April 2010 - Junior League of Minneapolis

April 2010 

Mini 

Project Development Community Round Table 

President’s Page 2 

Board of Directors 3 

Membership 4 

Community Projects 8 

Fundraising 10 

Sustainer Activities 14 

Calendar 16 

JLM Projects: Past, Present and Future 

Sarah Curfman, Project Development Chair | projectdevelopment@jlminneapolis.org 

Join us on April 24 at 

BMW of Minnetonka 

15802 Wayzata Blvd 

Minnetonka, MN 55391 

Registration and Breakfast from 9:00 to 9:30 a.m. 

Keynote Speaker and Panel at 9:30 a.m. 

Please join us as we celebrate the past, present and future the Junior 

League of Minneapolis Projects. From Success by Six to Crisis Nursery 

– from Books 4 Kids to Read Indeed; learn from our panel of esteemed 

sustainers, members and community speakers how the Junior League of 

Minneapolis has developed, launched and transitioned our projects in the 

past; what we are doing with our projects and transitions currently and what 

we should be looking to in the future. 

For more information visit 

www.JLMinneapolis.org 

Why BMW of Minnetonka? 

Come check out this state of the art new dealership, which happens to 

be conveniently located to highways 494 and 394 with ample parking 

and free meeting space! 

Please join me in thanking BMW of Minnetonka for donating their space! 

To register for the event and to see more updated meeting information and 

biographies of our distinguished panel of speakers – please log on to 

www.jlminneapolis.org. 

For directions or general dealership information go to www. 

bmwofminnetonka.com. 

The Mini is published nine times a year by the Junior League of Minneapolis. No article in this newsletter may be reprinted in 

whole or part, except in another Junior League publication, without permission of the editor. 

Junior League of Minneapolis • 410 Oak Grove Street • Minneapolis, MN 55403 • 612-238-8460

President’s Page 

Honoring our Volunteers in Motion! 

Mission 

The Junior League of 

Minneapolis is an organization of 

women committed to promoting 

voluntarism, developing 

the potential of women and 

improving the community 

through the effective action and 

leadership of trained volunteers. 

Its purpose is exclusively 

educational and charitable. 

Reach Out Statement 

The Junior League of 

Minneapolis reaches out to 

women of all races, religions, 

and national origins who 

demonstrate an interest in and 

commitment to voluntarism. 

Did you know that April is National 

Volunteer Appreciation month? 

Established in 1974 by former 

President Richard Nixon, National 

Volunteer Month is about inspiring, 

recognizing and encouraging people 

to engage in their community. National 

Volunteer Month is about taking 

action; encouraging individuals and 

their respective communities to foster 

positive change. 

As we start to wind down our 2009-10 

JLM year, I couldn’t think of a more 

appropriate time to recognize and 

graciously thank every single member 

of the JLM for the difference you have 

made in our community as part of the 

JLM membership. We would not be 

able to meet our goals, mission and 

objectives without every ounce of 

volunteer spirit! 

Often, we as volunteers are so busy 

focusing on tasks that we don’t take 

the time to recognize the efforts and 

achievements of our peers or even 

ourselves. Achievements can be big 

or small—maybe it was a successful 

year as a first time JLM leader, or a 

JLM member overcoming a fear of 

public speaking, or managing a budget 

even though you have never done so 

Thank you to our 

corporate sponsors: 

• PLATINUM • 

Nordstrom 

Metro Magazine 

• GOLD • 

• SILVER • 

Eminent Interior Design 

before. Achievement could also come 

in the form of packing more backpacks 

with food than we originally thought or 

collecting more books than last year 

to get in the hands of children. We 

achieve so much everyday as League 

members that sometimes we forget to 

take a step back and recognize all that 

we have done! 

Another way to honor and recognize 

your fellow members is to nominate 

them for one of our Annual JLM 

awards. Each May at our celebration 

meeting, we celebrate Actives, 

Sustainers and New Members with 

awards recognizing their talents, 

achievements, passion, enthusiasm 

and leadership. Nomination forms 

are online and I strongly encourage 

everyone to think of someone to 

nominate. I couldn’t think of a better 

way to honor someone who truly is a 

Member in Motion! 

One of my favorite quotes is “We can’t 

take any credit for our talents. It’s how 

we use them that counts”. Thank you 

so much for sharing your talents with 

the JLM! 

Applauding each and every JLM 

member, 

2 

April 2010

Board of Directors 

Board Notes 

Kerry Mahoney, Recording Secretary | recordingsecretary@jlminneapolis.org 

• The Board discussed different options for entering data into the donor 

database via Digital Cheetah. 

• The Board approved a new office computer system for Deb Johnson 

which will be installed soon. 

• The Board passed motions for Director positions for next year and 

reviewed the process for placing Directors in April. 

• The 2009-10 and 2010-11 Boards of Directors met to review the status 

of current Board goals and began transitioning the goals for the next 

League year. 

