Photo: Jessica Bachmann
It is still hard for me to believe that I joined the Junior League nearly ten years ago – the time has flown by! I can remember my first provisional social at then JLNO President Erin Bell Luetkemeier’s home and how exciting it was getting to know the other provisionals in my class in addition to my Provisional Advisor (and eventual JLNO President) Jeanne Harang Boughton. While I joined the League for many reasons, including commitment to our city and a strong connection to the League’s mission, one of the main reasons I joined was to extend my network and make new friends. While I had hoped to make a few great relationships, the League offered me the opportunity to gain many new lifelong friendships and provided me with extraordinary examples of influential female leadership.
I feel very fortunate to have been led by some of the most dedicated, caring and amazing women I have ever known. From my first President, Erin, to our current President, Alice Franz Glenn, the League has been steered by brilliant women whose love for New Orleans and commitment to our neighbors knows no bounds. I can only imagine that the 10 women who launched the League in 1924 and our first president, Veva Penick Miller Wright, would be extremely proud of what we have accomplished and what remains in our future. In honor of their vision, the League has launched the 1924 Society to recognize those who have invested in the League and have realized the important legacy a planned gift creates.
The future of the League is limitless. I believe so strongly in what JLNO means to this city that leaving an endowment gift to the League was an easy decision for me. When I think about the time between my provisional year and now, I count these years among my happiest and most fulfilled. My League sisters are my best friends and I feel so honored to have been able to serve in the spirit of the members who came before me. I am thankful to be a member of the League and am honored to make a donation that helps guarantee the future of an organization that has meant so much to not only me but to our great city. A legacy donation can take many different forms, but ultimately, it is an expression of your life – a way to be remembered. Your legacy can be a meaningful way to make an impact that will touch generations and contribute to the future of the Junior League. Your gift can fund scholarships for working moms, increase the opportunities for women in business or contribute to the overall wellbeing of women and children in New Orleans.
I am proud and honored to match planned gifts to the endowment up to $100,000 and I hope that you too will be inspired to leave your own League Legacy. Every gift — no matter the size – helps to ensure another 100 years of our amazing League!
Lead with a Legacy of Giving
Planned gifts include annual gifts to the endowment fund of cash and securities, or future gifts including:
Bequests
Designating a specific amount of money, a percentage of your estate, or a specific property, to ensure a future of support
Life Insurance
Contributing a policy you own, assigning dividends as a gift, or naming Junior League of New Orleans as a beneficiary provides support for those in need and tax benefits for you.
Property
Gifting donations of real estate, jewelry, or other valuables may also provide significant tax benefits.
Memorial Gifts
Directing donations for annual recognition of a loved one.
Other Planned Giving
Establishing a charitable remainder trust, lead trust, or other planned gifts.
For more information on how you can join the 1924 society, please visit jlno.org/1924Society, and contact JLNO Development Coordinator Kathleen Ramsey at 504-891-5845 or kathleen@jlno.org
