JUNIOR LEAGUE OF SUMMIT INTRODUCES NEW BOARD

 The Junior League of Summit has welcomed new members to its Board of Directors for 2007-2008.   The Junior League is a nonprofit, charitable and educational organization of women from Summit, Chatham, Berkeley Heights, New Providence and surrounding communities.  With a membership of approximately 500 dynamic women, the Junior League is committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities. 

 Since its founding in 1929, the League has invested more than $3,000,000 in the community in the form of grants, projects, programs and scholarships and contributed more than one million hours of community service. 

 Some of the community organizations the League has supported through monetary grants are: Family and Children’s Services, NJ Youth Symphony, Overlook Hospital Foundation, New Eyes for the Needy, the New Providence Recreation Department, Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad, Reeves-Reed Arboretum, American Red Cross, Bridges Outreach, CASA of Union County, Summit High School PTA, and many elementary schools including Allen Roberts, Brayton, Crossroads, Salt Brook and Washington Avenue.

 Current hands-on projects include:

1)      - Collaborating with the Special Olympics of New Jersey to provide sports training to children with disabilities, ages seven and older in a safe, encouraging and inclusive environment, through their “Get Into Our Game” programs.  

2)      - Providing respite to families of children under treatment in the pediatric department of Overlook Hospital in Summit.  JLS volunteers entertain children in and build upon the resources of the Pediatric Playroom.   

3)      - Partnering with Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build Initiative and joining over 300 New Jersey women who have built affordable housing for over 55 families.

4)      - Implementing the Association of Junior League International’s initiative Kids in the Kitchen, designed to help communities address the urgent issues surrounding childhood obesity and poor nutrition.

 The League’s primary source of funding for grants, projects, programs and scholarships is itsThrift Shop at 37 DeForest Avenue in Summit.  The Shop offers new and gently used clothing and shoes for men, women and children, toys, decorative items for the home, housewares and furniture. All the items for sale are donated to the Shop by the League members and the local community.  Donations are welcomed during regular business hours.  

 The Junior League of Summit is a nonprofit, charitable and educational organization of women who are committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. For more information about the Junior League of Summit, call the League office at 908-273-7349 or visit our website at www.jlsummit.org.

 top row:  Nominating Placement Chairwoman - Kerrie Mayer (Summit), President Elect - Amanda Grant (New Providence), Community Vice President - Rochelle Fowkes (Summit), Sustaining Vice President - Angela Bumbera (Florham Park), Administrative/Recording Secretary - Jill Mitchell (Summit)

bottom row:  Treasurer - Emily Bevill Lordi (Berkeley Heights), President - Sherel Hersch (Summit), Communications Vice President - Leslie Rodgers (Summit), Projects Vice President - Kristen Gilfillan (Chatham). 

 not pictured:  Membership Vice President - Kristin Harrington (Chatham) and Assistant Treasurer - Jennifer Ritter (Chatham)