President 

Anna Lyon 

President-Elect 

Sarah Borchers 

CFO/VP Finance 

Katy Farley 

Recording Secretary 

Kerry Mahoney 

VP Administration 

Maggie Kirchoff 

March General Meeting Vote Results 

We are happy to announce that 

all of the votes that came forward 

at last week's March General 

Meeting passed. The votes 

approved the following projects, 

services and fundraisers for the 

2010-2011 year: 

American Girl Fashion Show 

One Night Fundraiser 

Special Events 

Donor Relations 

Shop, Save, Share Card 

Backpack Buddies 

Between the Lines 

Kids in the Kitchen 

Helping Hands 

LeagueAires 

In addition, the motion to approve 

the Board of Directors Slate was 

approved. 

Thank you to everyone that 

voted!!! 

VP Community 

Rachel LaTour 

VP Fundraisers 

Lorie Gardner 

VP Marketing 

Leah Maki 

VP Membership/Training 

Rachel Smith 

VP Projects 

Suzie Wilmot 

Legal Advisor 

Jen Reusse 

Sustainer Representative 

Carolyn Dahl 



3

Membership 

Congratulations to our newly announced leadership team for the 2010-11 League year! 


President – Sarah Borchers 

President-Elect – Suzie Wilmot 

Legal Advisor – Gretchen Baker 

Recording Secretary – Melissa Krusemark 

Sustainer Representative to the Board – Virginia Conklin 

VP Administration – Heather Tansey 

VP Community – Karin Abel 

VP Finance/CFO – Theresa Pertz 

VP Fundraisers – Lorie Gardner 

VP Marketing – Kerry Mahoney 

VP Membership – Stephanie Ruppert 

VP Projects – Tara Sullivan 

Community Management Board 

Backpack Buddies Chair – Sarah DuBois 

Backpack Buddies Work-Up Chair – Jennifer Reusse 

Between the Lines Chair - Michelle Fettig 

April Birthdays 

Karen Tully, April 1 

Leslie Boie, April 2 

Amy Saldanha, April 3 

Jan Storey, April 3 

Michelle Terry, April 3 

Kristy Badger, April 4 

Stephanie Dix, April 4 

Barbara Bennett, April 7 

Dolores DuToit, April 7 

Joan Hyde, April 7 

Kelsey Johnson, April 7 

April Olson, April 7 

Carolyn Olson, April 7 

Ann Warner, April 7 

Keira Simon, April 8 

Dianne Spell, April 8 

Karen Kuebel Cameron, April 9 

Carrie Landstrom, April 10 

Romaine Shank, April 10 

continued on page 5 

Helping Hands Chair – Maggie Kirchoff 

Kids in the Kitchen Chair – Beth Broich 

Project Development Chair – Elizabeth Brown 

Project Development Work-Up Chair – Megan Ruwe 

Finance Management Board 

American Girl Co-Chairs – Elizabeth Bahra and Katie 

Hollerman 

Donor Relations Chair – Rachel LaTour 

Donor Relations Work-Up Chair – Lisa Solinger 

Fundraiser Development Chair – Annalee Habstritt 

Fundraiser Development Work-Up Chair – Hannah Kuhn 

Fundraiser Treasurer – Jessica Ahrenstorff 

Programs and Arrangements Chair – Jilly Eldring 

One Night Fundraiser Chair – Sarah Curfman 

Special Events Chair – Laura Lindboe 

Treasurer – Michelle Thomas 

Membership Marketing Management Board 

Communications Chair – Laura Ginsburg 

Communications Work-Up Chair – Mary Eck 

New Member Chair – Jennifer Hobbs 

New Member Work-Up Chair – Jennifer Abel 

Nominating Chair – Chris Martin 

Placement Chair – Kelly Leiker 

Training and Public Affairs Chair – Bethany Connelly 

Transfers Chair – Elizabeth Kong 

Placement Advisors 

Traci Bentzen, Kim Bow-Sundy, Jenn Foehl, Megan 

Foley, Leslie Golinvaux, Katie Hetherington, Rafina 

Larsen, Sarah Minors, Elizabeth Monico, Sarah Schmidt, 

Angie Shea, Anna Lee Wahls 

Congratulations to all of you and thank you for taking on 

such important roles within the League next year! 

If you are interested in a Director role, please see the 

Nominating page on the website for a listing of the 

Director positions. Director positions can be selected 

via the placement tool which will be available from 

March 26 – April 9. We encourage you to reach out to 

the new chairs and talk to them about their vision for 

their committee next year. If you have questions, please 

contact Meleah Follen at nominating@jlminneapolis.org . 

4 


Placement for 2010-11 League Year 

Gretchen Baker, Placement Chair | placement@jlminneapolis.org 

The Junior League of Minneapolis offers exciting placements 

to members who seek opportunities for personal growth, skill 

development, community impact and fun. Please review the following, 

as the placement process has changed slightly this year. 

First, prior to considering committees and placements available, 

please complete a self-assessment. The key to a successful 

placement centers on you investing the time to do a little “soul 

searching” to define your expectations for the next League year. Read 

through the placement pages and see if there are committees you 

think will provide opportunities to meet some of your expectations. 

Utilize your advisors to discuss your ideas about the committee and 

placements that interest you. 

