President's Message
I am honored to have been selected by the membership of the Junior League of Wilmington to serve as the 2012-13 President. The League represents many things to me that I am passionate about, and joining this incredible group of women has allowed me to make an impact in the community for which I care deeply.
My passion for voluntarism began during my childhood years. Growing up in the foster care system, I learned early on how simple acts of kindness, the giving of others’ time and talents, truly can transform one’s world. But it ultimately was my great-grandmother who ignited my passion for volunteer work and empowering others. Through her involvement as a volunteer and an officer with Wilmington Garden Day and the National Alliance on Mental Illness, she demonstrated to me the importance of giving back to my community.
As an adult, I realized I wanted to repay and replicate the generosity that I had experienced growing up. After reading about the incredible work the Junior League of Wilmington was doing with the Woodlawn Library and promoting literacy, I knew this was an organization I wanted to join!
As my Junior League career has developed, I have recognized our League provides:
- a place that enables women to make an impact in the community around them.
- a place for talented and diverse women to unite.
- a place to enhance and develop leadership skills.
- a place to make lasting friendships.
Staying in sync with the needs of our community, the Junior League of Wilmington currently is focusing on children’s health issues. A primary goal of this initiative is to provide community-based programming to raise awareness of childhood obesity. The League’s HEALTHY Hour program encompasses hands-on kitchen experiences, physical fitness demonstrations and educational activities emphasizing nutrition, proper hygiene and oral health. Throughout the last year, we have partnered with eight community agencies and reached more than 5,000 individuals!
Our members are working professionals and stay-at-home mothers, full-time and part-time volunteers. Through experiences with the Junior League of Wilmington, members have the opportunity to develop and hone personal, professional and philanthropic skills ranging from fundraising and public relations to project and personnel management.
Ask members about their League experiences, and you will hear about many “a-ha” moments, warm-the-heart encounters and high-five occasions. You also will hear each woman share stories of lifelong friendships formed. The friends that we make as League members support us not only in our day-to-day pursuits, but also as we continue to develop and, eventually, take our experience and expertise to other boards or nonprofit agencies. Reflecting upon my personal journey, I cannot recall a time that I had a question, a need or a simple desire to chat when I could not reach out to a fellow League member and friend.
I encourage you to learn more about our organization by exploring our website or attending one of our membership information sessions or other events – whether you are considering joining, are an agency interested in partnering with us or want to hear about our community impact activities or Whale of a Sale and Heart of the Home® Kitchen Tour fundraisers.
I thank you for your interest in the Junior League of Wilmington’s commitment to building a better community and your support of our passion, purpose and desire to make an impact.
Respectfully yours,
Jinni Butz
President 2012-13
