GFWC Virginia - Lee District 

Member of

GFWC  and  GFWC  Virginia

2008 Junior Club Award Compilation for Lee District

Based on projects completed in 2007

ARTS ~ Marcie Morgan, Interim Junior Chairman

Small Club Category

Best Single Project: GFWC Bon Air Junior Woman’s Club

This club had a wine bottle decoration project.  Members decorated a total of 50 wine bottles with festive lights, paint and bright sunny smiles.  They were donated to the VA Retirement Residence on Valentine's Day and the other great charities.

2nd Place: GFWC Powhatan Junior Woman’s Club

This club did their 13th year limited edition annual pewter ornament.  Each year they pick an historic building in Powhatan.  They then sell them at their annual Holiday Gift Harvest and parades and local pharmacies.

1st Place: Varina Junior Woman’s Club

This club held their 37th annual Dinner Theater for two nights in February.  They use their club members, spouses and other volunteers to cast their production and also to help with getting it all together.  They put in 700 volunteer hours and Donated 15,382.00 to many wonderful charities.

Large Club Category

Best Single Project:  Essex Junior Woman’s Club

This club sponsored a coloring contest at their annual "Photos with Santa" event. Each child was put in an age group and then a winner was chosen from each one of the three groups and received an ornament.  This club also had their Arts Committee create handmade birthdays cards to be given to each member for their special dates.    

2nd Place:  GFWC Louisa Junior Woman’s Club

This club donated $500.00 to the Louisa Arts Council Building Renovation Fund. “From the Heart Stitchers” knitting group, knitted 150 items such as chemo caps, baby caps, lap afghans and scarves and donated them to area hospitals and nursing homes.  They also made 60 pairs of furry fun flip flops to sell at a local festival for Relay for Life.

1st Place: Junior Federated Women’s Club of Chester

This club continued with their Cotillion project that has been taking place for the last ten years. This club teaches dance, manners and etiquette to 200 seventh and eighth graders.

Best Overall:  Varina Junior Woman’s Club

The Varina Junior Woman's Club held their 37th annual Dinner Theater.  This two night event featured “A Bad Year for Tomatoes”, by John Patrick. Members organized the entire event which included ticket sales, set up the seating arrangement and distribution of tickets, building sets, cast play and preparing and serving dinner.  Leftover food was donated to FISH, a local food and assistance program.

CONSERVATION ~ Patty Hicks, Junior Chairman

Small Club Category

Best Single Project: Thomas Jefferson Junior Woman’s Club

Club members brought old Christmas cards to the holiday gathering in December.  The 2nd VP taught members how to make small gift boxes using the old cards.  Cards were also recycled into origami.

2nd Place: GFWC Bon Air Junior Woman’s Club

Ink cartridges were collected for Pet Smart and R.A.I.N. (Rescuing Animals In Need).  In honor of Earth Day the April meeting was held at a members home to use all glass/ceramic instead of paper products.  Collected coins which added up to $63.00 for "Save the Planet"

1st Place: GFWC Ladies in Purpose Junior Woman’s Club

This club was the largest participant of the "Second-Go-Round"  Recycling Contest.  They helped collect recyclable supplies and donated them to the Elementary School.  They continued to encourage recycling at the Elementary school throughout the year and they have started  a recycling program throughout the school.

Large Club Category

Best Single Project: New Kent Junior Woman’s Club

This club joined forces with the local Girl Scouts and spruced  up the Heritage Public Library grounds.  They cleaned and planted fall flowers at the entrance.

2nd Place: Essex Junior Woman’s Club

This club collected used ink cartridges.  They collected old cell phones for Shelter Alliance and the proceeds benefitted the Haven-local battered women's shelter.  They collected used blankets, towels and newspapers and donated to the Indian River Humane Society.  They used the newsletter for recycling tips and ways to help the environment.

1st Place: GFWC Louisa Junior Woman’s Club

This club collected reusable containers and items for the Pre-school.  They carpooled to local, district and state meetings.  They participated in the Adopt-A-Highway program.  Collected ink cartridges for the local Animal Shelter to recycle.  A member donated a set of ceramic dishes/plates/utensils for the meetings instead of paper products.