Your advisor will be scheduling spring interviews during the month 

of March. The annual Placement Fair is April 7 at Ridgedale Library. 

At the Placement Fair you will have the opportunity to visit with the 

committees that interest you. You will also have an opportunity to learn 

about director roles and member-at-large positions. 

You must submit your selections for placement by Friday, April 9. 

You can either submit your selection during the April Placement Fair 

or on the JLM website between March 26 and April 9. Please note: 

your selections will be considered final once the online placement is 

submitted. 

Once all placement forms have been submitted, a computerized 

report will be generated. Using this report, the VP of Membership, the 

current Placement Chair and next year’s Placement Chair will fill all 

of the placements. Our primary goal is to fully staff each and every 

committee with motivated volunteers without leaving any committee at 

a disadvantage. You will learn about your placement for the 2010-11 

League year at the May General Membership meeting on May 11. 

Birth Announcements 

Kelly Leiker and family welcomed baby boy 

Jacob Dale on February 18. Congratulations 

to Kelly, Chad and big sister Lauren. 

Shannon Schwartz and family welcomed 

Jack William on March 8. Congratulations to 

Shannon and Dave! 

April Birthdays Continued 

Cynthia Courtney, April 11 

Sarah Hanson, April 11 

Kristyn Mullin, April 11 

Susan Trammell, April 11 

Ericka Webb, April 11 

Teresa Evans, April 12 

Sarah Krabbenhoft, April 13 

Marion Mahoney, April 13 

Elizabeth Stokes, April 13 

Cynthia Hoffmann, April 14 

Jean McGough Holten, April 14 

Nancy Luke, April 14 

Carmelita Ellis, April 15 

Jennifer Hobbs, April 15 

Shannon Schirber, April 15 

Martha Lewis, April 16 

Katherine Hirt, April 17 

Mary Pagnucco, April 17 

Erin Brass, April 18 

Eleanor Bathe, April 19 

Elizabeth Broich, April 19 

Mary Underwood, April 19 

Carrie Knowles, April 20 

Melissa Krusemark, April 20 

Anne Wight, April 20 

Susan Frommelt, April 21 

Heidi Worrel, April 21 

Maren DeLaitsch, April 22 

Christina Barberot, April 23 

Patricia Davis, April 24 

Judy Earling, April 24 

Sarah McLeod, April 24 

Lockie Markusen, April 25 

Cindy Gibson, April 26 

Mary du Bois, April 27 

Tanya Mears, April 27 

Sara Anderson, April 30 

Sarah Lutterman, April 30 

Lindsey Weyenberg, April 30 

Membership 


5

Membership 

New Member in Motion 

Bring One, Bring All! 

Kathryn Dangers, New Member 

Communications Coordinator 

newmembers@jlminneapolis.org 

With such an incredible 2009-10 

New Member class, both in terms 

of class size and talent, there is no 

doubt that our recruiting efforts will a 

lot of energy this recruiting season! 

The New Members have shown 

us over the year that they love to 

network and enjoy a challenge! 

Whether you are a New Member, an 

Active or a Sustainer, you can help 

JLM build its membership. As you 

interact with women in your family, 

social or business networks, or other 

parts of your community, remember 

to share your League experiences 

and introduce future New Members 

to JLM. 

Hopefully you had an opportunity to 

sport your JLM gear on March 26. 

We have a few more events to get 

on your calendars and share with 

women who have interest in JLM. 

Our first recruiting event was at The 

View on April 1. Our first Information 

Session will be held in May. Please 

check the website for locations, 

dates and times. And don’t forget to 

invite potential members to view the 

website and register online. 

Cheers to being a part of building 

an incredible 2010-11 New Member 

class!! 

Name: Abigail Mackenzie Kerl 

Profession: Marketing Specialist, Greater 

Twin Cities United Way 

Family: Married to Benjamin Kerl 

What led you to the Junior League of Minneapolis? 

A friend was involved in the Junior League and I was looking for a way 

to meet new people and get involved in the community outside of work. 

I knew the League had a strong reputation, but didn't know much more 

than that. After attending a recruitment event, I was energized by all the 

interesting women I met and knew I wanted to get more involved in the 

League. 

What was your most memorable travel experience? 

I visited a girlfriend who was studying medicine in Tanzania and 

together we climbed Mount Meru, which is 70 kilometers west of Mount 

Kilimanjaro. The hike took us three days to complete and we were pretty 

unprepared. We ended up renting mittens, hats and jackets because 

it was so cold and I wore our guide's long underwear. We summited at 

midnight on the second night. The following five hours were the most 

physically demanding hours of my life so far (obviously no kids yet!). 

It was freezing, pitch black except for our headlamps, and at times we 

were climbing straight up loose rock. We reached the summit as the 

sun was rising over Mount Kiliminjaro. It was the most breathtaking thing 

I've ever experienced—period. 

What do you want leaguers to know about you? 

I'm interested in meeting all of them and so far have been incredibly 

impressed by the quality of the JLM's members. 

Other community involvement outside the League: 

United Way Emerging Leaders 

Reading tutor through the St. Paul City School System 

What inspires you? 

Traveling and truly believing that I can make a difference in someone's 

life 

What is your favorite quote? 

"I hate cynicism. For the record, it's my least favorite quality. It doesn't 

lead anywhere. Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were 

going to get. But if you work really hard and you're kind, amazing things 

will happen. I'm telling you. Amazing things will happen. It's just true. 

As proof, let's make something amazing happen right now..." Conan 

O'Brien 

Hobbies/Interests: 

Cooking, running, soccer, broomball, listening to music, trying new 

restaurants, traveling. 

6 April 2010

End of Year Awards Nomination Form 

One of the highlights of the JLM year is the recognition of members who have shown outstanding commitment to 

voluntarism as well as a community person or corporation who has supported the efforts of JLM. We will recognize 

an Active, Sustainer and New Member as well as our Community Volunteer of the Year and Wheeler Smile Award 

at the May General Membership meeting. Your input is critical to the process and we value your nominations. All 

nominees must be members in good standing. All nomination forms are due by April 16, 2010. 

Awards: 

Rookie of the Year -- Recognizes an outstanding New Member who displays high levels of enthusiasm and 

extraordinary commitment in carrying out the objectives of the League and the spirit of the New Member Class 

during the year. 

Active Volunteer of the Year -- An Active member who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to her 

placement and has supported all areas of the League throughout the year, including fundraising, community and 

membership. Current members of the JLM Board of Directors and previous award winners are not eligible. 

Sustainer Volunteer of the Year -- A Sustaining member who played an “active” role this year in assisting her 

League sisters in carrying out the goals and objectives of the League while modeling its ideals. 

Community Volunteer of the Year -- An individual, organization, or corporation who has demonstrated outstanding 

service or commitment to the volunteer efforts of the JLM. 

Wheeler Smile Award -- Named after JLM supporter extraordinaire Ardele Wheeler, this award recognizes 

a League member who radiates positive energy and whose efforts are always done with a contagious smile, 

regardless of the task at hand! 

Selection Committee: 

VP Membership -- Rachel Smith; VP Community -- Rachel LaTour; Sustainer President -- Cynthia Courtney; 

Sustainer Representative to the Board -- Carolyn Dahl; VP Fundraisers -- Lorie Gardner; Nominating Chair -- 

Meleah Follen; New Member Chair -- Stephanie Ruppert 

To nominate someone, please answer the following questions and submit via email, mail or fax by 

April 16, 2010. The form is also available online. Visit the Membership page on the JLM Website and select Awards. 

Junior League of Minneapolis, Attn: Award Selection Committee 

410 Oak Grove Street, Minneapolis, MN 55403 

Fax: 612-573-6551, Email: membership@jlminneapolis.org 

Nominee______________________________________________________________________________ 

Award Name___________________________________________________________________________ 

Your Name___________________________________________ Phone Number_____________________ 

1. Describe the reason(s) this nominee should receive this award. List specific achievements including the 

impact on the JLM. 

2. Describe the nominee’s affiliations, involvement and accomplishments in other community activities. 

3. Share personal experiences or anecdotes that describe the nominee’s exemplary volunteer services. 

Membership 


7

Community Projects 

Celebrate National Volunteer Week April 18 - 24! 

Karin Abel, Helping Hands Chair | helpinghands@jlminneapolis.org 

Throughout the year, Junior Leaguers are hard at work on 

projects, fundraisers, trainings and internal League initiatives. 

In April, we want to take a moment to thank you for all your 

contributions to the Twin Cities community by celebrating 

National Volunteer Week (NVW) April 18 - 24. 

Food Drives for 

Backpack Buddies 

Cristina Litt, Backpack Buddies Member | 

backpackbuddies@jlminneapolis.org 

Last October, Backpack Buddies kicked 

off its first month as a new JLM project 

with a food drive at three local grocery 

stores. During this food drive, we raised 

over $500 and collected approximately 

350 pounds of food. As a result of these 

donations and our partnership with 

Second Harvest Heartland, Backpack 

Buddies has provided 2,860 meals to the 

first grade students at Anderson Open 

Elementary School since October. Ninetyeight 

percent of the students at Anderson 

are eligible to receive free or reduced 

lunches. Backpack Buddies is helping 

to bridge the gap from Friday to Monday 

when food may not be available to these 

children. 

On April 24, Backpack Buddies will again 

be hosting food drives in the Minneapolis 

area to solicit food and monetary 

donations, as well as to bring awareness 

to our cause. Volunteer shifts will be 

posted on the JLM website prior to the 

event. The exact locations and times for 

the food drives will be communicated via 

the Monday MINI. 

NVW was created in 1974 by executive order of President 

Richard Nixon. It’s a call to action for Americans to volunteer 

and inspire by example. Millions of people volunteer during this 

timeframe and demonstrate that individuals, families, businesses 

and organizations can create a positive community impact 

through their volunteer efforts. 

Helpings Hands will offer shifts during NVW, so check the JLM 

website for more information. If you’re unable to participate in 

a Helping Hands shift, I encourage you to find other ways to 

get engaged during the week. Whether it’s through your JLM 

committee placement, JLM project/fundraising shifts, or with 

another nonprofit organization you’re passionate about, get 

involved and celebrate voluntarism with friends and family! 

