The Junior League of Summit (JLS) awarded $55,000 in grants to local community agencies and organizations at their March Membership Meeting on Tuesday, March 18 at Marco Polo Restaurant in Summit.
The grants awarded in 2014 fund a variety of impressive projects in the area. Representatives from the fourteen organizations that received the awards were at the event. Sarah Muhlstock was this year’s Community Assistance Chair and said members of the committee had an especially difficult time whittling down the list of deserving applicants. A total of 31 organizations applied for the grants, seeking $195,000. The JLS ultimately focused on projects that addressed urgent needs within the community.
Among the recipients, Janet Horowitz, Executive Director of the Enright Melanoma Foundation, accepted a $5,000 grant to fund a sun safety certification program for children, ages 5-12. Horowitz spoke about the project which aims to prevent melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
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Other grant recipients included the United Way of Greater Union County, which received a $10,000 grant for a program that involves nurses working with at-risk first-time moms in Summit. And the Presbyterian Church of Chatham, which provides many services to the area, received $15,000 for a much needed back-up generator.
A $7,500 grant was also given to Family Promise to help provide childcare for families while parents look for work, go to work, or attend job training classes.
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"We are so pleased we are able to make a difference for so many worthy organizations," commented Colleen Markley, President of The Junior League of Summit. "So many of the recipients have immediate needs that will directly impact our community for the better. What a wonderful thing."
In May, at the Junior League’s Annual Dinner, three $5,000 scholarships will also be awarded.
The Junior League of Summit is a nonprofit, charitable, and educational organization of women who are committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. For more information about the Junior League of Summit or to inquire about becoming a member, please visit the website at www.jlsummit.org or contact the office at 908-273-7349.
