Twenty-first century flappers and Gatsby-esque gentlemen recently gathered to celebrate IMAGINE! at the Doubletree by Hilton-Chesterfield. This year, Assistance League of St. Louis’ signature fundraising gala was attended by 245 glittering guests. With Rene Knott, KSDK News Anchor as MC, the packed ballroom of generous bidders achieved a “roaring ’20s” financial success. The annual gala raises a significant portion of the funds critical to implementing the five community programs managed by the volunteer members. In the past year, 36,000 lives have been touched through these programs in the St. Louis community. With gratitude for this generosity, the nonprofit is a prudent financial steward, accredited by the BBB and has achieved Platinum status by Charity Navigator.

Having passed the first hurdle, we proceeded to the second phase, which required us to raise at least $3000 in a month.  The challenge had two groupings, one for small nonprofits, with budgets under $500,000, and one for large nonprofits, with budgets more than $500,000.  Having only about 50 members, AL-Northern Virginia is definitely in the small group.  In addition to the fund-raising effort, the campaign offered weekly prizes for both groups.  Incentive prizes were awarded to the 3 nonprofits in each group that raised the most money in weeks 1 and 3; and to the 3 that had the most unique donors in weeks 2 and 4.

We were ecstatic to receive a donation within the first hour after the campaign was launched, and we watched in delight as that amount steadily increased, with donations large and small and from long-time supporters and new friends, and of course from our dedicated members.  In the first week, we were halfway to the minimum goal, and in another week reached that goal, in part due to a donor-match offer.  We continued steadily toward our optimistic goal of raising $6000 and then exceeded it!  When the campaign closed, we had raised $7075 – our most successful on-line fund-raising campaign ever.  And more importantly, we were assured that the Gannett Foundation would evaluate our grant application for funding for our Weekend Food program.  Winners will be announced in early October.

Our success required the strong support of our members to publicize this campaign on social media, news platforms, and to all our friends, family, and business contacts.  Another first for us:  We used a QR code that took donors quickly to the Mighty Cause site where they could contribute.

When checking the leader board to see how AL-Northern Virginia was doing compared to other nonprofit organizations, we were surprised that ours was the only AL chapter participating in this campaign!?!   No doubt, we’ll have a lot more competition next year.

https://youtu.be/H0MRIvBQHFg

The Social Media committee has brought Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to the forefront of the chapter’s visibility to the community. By using these various media tools, the committee has produced numerous delightful and informative snippets/YouTubes that add dimension and augment its delivery. Through this increased social media presence, Assistance League of San Jose is reaching a larger audience and is more forcefully promoting our services and value to the community we serve.

Another pleasant spring surprise was the chapter’s major fundraiser, Lunch with the Authors.  Five very expressive, energetic, and entertaining writers enthusiastically spoke about their books and writing careers as they revealed what inspired them to write.  Their unique and personal accounts entertained the almost 250 guests who were not only treated to insights of the authors’ writing, but also to humorous anecdotes and experiences.

Added special features at the luncheon were the ingenious centerpieces crafted by chapter members.  Each table depicted a different popular children’s book.  The centerpieces will next be used to grace the storefront of one of our local bookstores and the libraries of the various schools where Assistance League of San Jose’s Readers Are Leaders Program is offered.

Spring also highlights the strong bond that the members have formed while performing community services.  T-shirts were designed by the Marketing Committee which the members will wear proudly to the upcoming chapter picnic. The picnic is being held to celebrate the chapter’s accomplishments throughout the year.

With the end of spring comes the end of the two-year terms of some of Assistance League of San Jose’s Board members, including the President.  This board is recognized for its masterful leadership skills in confronting the dilemmas brought on by the pandemic during its tenure.  The board conceived and supported new and innovative ways of delivering the chapter’s services to the community.  The chapter took on a different look and is better prepared now for any future obstacles.  It has become stronger, more resilient, and has routinely weaved technology into all its operations and programs.  That is the legacy that the outgoing officers leave and will be admired for as spring surprises move on to summer ventures.

