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID San Antonio, Tx Permit No. 144 723 Brooklyn Avenue San Antonio, Texas 78215 T: 210.225.1861 F: 210.225.6832 www.jlsa.org

Our Mission

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The Junior League of San Antonio, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

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