Best Overall: GFWC Powhatan Junior Woman’s Club

This club appointed a conservation chairman who had recycling/conservation articles in the monthly newsletter.  They recycled paper bags for gift bags for Secret Pal gifts.  They use Lug-a-Mugs insteadof paper/plastic cups at each meeting.  They collected aluminim cans to send area children to Foresty Camp.  They collected old magazines for the local homeless shelter and VA Hospital. 

EDUCATION ~ Stacey Garnett, Interim Junior Chairman

Small Club Category

Best Single Project: Thomas Jefferson Junior Woman’s Club

This club coordinated a Reading is Fundamental program for 30 years, distributed 2017 books during 2007.

2nd Place: No Award

1st Place: GFWC Ladies in Purpose Junior Woman’s Club

This club participated in 5 projects, including assisting a teacher in creating hand-stamped invitations to Parent Teacher night and collecting items to fill a “Treasure Box” that the teacher used to reward students.

Large Club Category

Best Single Project: GFWC Louisa Junior Woman’s Club

This club collected 73 books for the Louisa Social Services Literacy Program and donated $150 to purchase teen books for the Betty J. Queen Intergenerational Teen Center.

2nd Place: Tuckahoe Junior Woman’s Club

This club supported Coal Pit Learning Center, a non-profit organization that provides free preschool to disadvantaged children in March and October.

1st Place:  New Kent Junior Woman’s Club

This club supported various educational programs in their community by donating items, their time, presenting scholarships and helping to purchase student incentives for the Math/Science Department at a middle school.

Best Overall: Thomas Jefferson Junior Woman’s Club

This club participated in their Reading is Fundamental program and donated 2017 books to children.  In doing so, they listened and watched the children carefully making a point to stock books that peaked the children’s interest.

GFWC PRESIDENT’S SPECIAL PROJECT: EMPOWERING WOMEN: ONE BY ONE~ Danielle Abbott, Interim Junior Chairman

 Small Club Category

Best Single Project:  No Award

2nd Place: No Award

1st Place: No Award

Large Club Category

Best Single Project: Tuckahoe Junior Woman’s Club

This club invited a woman who started her own business to speak at a club meeting.  Members asked questions and learned the obstacles of starting a business, but also the rewards.

2nd Place: No Award

1st Place: No Award

Best Overall: No Award

GFWC PRESIDENT’S SPECIAL PROJECT: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ~ Elizabeth Hayden, Junior Chairman

 Small Club Category

Best Single Project: No Award

2nd Place: No Award

1st Place: No Award

Large Club Category

Best Single Project: Essex County Junior Woman’s Club

This club planned and coordinated a Cocktail Gala to raise money for The Haven, a local domestic violence and sexual assault shelter.

2nd Place: Tuckahoe Junior Woman’s Club

Members distributed information kits to local salons from a national non-profit organization – Cut It Out.  These kits help salon professionals recognize the warning signs of domestic violence.

1st Place: Essex County Junior Woman’s Club

This club had a singular focus in raising money and support for a local domestic violence shelter.  Their activities included a Mardi Gras Gala, a cocktail gala and a 5K race.

Best Overall: Essex County Junior Woman’s Club

This club had a singular focus in raising money and support for a local domestic violence shelter.  Their activities included a Mardi Gras Gala, a cocktail gala and a 5K race

HOME LIFE ~ Mary Catherine Taylor, Junior Chairman

Small Club Category

Best Single Project: Westwood Junior Woman’s Club

This club participated in the Hospital Hospitality House project, which was a 3 in 1 project. They cooked a dinner, donated money, gave birthday gifts, and had a cooking contest.

2nd Place: GFWC Bon Air Junior Woman’s Club

The club adopted a foster family from KidsPeace.  The single foster mother and 18 year old foster daughter were surprised with gifts from Santa.

1st Place: Varina Junior Woman’s Club

At Thanksgiving they donated Food Lion gift cards to one family. At Christmas they gave unwrapped gifts to the parents for them to wrap for their children.

Large Club Category

Best Single Project:  GFWC Louisa Junior Woman’s Club

This club sponsored “You're Hired Closet”. Members collected business attire from the community, sold some items and donated some to Social Services. The money was donated to the High School's after prom.

