Volunteer work is a priceless opportunity to give back. We are proud to give recognition and show appreciation to those who serve our organization and our community with strength, talent and commitment. An awards program is just one way to announce that volunteers are our most valuable asset.
2012-2013 Applause Awards
Congratulations to following Active JLSA members on their accomplishments and recognition.
April 2013
- Cecilia Lummus - her nominator said, "She's awesome!" This member volunteered to at the last minute to speak at the January meeting for prospective members. And also she volunteered to help out (again at the last minute) at the new member reception. Going above and above the call of duty without expecting any recognition is what the junior league is all about. Cecilia Lummus personifies that!
- Marci Ocanas - in addition to her regular responsibilities as SA Works Chair Assistant - Agency Contact, this volunteer captained a Goodwill location and she is diligently working on a historical document of what we did and when for SA Works - going back to 2009! Her work now will be useful for the future, especially for developing new placements and the grant process. Congratulations go to Marci Ocanas.
- Jennifer Ramirez - This member did a phenomenal job of scheduling the community general meetings in November and she's been a great help with the Grants process, in addition to her regular duties as Vice Chair of Logistics and communications - community partners. If that were not enough, she's also helping to organize the community and sponsor reception in partnership with the fund development committee, and she does it all with a smile. Beth will be very lucky to have Jennifer Ramirez in this role again next year!
- Erin Alsup - The next league year often starts very early for some committees. This is the case for Ole 2013. This committee's leadership began almost immediately after doors closed on Ole 2012. Already, the chair has done a wonderful job of managing through committee changes and has chosen an amazing new location for Ole 2013 (in case you didn't hear already - it will be at Expo Hall B at Freeman Coliseum!) This change required a lot of research and planning, as well as ramping up the merchant application process. We know it will be a huge success...congratulations to Erin Alsup.
February 2013
- Cathy Fullen - Cathy revamped the placement showcase this year. The new format led to quality conversations with people about placement. It really helped to steer people in the right direction for their placements for next year.
- Kendall Ellis - Kendall stepped in this year to do two placements on communications council. She does both fabulously! She is organized and diligent when it comes to getting out membership the information they need through social media or eBlasts. She's also very patient with her council chair when she gets last minute posts or eBlasts that need to be sent out ASAP!
January 2013
- Chelsea Powers: According to her chair, Chelsea has been a “wonderful vice chair this year.” She is always eager and willing to help in any way she can. She was presented with an opportunity to plan a networking event with NSIDE magazine and she ran with it! While her chair was away on vacation, she stepped up to be in charge and kept a watchful eye on all things social media. Thanks to Chelsea for all of her hard work on the communication coucil.
- Michele Jacob: While we always hope that every placement will be a easy; sometimes that isn’t the case. Michele has handled herself with grace and poise throughout a challenging experience. She acted as the intermediary between the agency and the league and did her best to make sure her committee members had an opportunity to have the best possible experience. In a meeting last week where we decided to change the nature of the relationship between the Junior League and this particular agency, Michele was diplomatic, sincere, and thoughtful while maintaining her passion for the mission of the league and the agency. Thank you Michele for all you do!
December 2012
- Brandis Davis, Tabbetha Greco and Heather Lancaster: These three ladies jumped right in to a project that was provided to us. One of our members was chairing the KKG luncheon this year. Traditionally they ask local businesses, etc to create different themed tables for the event. Once I learned of the event, I passed it along to both the Bright Shawl chair and Communications Council. These ladies jumped in and started brainstorming ideas. They took my request with a big smile and made an amazing tablescape for the KKG event. Many thanks!
- Gina Culotta, Cynthia Escajeda, Lilly Gretzinger, and Liz Werkowitch: November 4 was the big Family Picture Day at Family Endeavors - an event that is very important to the moms. I (Danielle Schick) could not attend due to a death in the family and the other co-chair was out of town. Gina Culotta, Cynthia Escajeda, Lilly Gretzinger, and Liz Werkowitch did a fabulous job of making the day a great success! They carried on with the business of the day and the moms were able to enjoy the Family Picture Day. Teri Cardenas (a sustainer) and Ariana Barbour also stepped in to provide some additional support. Danielle said, "I would like to have these six women recognized for making Family Picture Day great and for being champions in my absence." Congratulations!
October 2012:
- Tabbetha Greco is forging her own path as Bright Shawl chair this year. After taking the facility back under the junior league wing, we have been recreating the chair position. With little prior information to rely on, Tabbetha has worked to create the best role for the position. While there is still much work to be done, Tabbetha's assistance, advice, and suggestions have helped to get the ball rolling.
- Heather Beard is mentoring nearly 100 new active members this year, helping transition them in to their new active lives. She provides assistance, acts as mediator, keeps track of obligations, and keeps her girls in the loop. She's even created "Heather's Hot Topics," a monthly newsletter that only goes to new actives that keeps them updated on important league info and highlights one new active a month.
- Maria Downes has been working hard since taking over as Gallery Chair to bring new and exciting exhibits to our facility. She has filled the gallery schedule with works of art that are revitalizing the life of the gallery and that have brought public relations attention to our space. Maria has already held one successful Gallery opening which brougth in over 80 people. Future openings promise to be as equally successful as she has fun, creative ways planned for advertising.
- The Print Publications Committee (consisting of: Emily Gary, Natalie Tate, Shana Gurwitz, Katie Micken, Meg Dreiss, and Callie Latham) has been planning and writing diligently since mid-summer and have already produced two high quality Scrawls publications! The team also took on a new challenge this year by partnering with Holiday Olé to create the first ever joint Scrawls/Holiday Olé program for this year's market!
September 2012:
- Ninette Cox did a fabulous job with Fund Special Events. Last Spring, she began planning for the first ever JLSA Golf Tournament in August, which raised approximately $10,000 - exceeding the $7500 goal that had been set. Almost single-handedly, she secured over $21,000 in sponsorships. The event was a huge success and Ninette made it look easy while always having a smile on her face!
- Lorena Pena's out-of-the-box thinking is why she was selected to be Chair of Education and Training this year. Her events so far this year have been well-thought out, meaningful, and focused on "developing the potential of women" strand of our mission. She has handled her tasks with grace, patience, and compassion.
- Kelly Anderson has taken our league blog and run with it. Over the summer, after her first posting, the blog views have been consistent and numerous. June, in fact, recorded the highest number of views ever. This is due, no doubt, to her making the blog her own and instilling her own personal touch.
Past Award Recipients:
