The Junior League and Whole Foods Market have partnered to benefit the Boca Raton Community Garden. Whole Foods representatives recently presented the league with a check for more than $8,000 to support the garden, raised through its ‘Five Percent Give-Back’ program. Pictured: Megan Rask, Jackie Reeves, Katherine Doyle, Abigail Nagorski and Pattie Goldenberg. Photo provided by Downtown Photo
By Ron Hayes
Promoting. Developing. Improving.
For 41 years, the Junior League of Boca Raton has described its mission with those three words.
Promoting volunteerism.
Developing the potential of women.
Improving the community.
Each year, its members tally more than 35,000 volunteer hours. Feed 9,330 meals to needy children. Donate more than $250,000 to deserving nonprofit organizations.
Now the League, which serves the area from Pompano Beach to Lake Worth, is getting more specific.
Hunger.
Child welfare.
Nonprofit support.
“We thought it would be tremendously helpful to take a look back to help us look forward,” says League President Jackie Reeves. “Instead of identifying ourselves by the projects we support, we’re focusing on the issues.”
For example, Reeves said, the League supports the Florence Fuller Center’s literacy program and the Milagro Center’s after-school care, two child welfare initiatives.
The change is designed to help other worthy nonprofits that might consider applying for one of the League’s $2,500 grants.
“Our mission hasn’t changed, but it’s a matter of how it’s described. We’re moving from being project-based to issue-based, but we’re in no way saying we’re not going to continue to support the projects we’re currently working with. There are very big, 30,000-foot issues in our community, and a lot fall within those categories.”
Another upcoming change for the League is its annual fundraising event, scheduled for 5:30-9:30 p.m. Feb. 7 in The Shops at Boca Center.
This year, the focus will move from sweet to tasty.
“Chocolate Decadence” is now “Flavors of Boca.”
“The event is in its 11th year, and we’ve been working very closely with The Shops at Boca Center to figure out if it’s still working or should we tweak something,” Reeves explained. “The feedback has been, ‘I love chocolate.’ However, having that experience for three hours may be too much, so we’ve begun to morph it into a more rounded culinary experience.”
This year, attendees will enjoy a sampling of wines and foods from more than 25 local restaurants, in addition to music and a silent auction.
About 800 people are expected in the Boca Center courtyard.
Advance tickets are $40 each, or $75 for the VIP lounge, which includes an open bar, better food selections and swag bags.
Proceeds will support the League’s C.H.O.W. (Conquering Hunger Our Way) program.
“We’ve asked the vendors to bring one of their notable dishes they’re known for,” Reeves said. “Flavors of Boca is a culinary experience that ties in with out hunger initiative.”
For information, call 620-2553. To purchase tickets, visit www.Flavors of Boca.com.
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