PAULA SMOOT OGG 

ATTORNEY AT LAW 

Divorce 

Custody 

Post-Decree modification 

and enforcement 

Named Minnesota Super Lawyer ® 

JLM Sustainer 

OGG LAW OFFICE 

2915 Wayzata Blvd. Minneapolis, MN 55405 

Phone: 612-767-1800 Fax: 612-341-9079 

www.ogglawoffice.com 

8 


A Spring in Our Steps and a Song in Our Hearts 

Kathleen Watson, LeagueAires | leagueaires@jlminneapolis.org 

Finally, we’re starting to see 

some signs that we’ll emerge 

from our frozen Minnesota 

winter. Temperatures are 

moderating and we’re seeing 

actual bare dirt as the snow 

melts and the sun brings more warmth to our cold 

bones. 

In some ways, however, the approach of spring is 

a mixed blessing for the LeagueAires. We certainly 

appreciate the better driving conditions we experience 

on the way to the nursing homes, senior residences, 

workshops for developmentally disabled adults and 

inner-city schools where we perform. There’s a down 

side to the warmer temps and sunnier skies, however— 

LeagueAires range in age from early-40-somethings to 

70-somethings, with many of us in our fifties. Can you 

say “hot flash”? 

Yes, it’s true: The LeagueAires are a bunch of hotties. 

Between our feather boas and the shades we wear 

while singing an ABBA medley, we look simply mahvelous. 

But you combine boas and choreography and 

hormones, and you have women who generate enough 

BTUs to heat a small city through a blizzard. 

However, nothing gets us down. We know that we 

provide a big dose of energy, laughter and sunshine to 

our audiences; sweating up a storm is a small price to 

pay for brightening their days. When we take our glowing 

faces into the audience for the sing-alongs...when a 

senior reaches a frail hand out to take ours...when the 

tears in their eyes match the tears in ours as we sing to 

them...That’s when we know we’re bringing the renewal 

and energy of spring inside for our listeners. 

We’re so grateful for the chance to share our songs with 

others. We grow through the giving, and we nourish the 

spirits of those gathered to hear us. 

Life is good. 

Prepare Your Child’s Heart & Mind for a Lifetime! 

Ages 6 weeks through 8 years 

• 6:30 am to 6:00 pm 

• Challenging Montessori 

Curriculum including music & 

foreign language 

Brooklyn Park 

8455 W Broadway Ave N 

(Broadway Square) 

763-493-9093 

Chaska 

1485 White Oak Dr 

(41 & Engler Blvd) 

952-368-4456 

8 Convenient Locations: 

Corcoran 

23610 Co Rd 10 

(Cty Rd 10 & 19) 

763-498-5437 

Maple Grove 

11601 73rd Ave N 

(I-94 & Hemlock) 

763-315-3602 

Plymouth 

4355 Highway 169 N 

(169 & Rockford Rd) 

763-557-6555 

Southdale 

6519 Barrie Rd 

(North of Southdale Mall) 

952-920-7450 

763-557-6777 

www.stepbystepmontessori.com 

•Dance & Computer Classes 

• Before & After School 

Programs 

• Full and Part Time Schedules 

JUNIOR LEAGUE SPECIAL 

This coupon entitles your child to $200 off your first month at Step By Step Montessori. 

Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to introduce your child to the Montessori method of education. 

New enrollees only. Expires 5/31/2010 

St Anthony 

2955 Pentagon Drive 

(St Anthony Shopping Ctr) 

612-788-8010 

Wayzata 

15300 Wayzata Blvd 

(I-394 & Carlson Pkwy) 

952-476-0240 

Community Projects 


9

Fundraising 

Simply the Best, Spring Fling 2010 

Diane Douglas, One Night Fundraiser Chair | onenightfundraiser@jlminneapolis.org 

Mark your calendar and purchase 

your tickets or table now! Spring 

Fling will be a fabulous event held at 

Wayzata Country Club on April 17. 

The main event will start at 7 

p.m. with the opening of the silent 

auction. Silent auction items will 

range in value from $50 to $2,000. 

Items include: 

• Multiple Twin Cities restaurant gift 

certificates 

• Toro lawn mower 

• Professional coaching session 

• Personal organization session 

• Cooking classes 

• Dance Classes 

• Skin and Hair care products 

• Jewelry 

The Live auction will begin around 9 

p.m. We have some fabulous items 

that you won’t want to miss out on! 

Value of items range from $2,000 to 

$10,000+. 

• Vera Wang, 10 items from the 

Lavender Label Mini Capsule 

Collection: Collection includes a 

coat, sundress, shorts, skirts and 

tops! 

• Cabin get-a-way with a private chef: 

Arrive on Saturday morning and 

enjoy lunch, dinner and breakfast on 

Sunday. There are many activities 

to do including a boat ride! All food 

and beer/wine is included! 

• Exclusive Resorts Luxury 

Destination Home: Four night stay 

at one of many locations including 

Costa Rica, Grand Cayman, Sea 

Island & Telluride! 

