2007: Mistletoe Marketplace 2005

Objective

Mistletoe Marketplace, The Junior League of Jackson's primary fundraiser is an annual, three-day shopping extravaganza. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the League's commitment to community service took on even greater urgency. The Jackson area, 180 miles from the coast, had been left devastated and 80% of the region was without electricity. Despite Hurricane Katrina's devastation in Mississippi, JLJ mobilized its members to hold its Silver Anniversary Mistletoe Marketplace (the silver anniversary), a holiday shopping event.

Strategy

With the theme, "Prepare to be Enlightened," the Marketplace Steering Committee recruited a record number of merchants and solicited thousands of dollars in additional donations through a live auction. The Placement Chair enlisted more than 600 active JLJ members into service for Mistletoe Marketplace and sustaining members contributed many volunteer hours. Key functions were assigned to more than twenty committee chairs and co-chairs, whose close coordination enabled the League to pull off this extraordinary event.

Results

The Mistletoe Marketplace was the largest event of its kind in the Southeast in 2005. With more than 160 merchants and over 30,000 shoppers, the Marketplace realized approximately $1 million in net income, $35,000 of which was contributed to hurricane relief funds in Mississippi. The remaining funds were applied, as was customary, to the League's 19 community projects that support children and youth.

Impact

In a massive effort characterized by efficient and effective utilization of resources, JLJ was able to increase its fundraising operations significantly and make a significant impact in a state and region that were experiencing unprecedented destruction, displacement and human tragedy.