Fort Smith Junior League celebrates 50th anniversary
by April 25, 2010 10:37 am 114 views
story and photos by Ruby Dean
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Approximately 200 guests attended the Celebrating Under the Stars gala Saturday (April 24) to mark the Fort Smith Junior League’s 50th anniversary. For a donation of $55, guests enjoyed music from JJ and the Giants, hors d’oeuvres and an open bar.
Organized in 1925, The Junior Auxiliary of the Rosalie Tilles Children’s Home formed the nucleus of the organization which came to be the Fort Smith Service League. On Feb. 1, 1960, the Association of Junior Leagues of America accepted the Fort Smith Service League as a member, and the league became known as the Junior League of Fort Smith, Inc.
The league has since been involved in community projects. Examples of some of these projects include assisting in the establishment of the Child-Family Guidance Center today known as Western Arkansas Counseling and Guidance Center, founding of the Children’s Theater today known as The Young Actor’s Guild, and the Adolescent Pregnancy Clinic.
In the past 10 years, FSJL has had the following successes/projects:
• Continued work with adult literacy;
• Children’s Emergency Shelter;
• Table to Table — delivers donated food from area restaurants to those in need — was successfully turned over to the community; and,
• Started Suited for Success, Reach out and Read, Lean On Me, Buckle Up and Be Safe, Kids in the Kitchen and Done In A Day.
Done in A Day is a series of small projects aimed at making an impact within many local non-profit organizations.
The focus area of the Junior League of Fort Smith is promoting education and educational opportunities that foster healthy growth and lifestyles in the River Valley.
The FSJL has more than 400 members. Those interested in becoming a member of JLFS, may find a New Member form at the Junior League Web site. The new membership drive ends May 3.