2nd Place: GFWC Louisa Junior Woman’s Club

This club made cards with seniors. They made 684 cards at the Betty J. Queen Intergenerational Center.

1st Place: Caroline Junior Woman’s Club of GFWC, Inc.

This club made, packaged, froze and delivered 384 meals for the ministry, supported the Little League, canine companions, and juvenile diabetes.

Best Overall: Caroline Junior Woman’s Club of GFWC, Inc.

This club sponsored the Habitat for Humanity spring dance. They hired a band, rented the town hall, and had a 50/50. All total they raised $2000.

HEALTH ~ Holly Waddell, Junior Chairman

Small Club Category

Best Single Project: GFWC Ashland Junior Woman’s Club

This club rallied for Relay for Life as they dressed in theme while participating in the walk to support the American Cancer Society.   The theme being Hawaiian Luau, they dressed in grass skirts, leis and club t-shirts while walking.  Two members were even pictured in the local paper's coverage of the event.

2nd Place: Thomas Jefferson Junior Woman’s Club

This club once again supported several causes that affect all members of our community including Virginia Blood Services, the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the American Heart Association.  In addition, they continued with the theme of getting their members healthy and fit by spending several hours promoting exercise and healthy eating habits, at home and at club meetings.

1st Place: GFWC Bon Air Junior Woman’s Club

This club supported the Massey Cancer Center and the Susan G. Komen Foundation.  They informed their club members of important issues such as flu vaccines, skin cancer and how to reduce holiday stress.   They made donations to the Crisis Pregnancy Center, as well as supporting the Lee District Project for Virginia Blood Services.   And last but not least, they supported a club member diagnosed with Progressive MS by providing her with a VISA gift card to be used for medications, gas for transportation to doctors, food or whatever else her family needed.

Large Club Category

Best Single Project: GFWC Louisa Junior Woman’s Club

This club rallied to the aid of their longest standing active club member who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year.  They wore pink attire to her first club meeting after the diagnosis and collected Yoplait Yogurt lids to support the Susan G. Komen Foundation.  But most impressively they delivered 21 weeks worth of meals to the member and her family during her chemotherapy and later her double masectomy surgery.  3 meals a day for the 4 family members were delivered once per week.   The club states that they are ready to help their club's "survivor" once her reconstructive surgery begins this spring.

2nd Place:  GFWC Powhatan Junior Woman’s Club

This club continued to fully support the Lee District Junior Project by donating several hundred hours to raise money for Virginia Blood Services.   They were key members of the committees that supported the golf tournament and fashion show.  They solicited donations and prizes, as well as arranging locations, food, decorations, makeup and hair professional, designing and printing of program, selling tickets and the list goes on.

1st Place: Caroline Junior Woman’s Club of GFWC, Inc.

This club focused their women's health efforts on fighting cancer in 2007.  They promoted breast cancer awareness as well as gynecological cancer awareness.  But most of all they raised $5000 for Relay for Life for cancer research.  They put together a 13 member team to participate in the walk, set up a tent and brought food to share, and had a banner with the team name and wore club tshirts.   The Caroline Junior Racers carried the banner during the entire opening lap.

Best Overall: GFWC Louisa Junior Woman’s Club

In addition to supporting a member in need by providing 21 weeks worth of meals to her family during their time of need, this club supported several causes that would benefit others in their community.   They had a bake sale and sold raffle tickets to benefit Relay for Life, donated stroke information to an adult daycare program, supported a local woman with MS by donating to MS Walk and participated in the Relay for Life by having a team walk and holding a yard sale to raise donations for the team walking.   This event alone raised over $4000.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS ~ Mandy Gambacini, Junior Chairman

Small Club Category

Best Single Project: GFWC Bon Air Junior Woman’s Club

The Bon Air JWC awarded a $200.00 scholarship to a local student participating in a mission trip for her school to Honduras. The scholarship was 10% of the total cost of the trip but will allow the student to make an impact on another persons life.