• Dinner for eight prepared by 

Personal Chef: Package includes 

food, beer & wine for you and your 

friends! 

• All about Men: We are still working 

on the details but there will be a lot 

of golf involved! 

Do not miss the opportunity to bid on 

the silent or live auctions as 100% 

of your bid will go toward supporting 

JLM’s projects. In addition, there 

will be a Wall of Wine raffle where 

a lucky winner will receive at least 

three cases of wine! There will also 

be a cork pull where you take your 

chance at winning a $15 or up to a 

$200 bottle of wine; it’s the luck of 

the pull! 

Throughout the evening you will 

sample extraordinary food and 

beverages prepared by the Wayzata 

Country Club. The casino will start at 

10 p.m. featuring some new games. 

Dress in your best spring attire and 

dance the night away listening to 

The Icons. 

The committee is excited to see 

you at the event! If you cannot 

attend but still want to contribute, 

please consider making a monetary 

contribution to Fund-a-Need where 

100% of your donation will go 

directly to support JLM’s projects. A 

$50 donation buys books and activity 

supplies for children participating in 

Reading Circles. A $100 donation 

provides 50-75 used books through 

the Books 4 Kids program for 

children who do not have their own 

books. A $500 donation buys new 

books for the children who are trying 

to maintain a close connection with 

their parent through the Between 

the Lines program. Any donation is 

appreciated. Fund-a-Need will also 

be available at the night of the event. 

Simply the Best, Spring Fling 2010 

is right around the corner and you 

do not want to miss the Best fling in 

Minneapolis. So, grab your friends 

and family and put your party shoes 

on! It will be Simply the Best night 

to celebrate with the JLM. Individual 

tickets are $85 with approximately 

$20 tax deduction and a VIP table 

for 10 is $1,750 with approximately 

$800 tax deduction. For additional 

information and to make a purchase, 

please visit www.jlminneapolis. 

org and find our One Night 

Fundraiser page under Fundraising 

or contact the ONF committee at 

onenightfundraiser@jlminneapolis. 

org. 

Thank you for supporting the JLM 

and we will see you on April 17 at 

Simply the Best, Spring Fling 2010! 

10 


American Girl Fashion Show Celebrates Another Successful Year! 

Glynne Bassi, American Girl PR Lead | americangirlfs@jlminneapolis.org 

The American Girl Committee would like to thank our 

sponsors, attendees and Junior League of Minneapolis 

members for making this year’s American Girl fashion 

show truly one to remember. During the first weekend 

in March, more than 350 models and 1,050 enthusiastic 

audience members celebrated the new fashions of 

American Girl and spent time with friends and family at 

the beautiful Golden Valley Country Club. We distributed 

over 30 exciting raffle prizes including Timberwolves 

tickets, jewelry from Tiffany’s, photography sessions, 

scrapbooking supplies, retired American Girl dolls and 

more, which generated a ton of buzz throughout the 

weekend! We look forward to seeing this event back 

in action in its 10th year as one of the JLM’s largest 

fundraisers! 

Special thanks to the 2010 American Girl Committee: 

Annalee Habstritt: Chair, Renee Evenstad: Chair; 

Elizabeth Larson: Models Director, Whitney Frykman: 

Marketing Director, Jessica Ahrenstorff: Treasurer, 

Jessica Ahrenstorff, Glynne Bassi, Jessica Beitler, 

Stephanie Friedland, Sarah Hanson, Lauren Hendler, 

Sarah Krabbenhoft, Rafina Larsen, Natalie Lau, Jill 

Lepine, Wendy Lundsgaard, Megan Olson, Irene 

Quarshie, Theresa Reinsch, Nicole Ritten, Rachel 

Rodriguez, Aaliyah Shafiq, Rebecca Spilman, Jasmine 

Stringer, Stacy Thompson, Lindsey Weyenberg, Heidi 

Worrel, Susie Wuollett, Kristy Zastrow, our sustainer 

representatives: Lisa Thompson, Erin Brass, Teresa 

Benson, and Gloria Jones, and Lorie Gardner: VP 

Fundraising. 

And our thanks to our generous sponsors: 

Smith Barney 

Barry Berg Group 

FOSS Swim Schools 

NON TOXIQUE 

Fundraising 


11

Fundraising 

American Girl Fashion Show featured on Fox 9 and Showcase Minnesota! 

12 


Every time you're lost, you're finding money for 

the JLM 

Tara Sullivan, Fundraiser Development Chair, | fundraiserdevelopment@ 

jlminneapolis.org 

How many times do you Google or Yahoo search something? 

More than you can count, probably. What if you could be earning 

money for the Junior League of Minneapolis every time you did an 

online search? 

That’s exactly how iGive.com, Good Search.com and about 

13 other charity search engines work. Just go to the site and 

create an account. Write in Junior League of Minneapolis as your 

recipient and then download the search toolbar. Now, every time 

you search, you’re making a donation to JLM! 

As an added bonus, you can find lots of 

promotional offers and extra give backs from your 

favorite stores on some of the sites. 

