A Letter from the 2021-22 Presidents

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Dear Members,

It is hard to believe the 2021-2022 JLP year has come to an end. It has been an amazing honor to serve as the league’s co-presidents this year.  We could not have done it without the board. This group of women made it all seem effortless.

As we look back on another year living with a fledgling pandemic, filled with ups and downs, we are astounded by everyone’s flexibility and willingness to continue the league’s mission to make an impact on Pelham and our surrounding communities.

Jade-Snow and Natalie toast JLP’s hard work during the 2021 holiday party.

The year’s highlights show the reach and breadth of the League. We can’t thank you enough for your commitment and dedication to the Junior League of Pelham.

• The Community Roundtable pivoted to address the immediate community concerns in the wake of Hurricane Ida.

• BooFest was a family friendly fundraiser that brought the community together after a year of being apart.

• JL of Scientists partnered with the Pelham school district and delivered a full curriculum of projects and programs inspired by the book “The Boy who Harnessed the Wind” and hosted a film series focused on diverse personalities in the STEAM fields.

•New and old partnerships were forged including DIAD opportunities with Hearts and Homes for Refugees, Hope Soup Kitchen, WestHELP, My Sisters Place and Sharing Shelf

•There were speedy and generous contributions during emergency events like Hurricane Ida, Bronx Fire, and 5th Ave Fire to assist our neighbors

• Professional Prep joined forces with Pelham Civics Association to bring Professional Career panels to PMHS students on topics of Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability Careers.

• LovePelham campaign raised over $15,000

•Over $10,000 in grants awarded to organizations that focus on healthy families, education and Pelham improvement.

•Partnered with PMHS PTA to host the House and History tours, raising over $15,000 for the League.

•Celebrated our 80th and 81st year with a 007 themed Spring Gala, replete with gaming tables and illusionists, that raised over $30,000.

•Revisited and recommitted to our signature project – Julianne’s playground.

• GMM discussions ranged from artisan small businesses to self-care to DEI coaching. Our beloved November Bread Baking and March Dinner GMMs made an in-person return.

•Welcomed a 16 person new member class, whose provisional project culminated in a community book swap and pantry items collection drive

• Sustainers were engaged with a mindfulness and art program, a Halloween ‘sip and stuff’ event, and “Lasagna Love” contributions.

The most rewarding part of our leadership role was witnessing your resiliency and ability to come together for the greater good of the League and community. Wishing you a wonderful summer filled with family, friends, and laughter. We hope you’ll come back in September recharged and ready to continue making Pelham and our surrounding communities even better.

You should have received your JLP Placement role for the 2022-2023 year. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out as we finalize our transition to the incoming JLP Board.

Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to represent the League this year. It is an experience we will not soon forget.

All the Best,

Jade-Snow and Natalie