2nd Place: Thomas Jefferson Junior Woman’s Club

This club collected prescription drug bottles for the purpose of reuse at a rural hospital in South Africa.  Without bottles, volunteers dispense medications in paper towels which compromise the integrity of the drug.  The bottles were cleaned and all private health care information was stripped.  A total of 136 bottles were collected.

1st Place: Varina Junior Woman’s Club

The Varina JWC invited a high school speaker to their meeting to hear his presentation on "Invisible Children" The Displaced and Underprivileged in Africa's Sudan Area 2003-Present.  The club supported his school related project to bring awareness to his region and made a $200 monetary donation toward his cause.

Large Club Category

Best Single Project: Caroline Junior Woman’s Club of GFWC, Inc.

This club sponsors a woman through Women for Women International.  This organization works with women to provide job training, education, and skill training so these women can become self-sufficient.  They donated $350 so a woman in Africa could pay for school, supplies and is now starting her own business.

2nd Place: GFWC Powhatan Junior Woman’s Club

This club introduced a new program called "Let's Go Global".  This program spent time on a different country at each club meeting. The country geography and pertinent issues were discussed as well as issues that affect the women of the country.  The program lasted for the first 5 months in 2007.

1st Place: Caroline Junior Woman’s Club of GFWC, Inc.

This club sponsors a woman through Women for Women International. This organization works with women to provide job training, education, and skill training so these women can become self-sufficient.  They donated $350 so a woman in Africa could pay for school, supplies and is now starting her own business.

Best Overall: Caroline Junior Woman’s Club of GFWC, Inc.

This club participated in Flock of Hope.  Every month a 50/50 raffle was held.  All members had an opportunity to play and then the winner received 1/2 of the money and the other 1/2 was donated to Heifer International.  A drawing was held at each meeting.  The club raised $245 and used it to buy livestock.  They also donated to Operation Smile and sponsored a woman through Women for Women International.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS – Bonnie McRae, Junior Chairman

Small Club Category

Best Single Project: GFWC Ashland Junior Woman’s Club

This club adopted a soldier stationed in Iraq who has ties to the community.  They sent care packages to him from the club.

2nd Place: No Award

1st Place: Hanover Junior Woman’s Club

This club worked with the local fire and rescue on numerous projects including "Adopt a Senior" program.  Also, they supported the Hanover Resource Mothers.

Large Club Category

Best Single Project:  Tuckahoe Junior Woman’s Club

Members supported the U.S.O. by writing thank you notes to servicemen and women after their club meetings.  Members were also educated about the importance of the U.S.O.

2nd Place:  New Kent Junior Woman’s Club

This club provided car seat safety checks via the New Kent Sheriff's Department.  They held a community CPR and First Aid Certification Class.

1st Place: Essex County Junior Woman’s Club

This club co-sponsored Lowe's Heroes Children's Healthfest along with local sheriff, fire, and rescue.  They provided a hand out with vital information on home safety.

Best Overall: Hanover Junior Woman’s Club

This club physically and monetarily supported many local organizations including:  Hanover Resource Mothers, Hanover Fire and Rescue, Hanover Safe Place, and the Hanover Sheriff's Office.

LEADERSHIP ~ Danielle Abbott, Junior Chairman

Small Club Category

Best Single Project: GFWC Ashland Junior Woman’s Club

1st VP provides Leadership Training for the club members, a leadership workshop was held in August and FIP was introduced to the club and membership discussed ways to accomplish goals in the areas of membership, leadership & public relations.

2nd Place: Westwood Junior Woman’s Club

This club is part owner of West End Community Center, planning meeting was held during the summer, held a May Banquet to recognize members and install new officers, held a Federation Night, and revised by-laws.

1st Place: Thomas Jefferson Junior Woman’s Club

Encourages new member's ideas, provides mentors to new members, club meetings follow parliamentary procedures, recognize members at a May Banquet, part owner of West End Community Center, sponsors a Special Award, and provided a sponsorship to the Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership Seminar.

Large Club Category

Best Single Project: GFWC Louisa Junior Woman’s Club

The Executive Board met three times in the month of July to revise by-laws, plan club projects and calendar and set the budget.  Copies of all three documents were presented to the membership at the first meeting.

