THIRTEENTH DECORATOR SHOW HOUSE ASTOUNDS

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
BY LAURA HUGHES
When I started the year as President of the Junior League of
Hartford (JLH), I said at our annual dinner in May 2014 that my
motto was “Say yes, take a chance, make some connections!”
Through this year’s journey, I hope our members can say they
made some connections with other JLH members, community
partners, or recipients of our programs. These relationships
bring us together and build community. Through this community,
we collaborate and bring the mission of the JLH forward. It
took saying “yes” to become a member and more yeses to
make those connections through the opportunities given. Women
join the JLH for a vast number of reasons and I hope that by
working with the team of Junior League women, value is
gained.
The mission of the JLH is at the forefront of all decisions made
by the JLH Board of Directors. We are dedicated to developing
the potential of women, as well as providing a safe place to
learn and try new things that add to personal growth. Members are offered opportunities to develop skills that enhance the
nonprofit sector and personal endeavors. We do not have to be experts as we take on new roles; we are encouraged to take
a chance and try something different.
Another part of the mission that I reflect upon often is the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. The word
effective is defined as “successful in producing a desired or intended result.” Our actions, whether they are fundraising initiatives,
community programs, social media campaigns, monthly meeting coordination, or nonprofit business oversight, to
name a few, are effective due to the leadership of our volunteers. These volunteers are different for having been members
of the JLH. It is interesting to observe the growth of us all. We do not see it happen day by day, but we are truly different
from this journey.
Through the journey this year, we have completed yet another JLH Show House. The 13 th JLH Show House at 64 Orchard
Road was a beauty. It is always bittersweet for our Show Houses to end. So much hard work goes into preparation with a
real push at the opening. So many great relationships are made and funds are raised with the main purpose of supporting
our programs and projects. Show House 2015 might be my favorite so far. The house was so beautiful and well received.
This year’s Show House Council really made things easy for the President.
It is inspiring to observe the dedication and commitment of JLH members. Our women do what they say they will do and
often JLH members act before a need is noticed. The councils should feel proud of their accomplishments. We have had a
very productive year. In the coming months, watch for our annual report for a full description of the JLH 2014/2015 year.
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