President's Message
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
~Winston Churchill~
Seventy-five years ago a group of civic minded women united to establish Valdosta Junior Service League (VJSL) in order to make a difference in our community. It is an honor to serve as President of Valdosta Junior Service League for 2011-2012! We take great pride on being an organization of women committed to “improving cultural, welfare, recreational, civic, and educational conditions in this community. We seek to promote volunteerism, and to cooperate with other national, state, or local organizations performing similar services.” This purpose statement speaks volumes to the many accomplishments of our members who exemplify what true “Leaders of Women” really are. I am humbled by the opportunity to guide our way this year.
VJSL is making big plans to celebrate our 75th anniversary of volunteerism by continuing to move our mission forward. Our Annual Benefit, the Preview Party of Merry Marketplace, will be a celebration of three quarters of a century of success in the Lowndes/Valdosta community. I encourage you to join us for our celebration that will be held at the James H. Rainwater Conference Center on November 18, 2011. In conjunction with Merry Marketplace, the Preview Party helps our organization contribute much needed funds to several non-profit agencies throughout Valdosta and Lowndes County. Agencies such as The Greater Valdosta United Way, The Children’s Advocacy Center, Valdosta State University Speech and Hearing Scholarship, The Boys and Girls Club, the Lowndes-Valdosta Arts Commission, the South Georgia Regional Library, Kid’s Café, Jacob’s Ladder, The Haven, Lowndes and Valdosta City School systems, South Georgia Medical Center Foundation, America’s Second Harvest, the Department of Family and Children Services, Partnership for Health, the Pregnancy Support Clinic, and the United Methodist Home.
Along with our Merry Marketplace and Preview Party, the Ways and Means Committee is also responsible for the cultivation of another major fundraising project, which is our Annual Run (Dosta Dash). This is a fun filled family event which takes place in the spring that helps promote health and wellness in Valdosta. VJSL also partners with South Georgia Medical Center to provide assistance six days a week at the All Spice café. Through these successful efforts, our organization is able to contribute financial assistance to many local nonprofit agencies.
VJSL is based in Downtown Valdosta at the beautifully restored Converse Dalton Ferrell House. This lovely landmark, maintained by the League, is on the National Register for Historic Places and is available to rent for wedding receptions, showers, parties and other special occasions. Click here to learn more.
It is my hope that you leave this site with a desire to make a contribution in your own community. Of course, VJSL could not support the Lowndes County community, our mission, and our members without the continued assistance of our valued sponsors, mentors, and donors. Even during challenging economic times, they have continued to provide guidance, support, and funding. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to VJSL and for the commitment of all of our active, sustaining and lifetime members. I encourage you to learn more about VJSL by exploring our website. Thank you for your continued support, believing in our mission and our women, and making a difference in our community!
Very Truly Yours,
Janna Guess