2nd Place: Tuckahoe Junior Woman’s Club

Members are recognized for leadership at May Banquet, had planning meeting in August, and members serve in leadership positions in the community (ie, Girl Scout Leader and PTA President)

1st Place: GFWC Powhatan Junior Woman’s Club

1st VP schedules spekers for meetings, had 7 members serve as District Junior Chairmen, member attended community meeting to welcome new residents, held Transitional meeting in the summer, recognized members at banquet and members attend District and State meetings regularly.

Best Overall: Midlothian Junior Woman’s Club

This club encourages new members to become more involved by planning a project, notebooks provided for officer and chairman positions with job descriptions and notes, revised by-laws to include 501c3 status, select nominating committee, distribute agenda at each meeting, maintain website, support/pay for members to attend district/state meetings and members serve as leaders on community organizations.

MEMBERSHIP ~ Brooke Ginn, Junior Chairman

Small Club Category

Best Single Project: GFWC Ladies in Purpose Junior Woman’s Club

This club held a movie night where the majority of the club participated and the watched a Britain version of the General Federation of Women's Clubs

2nd Place: Thomas Jefferson Junior Woman’s Club

With 12 members they contributed 158 hours and had 52 projects towards membership. They worked hard to Recruit, Retain and Renew and Rebuild.

1st Place: GFWC Ladies in Purpose Junior Woman’s Club

This club held many activities that were fun and informative, they worked hard to recruit and rebuild by hosting many fun nights of activities.

Large Club Category

Best Single Project: GFWC Louisa Junior Woman’s Club

They held a new member social and recruited seven new members.

2nd Place: GFWC Powhatan Junior Woman’s Club

With 18 members they had 14 projects and dedicated 1231 hours towards the process of recruiting, rebuilding and retaining members.  90% of the club participated in the majority of the events.

1st Place:  GFWC Louisa Junior Woman’s Club

GFWC Louisa JWC worked hard to keep membership strong and active.  They had seven projects for membership with the majority of club participation and recruited 7 new members.

Best Overall: GFWC Louisa Junior Woman’s Club

For Rebuilding, Renewing and Retaining active membership

FUNDRAISING ~ Theresa Kelly, Junior Chairman

Small Club Category

Best Single Project: GFWC Ashland Junior Woman’s Club

For many years the chocolate covered Easter Eggs have become synonymous with the arrival of spring and this club.  These peanut butter or butter cream filled eggs are made from scratch.  They are dipped in chocolate, personalized and decorated with frosting flowers.  Each egg is packaged in a clear box with festive Easter grass and delivered just in time for Easter.

2nd Place: Westwood Junior Woman’s Club

This club held their 4th Annual Bingo Bonanza.  All proceeds were donated to Coal Pit Learning Center.  Tickets were sold, prizes were donated by local businesses and individuals, a raffle and silent auction were held.  They also sold Innisbrook and Sweet Sensations.  Members brought samples of favorite holiday dishes to December business meeting – voted for favorites with their loose change – money donated to winner’s choice of charity.  A member held an open house for her home-based jewelry business and donated 10% of her profits to the club.

1st Place: GFWC Bon Air Junior Woman’s Club

This club held their 29th Annual Fundraiser – A Gift Wrap Booth – at Chesterfield Towne Center.  They worked with other clubs to raise money to donate to support many projects for the local community.  They also sold Entertainment Books, held two Southern Living at Home party shows, held a club yard sale and collected Box Tops for Education.

Large Club Category

Best Single Project: Midlothian Junior Woman’s Club

This club worked with many organizations to coordinate the 26th Annual Midlothian Village Day Festival and Craft Fair.  There were performances by several local groups, booth spaces were given to non-profit groups, vendors exhibited their products, a silent auction was held, games and inflatables were available for children.  The South of the James Jaycees coordinated the annual parade and the local fire department held an open house.

2nd Place: Junior Federated Woman’s Club of Chester

This club held a Black Tie and Diamonds Ball.  All proceeds are distributed to local charitable organizations.  This social event includes music, dancing, food, beverages, casino games and a silent auction.

