The Junior Woman’s Club of Verona, which recently wrapped up a very successful year, celebrated its good work at the May 18 to 20 convention of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs – Junior Membership.
The Juniors’ 2011-12 fundraising efforts included a Mardi Gras celebration, Halloween family fun day, Bunny Brunch and discount card fundraiser, all of which benefited from tremendous community support. Because of that support, the club was able to donate more than $10,000 to Verona schools and other Verona organizations, including the Fire Department, Rescue Squad, library and PBA. These donations include three $1,000 scholarships to Verona High School seniors graduating in June, as well as funds for all of the local schools, elementary through high school. The Juniors also provided supermarket gift cards to families in need.
The Juniors also donated $2,700 to other local, national and international charities, such as New Jersey veterans’ hospitals, the Valerie Fund, Special Olympics New Jersey, the American Cancer Society, Team Zoey and UNICEF.
At the state convention, the Verona Juniors received various awards, including first place for best work in women’s history, second place for best work in special state project – Gilda’s Club/The Wellness Community, third place for best work in membership and third place for best work in arts/performing. In addition, the 2011-12 co-presidents, Adele Spong and Joanna Breitenbach, were placed in the Order of the Lily for going above and beyond the call of service to their club and the Federation. Spong also was placed on the Honor Roll, which is the highest individual honor a club member may receive.
The Junior Woman’s Club of Verona is a versatile organization that has been involved in social and charitable work since its inception in 1926. The Juniors address Verona’s diverse needs by promoting education, preserving natural resources, encouraging healthy lifestyles, working on behalf of the elderly and people with disabilities, supporting participation in the arts and advocating for issues of concern to women, children and families.
Anyone interested in learning more about this very active organization of women is welcome to contact [email protected]. Prospective members also are welcome at business meetings, which are held the second Wednesday of each month (except April, July, August and December) at 8 p.m. in the Verona Community Center. For more information, visit their Web site.
