In celebration of their 100th anniversary, The Junior League of Minneapolis revitalized The Clothesline Thrift Shop, their legacy fundraiser, contributing $32,000 to fuel key initiatives at two community non-profit organizations that began as JLM service projects. From 1950 – 2006, The Clothesline than $3.5 million in community aid while helping people across the city meet essential needs for clothing and household items at affordable prices. JL Minneapolis reimagined the historic fundraiser as a three-day pop-up in September 2023 to kick off their100th year celebration. Every cent raised went to two leading non-profit organizations that started as JLM service projects: The Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery and Free Arts.
The Clothesline Pop-Up raised over $35,000 in three days. JLM received approximately $150,000 in in-kind donations to offset expenses, including storage space, moving trucks and rent at Eden Prairie Mall. Congratulations to the Junior League of Minneapolis!
The Junior League of Charleston, JLC, has leaned into their Centennial Year and had huge fund development success. Their Centennial Celebration Event, A Night to Inspire, attracted over 500 attendees and included a live auction, silent auction, fund-a-cause, and two golden-ticket raffle pulls. Their success was based on a few factors: thoughtful sponsorship levels to individuals and businesses brought in over $110,000, collaboration amongst past presidents to foster interest in the fund-a-cause resulted in over $50,000 raised on site; committee engagement with businesses raised over $40,000 of in-kind donations for our silent auction; and strategic marketing efforts from the JLC communications council fostered greater awareness for our event and for the JLC cause . The gross proceeds from the event topped $325,000 – a level not seen before by the Charleston League.
But their success doesn’t stop there. The Junior League of Charleston introduced the 1923 Society, an initiative that engaged both new and lapsed donors.
In total, the JLC raised over $200,000 (and counting) during their Centennial year which will be used furthering their mission of strengthening families in the greater Charleston area. Additionally, we are seeing increased participation in all levels of donors. Congratulations to The Junior League of Charleston!
The Junior League of Austin’s annual fundraising initiative, Austin Entertains, is a cornerstone of their mission-driven fundraising efforts and showcases women in the vibrant culinary scene of Austin while raising vital funds for Food In Tummies (FIT), a program dedicated to eliminating weekend hunger for children in the Austin community. This year Austin Entertains raised 33% more funds than the previous year, over $88,000 in total.
Austin Entertains is not just a culinary event; it’s a celebration of women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship in the culinary arts. By spotlighting top female chefs, bartenders, spirit purveyors, and industry leaders, Austin Entertains supports local businesses and provides a platform for aspiring women in the culinary field to thrive. In addition, funds raised from this event are used to grant fellowships to culinary artists to help them reach professional goals.
With an increased attendance of 450 this year, including 200 VIP attendees, Austin Entertains built upon its past successes by engaging an even more diverse audience. The 2024 lineup had a wide range of types of cuisine and drinks, making for a unique and varied culinary experience, with offerings for vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, and non-alcoholic palates. The Austin Entertains committee secured an additional 27 beverage sponsors from in-kind donations for the event, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The committee procured nearly $79,000 worth of in-kind donations for the entire event. Congratulations to the Junior League of Austin!