This is truly fundraising made 

simple: with just a click, you’re 

adding to our bottom line. 

Second Chance for the 

JLM Cookbook Case Sale 

Anne Bubb, Cookbook Case Sale Coordinator 

| cookbooks@jlminneapolis.org 

The JLM cookbook case sale is back! 

Buy one case of the JLM cookbook 

Always Superb for $100 and get the 

second case free. That’s 20 cookbooks 

for only $100. This second chance 

comes just in time for the many bridal 

showers, graduations and weddings 

this spring and summer. 

Place your order by April 30 by emailing 

Anne Bubb at anne.bubb@gmail.com 

and pick up your cases at the May 

General Meeting. 

Baker 

L a w F i r m 

Please note that this offer is 

not valid on the JLM website. 

Fundraising credit will only be 

given to those who purchase 

$75 or greater of cookbooks. 

Gretchen Baker 

Legal Expertise in: 

• Wills and Trusts 

• Business Contracts 

(612) 385-2727 

www.gretchenbakerlaw.com 

Fundraising 


13

Sustainers 

Interest Groups 

The Book Club . . . 

Please note changes 

April 14 - 10:00 a.m. 

The Soloist 

by Steve Lopez 

Hostess: Lois Norby 

19990 Minnetonka Blvd, 

Excelsior, 952.474.7546 

May 12 - 10:00 a.m. 

Author Event - see notice 

Questions, Marilyn Hoghaug 

952.474.6672 

Mahjongg . . . 

• Mondays 7:00-9:00 p.m. 

Caribou Coffee at 

The Bookcase, Wayzata 

Contact Sharon Richardson 

763.550.1249 

Bridge for Beginners . . . 

• Contact Heather Durenberger 

952.401.9401 

Sustainer Author Book Club Event 

Wednesday, May 12 

Join Kate Saint Vincent Vogl to discuss Lost and Found: 

A Memoir of Mothers 

10:00 a.m. Meet & Greet 

10:30 a.m. Presentation by Author 

11:45 a.m. Booksigning 

12:00 p.m. Luncheon (optional, reservation needed) 

Kate St. Vincent Vogl teaches a variety of courses at the Loft Literary Center. She also serves 

as Distinguished Faculty at the University of Phoenix for her coursework in writing, religion 

and sociology. Her writing has won honors in international competitions, and her book, Lost & 

Found: A Memoir of Mothers, has been featured on the national ABC news and on NBC and 

CBS stations. Her memoir reveals what happened when her birthmother found her through her 

adoptive mother’s obituary, and it’s received rave reviews in papers from The Washington Times 

to the Akron Beacon Journal, which named it among the best books of 2009. Her essay about 

growing up with 26 Clydesdales is included in the newly released anthology Why We Ride, with 

a forward by Jane Smiley. She was graduated from Cornell University cum laude and from the 

University of Michigan Law School. 

JLM Headquarters at The Woman’s Club 

$10 for Presentation and Booksigning 

$25 with lunch (optional). Please RSVP by May 10. Pay online at jlminneapolis.org or make 

check payable to JLM and mail to Jane Truckenbrod 

Questions? Marilyn Hoghaug at mhoghaug@sig-tec.com or 952.474.6672 

It’s Back! 

Watch for Invitation – It’s in the mail! 

Sustainer Spring Luncheon 

Tuesday, May 4 

11:00 a.m. – Social 

11:45 a.m. – LeagueAires 

12:00 p.m. – Lunch 

Volunteer Awards and Neiman Marcus Fashion Trend Presentation 

Woodhill Country Club 

Questions? Jeanne Nardi, jeannenardi@mchsi.com or 952.447.7759 

Sustainer Snap Shots 

Above: February Winter Aromas Kitchen 

Experience, Minneapolis Club with Pat Fleet, 

Margarette Minor, Bette Englund 

Left: At March Hands On Event: 

Books 4 Kids sorting: L to R, Cynthia 

Jurgensen, Claudia Sefton, 

Lisa Thompson, Kris Newcomer, 

Virginia Conklin, Jennifer Peterson, 

Diane Kroupa, Kathleen Dodson-Smith, 

Barb Hartwell 

Below: Virginia Broberg and Mary Cederberg 

Right: February Leadership Latte, 

L to R, Jennifer Dewberry, Sue Eklund, 

Active Cheryl Cerqueira, Gail Colonna 

14 


Sustainer President’s Remarks 

Recently, I noticed a Reader’s Digest survey to collect stories 

about individuals giving back to their community. It reminded me 

of my friend, Michelle Morey, who shared her story and received 

grant monies for the foundation she started. Pay It Forward 

Foundation supports women undergoing treatment for cancer. In 

just a few years, her efforts have made a huge difference! Michelle 

said that she “had no intentions of fundraising, but that life works in 

amazing ways.” I admire her thought process. 

It makes me appreciate even more the automatic framework the Junior League 

of Minneapolis provides to raise funds with trained volunteers to raise funds and 

provide trained volunteers to support the meaningful community projects that 

change others’ lives. This long list of past JLM projects and programs can be found 

on page 1-9 in the 2009-2010 Membership Directory. These past 86 years have 

been amazing because of the committed Leaguers who expanded their horizons 

. . . those who stretched to learn to fundraise, those who honed their talents 

to fit project needs and those who rearranged already tight calendars to make 

themselves available. 