“Enduring Stories” at the Oceanside Museum of Art

Last year our chapter held a virtual fundraising event, “Step Up for Kids”. It was fun to see how many people came up with creative ideas to make this happen without breaking covid restriction rules. So now, after almost two years of not being able to get together as a community of members, the chapter decided to create an evening of fun and friendship by holding our “30 Year Anniversary” event at the Oceanside Art Museum. One of the most obvious successes of the program was the joy that everyone had of just, being together, laughing and sharing. Of course, earning over $16,000 after expenses was an added bonus. Members each received a ticket for a glass of wine, more was available for purchase, a lovely charcuterie bowl and decorated pre-packaged cupcakes. The food and wine committee, headed by Angela Bear, Jane Valentine and Norma Haylett, did an amazing job.

We had almost 200 people attend, which included some special guests: Bobbie Cooper from our National Assistance League, teachers from Oceanside High School and Mission Vista who agreed to a wonderful program lead by our own Kriss Stewart. She contacted the art teachers at the schools and asked if their students would be interested in making mini masterpieces on 4×4 canvases, the results; over 180 donated to be sold as mementos at $10.00 each, 77 were sold that evening and the rest will be offered at our next general meeting and at our Thrift Shop. One of the teachers actually received a scholarship from the Assistance League of Capistrano when she was a senior in high school. We were honored to have 3 times Pulitzer Prize winner for photojournalism Don Barteletti attend and share his art which was located in one of the galleries.

Nancy Schaefer and Susan Shupe arranged for the entertainment which included Geri Afshari, who played the harp and Janet Seymour, flautist. We also had a scavenger hunt, there were 10 questions whose answers could be found in the five galleries. It gave guests an opportunity to explore the museum and talk about art. At the end there was a drawing held for those who participated for some great gifts, one was a $100.00 shopping trip to our Thrift Shop.

Because of limited space we had only12 silent auction items which earned $4,150.00. One was donated by Paula Alexander, our reservations and finance chairperson, a weeklong stay at a beautiful beach home in St. Malo.

A big thanks goes to our committee of 22 people lead by co-chairs Holly Ziegler and Jane Ramey. Also, our resource development chair, Mona Ackerman who brought everyone together and was our cornerstone.

Our resilient and creative members launched a new fundraiser — “Jingle! Mingle.” The event was held on a private property with an upscale “barn” and beautiful grounds. Guests were immediately greeted by Santa and his jingle bell! The event featured a splendid sampling of local wines and craft beer as well as delectable lite bites from four well-known restaurants. This was accompanied by our signature raffle of holiday baskets, an online auction of over fifty items including fully decorated Christmas trees, wares by local artisans, member-created centerpieces, and a special giving-tree that encompassed our six philanthropic programs.

We were elated that the day brought clear skies and many festive attendees. We were proud to give the community a holiday event to lift their spirits. In the end, we successfully matched the revenue we would have raised on past Homes for the Holidays tours.

Assistance League Sierra Foothills rose to the challenge presented by Covid because of the many resolute members who always keep their eye on serving the community in which we live.

Thank you Montgomery County Community Foundation for your continued support of our organization.  You make a difference in the lives of people in Montgomery County through the support you give to our community.

Pictured left to right, Lisa Waddell, Becky Page, Debbie Buckalew Campbell (MCCF Board Member) and Molly Parkhill.

Assistance League Glendale is now online!

We are the first of the Assistance League chapters to be ready and go for the sales.

Our online crew has been working hard to launch the site and deserve a round of applause.

Assistance League of Glendale has sent a message to let everyone know about yesterday’s launch and a link to check out our online store.  Don’t miss out, go now…. Assistance-league-glendale.myshopify.com

Assistance League of Northern Virginia announces their new fundraising arrangement to sell See’s Candy.  Select from See’s extensive assortment of delicious candies, including gift sets, chocolates and other confections.  Satisfy your own sweet tooth or shower loved ones with exquisite candy from a world-renowned chocolatier.  Your recipients will know how special they are and you will help Assistance League raise funds for our philanthropic programs

For more information about this Fundraiser, contact ResourceDevelopment@alnv.org

Everyone can help simply by donating their sneakers, and your donation will reap triple rewards, at no cost to you!  You will help Assistance League raise funds for children and families in need in our community, you’ll help those who want quality athletic shoes, and you will also keep sneakers out of landfills and improve the environment.  Win-win-win!!!

We currently have seven volunteers in areas throughout Northern Virginia who are collecting sneakers for our chapter.