As a way to reach out to potential members, the League will host a social recruitment event at 5 p.m. on Sept. 7 at Sidebar, 410 E. Fifth St. in downtown Dayton. Barenbrugge says the organization is searching for committed volunteers to help improve the local community by addressing its most pressing needs.
Since its inception in 1920, the local Junior League has started or supported many diverse projects, from the Red Cross, the Dayton Art Institute and Hospice of Dayton to the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, Secret Smiles and Destiny’s Girls.
Barenbrugge said the organization allows women from all walks of life to learn effective volunteer and leadership skills, as well as develop friendships and personal growth opportunities.
“It’s important for us to make a good fit with what potential members want to accomplish,” said Barenbrugge. She added that the league helps women learn skills, from public speaking to grant-writing, that can be applied not only to the league, but also their careers.
Junior League of Dayton events
One of the first events for the League this year will be a twice-daily fashion show Sept. 17 and 18 at the Dayton Women’s Fair, produced by the Cox Ohio Media Group, at the Airport Expo Center in Vandalia.
WHIO-TV reporter and Junior League member Jill Del Greco will be the mistress of ceremonies for the show, which will feature looks from Macy’s and local boutiques and cosmetics from Mary Kay.
During the kick-off for the Dayton Holiday Festival Nov. 25, the League will host its 20th annual Holiday Hunt — a free scavenger hunt for children ages 2 through 12.
Another major fundraiser is the Town Hall Lecture and Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 17, at the Sinclair Conference Center. Daryn Kagan, who writes the “What’s Possible” column that appears weekly in the Dayton Daily News, will be the featured guest speaker.
The fundraiser has generated a net income of more than $1.8 million through the years — money that has been returned to the community via the nonprofit organization’s community projects.
One of those projects is POWER (Program of Wellness Education and Resources), a children’s advocacy program in partnership with The Children’s Medical Center of Dayton and Montgomery County.
POWER, which receives major funding from Anthem, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, works to address childhood obesity and promote healthy lifestyles with Kids in the Kitchen events at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery. An interactive deli allows parents and children to role-play healthful food choices.
Other focus areas for POWER include community events, injury prevention and infant/toddler safety.
Barenbrugge added that the POWER Mobile, a retrofitted ambulance, offers interactive computer kiosks and magnetic games related to safety and nutrition.
Another important fundraising component is the distribution of the league’s two cookbooks: “Causing a Stir,” published in 2000, for $22.95, and “Discover Dayton!” the League’s first cookbook, for $19.95.
Although a date has yet to be announced, the second annual 5K Run for the Health of It Run/Walk and Family Event in the spring also promises to also be another big project for the group.
Looking for members
The only requirement to become a member of the Dayton Junior League is that those interested are at least 21 years old. Currently, the local League has 68 active members and 289 sustaining members. There are 292 leagues worldwide, with more than 155,000 members.
Dayton Junior League members are classified as new members during the first year with the league when they are in training; they then become active members. Sustaining members are those who have served at least six active years.
Barenbrugge said interested women can log onto the website — www.jldayton.org — and download the application forms.
New members pay $128 for annual dues, $25 for a new member course, and $20 for a new member orientation luncheon. New members also attend special meetings, during which they learn about community volunteer opportunities and more about JLD’s legacy.
Contact this reporter at rmcmacken@DaytonDailyNews.com or (937) 225-0671.
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