1st Place: Midlothian Junior Woman’s Club

This club worked with many organizations to coordinate the 26th Annual Midlothian Village Day Festival and Craft Fair.  There were performances by several local groups, booth spaces were given to non-profit groups, vendors exhibited their products, a silent auction was held, games and inflatables were available for children.  The South of the James Jaycees coordinated the annual parade and the local fire department held an open house.

Best Overall: Midlothian Junior Woman’s Club

This club worked with many organizations to coordinate the 26th Annual Midlothian Village Day Festival and Craft Fair.  There were performances by several local groups, booth spaces were given to non-profit groups, vendors exhibited their products, a silent auction was held, games and inflatables were available for children.  The South of the James Jaycees coordinated the annual parade and the local fire department held an open house.

GFWC JUNIOR SPECIAL PROJECT- ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN ~ Christine Evans, Junior Chairman

Small Club Category

Best Single Project: GFWC Bon Air Junior Woman’s Club

Members created memory books for couples who had lost a child due to an illness in the past few years.  These were used a Noah's Children bereavement retreat.

2nd Place: GFWC Ladies in Purpose Junior Woman’s Club

11 members participated with 6 projects donating $1,094.93 and 66.50 hours of their time.  Projects range from collecting items for Operation Smile to Cinderella Dreams.

1st Place: GFWC Ashland Junior Woman’s Club

14 members participated with 7 projects donating $2, 910 and 58 hours of their time.  Projects range from supporting a scholarship to taking children shopping through the YMCA Bright Beginnings program.

Large Club Category

Best Single Project: GFWC Powhatan Junior Woman’s Club

9 members donated $485 and 58 hours of their time to support this cause by selling "Expect Miracles" bracelets.  One member went to the St. Jude Chilren's Hospital in Memphis for a tour while Katie was receiving treatment there.

2nd Place: GFWC Powhatan Junior Woman’s Club

9 members donated $485 and 58 hours of their time to support brain tumor research and the Ronald Mcdonald House by selling "Expect Miracles" bracelets.  They also participated in other events that supported this cause.

1st Place: GFWC Louisa Junior Woman’s Club

26 members participated with 9 projects donating $3,130 and 268.75 hours of their time.  Projects range from donating clothes to social services to supporting and maintaining the Angel Tree for the local Santa Council.

Best Overall: GFWC Louisa Junior Woman’s Club

26 members participated with 9 projects donating $3,130 and 268.75 hours of their time.  Projects range from donating clothes to social services to supporting and maintaining the Angel Tree for the local Santa Council.

CAMP EASTER SEAL~ Mary Schindel

NO REPORTS RECEIVED

LEGISLATION/PUBLIC POLICY AND ADVOCACY ~ Marcie Morgan, Junior Chairman

Small Club Category

Best Single Project: No Award

2nd Place :  GFWC Bon Air Junior Woman’s Club

Members form this club would send out emails throughout the year regarding various issues before the state legislature and congress. Issues included Tuition Assistance Grants, SCHIP, and Diabetes Research.

1st Place: GFWC Powhatan Junior Woman’s Club

This club had one of their own legislation Chairmen attend the local Republican Party meetings and would come back and inform the members what was going on at the local and national levels.  At election time she would have a sample ballot for each district in the county and what it exactly we would be voting for with each candidate, laws or any legislation coming forth for a vote.  Also, there would be emails sent out to inform the club of anything going on with any legislation.

Large Club Category

Best Single Project: NO AWARD

2nd Place: Essex County Junior Woman’s Club

This club kept on top of any legislation going on in the General Assembly relating to woman's needs.  This club kept in contact with their local state delegate and also had their State Senator, Ryan McDougle come speak at one of their club meetings.

1st Place: GFWC Louisa Junior Woman’s Club

This club lobbied the Louisa Board Of Supervisors to approve affordable housing subdivision in the county and got it approved.  They spent many hours with getting petitions and attending meetings.

Best Overall: GFWC Louisa Junior Woman’s Club

This club lobbied the Louisa Board Of Supervisors to approve affordable housing subdivision in the county and got it approved.  They spent many hours with getting petitions and attending meetings.

PUBLIC RELATIONS ~ Sarah Blankenship, Junior Chairman

Small Club Category

Best Single Project: Westwood Junior