So, whether it is “giving back,” “paying it forward,” “changing the world one favor 

at a time” or “making it matter” . . . those acts of kindness from JLM volunteers are 

contagious . . . and ensure continued loyal support for the Twin Cities community. 

- Cynthia Courtney, Sustainer President 2009-2010 

Sustainer Salutes 

• Kris Newcomer for coordinating the Sustainer Books 4 Kids Sorting and the 

tasty treats with the help of Virginia Conklin and Claudia Sefton. 

• Bette Englund, Molly Lagermeier and Joyce Wahr for organizing the light 

supper and Sustainer Backpack for Buddies Info Session and Packing. 

• Mary Cederberg for compiling the “Guidelines for Planning Sustainer Events” 

to make the work of the Sustainer Event Chairs’ jobs easier. 

• Maryanne Dennis, co-founder of Whole Learning School, which caters to 

students with learning disabilities, featured in the Star Tribune, “An Education 

for All ...” 

Sustainer Snip-Its 

One of the highlights of the JLM year is the recognition of our members and community 

partners who have shown outstanding commitment to voluntarism and the JLM. 

Members can self-nominate or nominate others. Applications are due April 16 and 

are available in this MINI or JLM website. For questions, call Active VP Membership 

Rachel Smith 612.920.3192 or rms7655@aol.com. 

• Sustainer Volunteer of the Year - a Sustainer who played an “active” role 

this year in assisting her League friends in carrying out the objectives of the 

League, while modeling its ideas. 

• Community Volunteer of the Year - an individual, organization or corporation 

who demonstrated outstanding service or commitment to JLM volunteer efforts. 

• Wheeler Smile Award - named after JLM supporter extraordinaire, Ardele 

Wheeler, recognizing a League member who radiated positive energy and a 

contagious smile, regardless of the task at hand. 

Sustainer Invitation 

The Placement Committee invites all Sustainers to attend the Placement Fair on April 7 

from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Ridgedale Library to learn about JLM placement options. 

This informal gathering will be invaluable to anyone considering becoming a Sustainer 

Rep. You will become more familiar with the goals and objectives of each committee for 

2010-2011 and meet the incoming Active leadership, while socializing with everyone. 

There will also be a Sustainer table where we encourage you to share your experiences 

as a Sustainer with Actives who are considering Sustainership. We urge you to attend and 

promise edible treats from around the world to delight you! 

Sincerely yours, 

Gretchen Baker, Active Placement Chair 

Sandy Warner, Sustainer Rep to Placement Committee 

RSVP JLM website or contact placement@jlminneapolis.org or 612-385-2727 


2009 - 2010 

Bulletin Board 

Pay online at 

jlminneapolis.org 

or mail check to 

Sustainer Treasurer 

(payable to JLM) before the 

reservation deadline. Jane 

Truckenbrod: 

1491 66th Avenue NE, Fridley, 

MN 55432. Do invite another 

Sustainer friend to join you! 

April 7 

Placement Fair 

6:00 - 8:00 p.m. 

Ridgedale Library 


For Actives, Sustainers & Guests 

Spring Fling 

“Simply the Best” Gala 

7:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. 

Wayzata Country Club 


Sustainer Management Board 

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 

Yum on Minnetonka Blvd 

May 4 

Sustainer Spring Luncheon 

11:00 a.m. 

Social, LeagueAires, Lunch, 

Awards and Neiman Marcus 

Trends 

Woodhills Country Club 

May 11 

For Actives and 

Sustainers 

Active General Meeting 

6:30 p.m. 

Minikahda Club 

May 12 

Book Club Author 

Event with Kate St. 

Vincent Vogl 

10:00 a.m. 

The Woman’s Club 

Sustainer Reflections 

• To Diane Kroupa on the 

loss of her father-in-law. 

Sustainers 

15

410 Oak Grove Street 

Minneapolis, MN 55403 

VP Marketing 

Leah Maki 

Communications Chair 

Jennifer Föehl 

Communications Work-up Chair 

Laura Ginsburg 

MINI Editor 

Lauren Hesli 

Sustainer Page Editor 

Christie Boeder 

Graphic Design 

Jen Abel 

Monday MINI Editor 

Ingrid Goerss 

Advertising Sales 

advertising@jlminneapolis.org 

Website Editor 

Deb Johnson 

communications@jlminneapolis.org 

April 

1: Recruiting Event at View 

6: BOD Meeting 

7: Placement Fair 

10: Leadership & Lattes Training 

13: May MINI Submissions Due 

15: Third Thursdays at Moto-i 

17: Simply the Best, Spring Fling 2010 

20: BOD & Joint Board Meetings 

24: Community Roundtable 

May 

4: BOD Meeting 

11: May General Meeting 

Mark your 

calendar 

For more information visit 

www.jlminneapolis.org

April 2010 - Junior League of Minneapolis

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?